קָדוּם (qa.dum)
qa.dum
ancient
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew term qadum appears only once in the Old Testament, in Judges 5:21. It modifies the word for river, forming a phrase that translators typically render as "ancient river." The exact sense is debated among scholars, with some suggesting it refers to the age of the waterway and others proposing a description of its powerful, rushing flow.
Because this single occurrence provides limited context, the word’s precise nuance remains uncertain. It likely serves as an adjective emphasizing either the historical longevity or the dynamic force of the Kishon River during Deborah’s song. Translators must choose between these interpretations, often settling on "ancient" to convey a sense of timelessness rather than immediate physical action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qadum appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Judges 5:21 within Deborah’s song of victory. It describes the Kishon River as "ancient." This single occurrence leaves scholars debating whether the term highlights the river's long history or its powerful, rushing force during battle.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God works through both the steady and the sudden. Whether the river is seen as an old landmark or a raging force, it becomes an instrument of deliverance for Israel. You can trust that God uses what seems ordinary or chaotic to bring about His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ancient times1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קְדוּמִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 5:21
The river Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. My soul, march on with strength.
This is the only occurrence of qadum in Scripture, describing the Kishon River as 'ancient' during the battle against Sisera.