קֵ֑דְמָה (qe.de.mah)
qe.de.mah
Kedemah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Qeḏmāh identifies a specific individual in biblical genealogies: the youngest son of Ishmael and a brother to figures like Nebaioth and Kedar. The sources indicate his name means "original," a meaning that likely reflects his status as the final or foundational member of this particular branch of Ishmael’s descendants.
He appears in only two verses, first listed among his brothers in Genesis 25:15 and again in 1 Chronicles 5:19. In the later passage, he is also referred to by the alternative name Nodab. These brief mentions serve primarily to document the lineage of Arab tribes during the patriarchal period rather than to narrate personal deeds.
As a proper noun with a descriptive meaning, Qeḏmāh provides insight into how ancient Israelites understood their neighbors. The association with "originality" or "primacy" in his name may have been used to distinguish this line within the broader Ishmaelite family tree recorded in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Qeḏmāh appears in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles, identifying a son of Ishmael. While it does not carry a direct moral command for daily living, its presence reminds us that God’s record-keeping is thorough. Every individual mentioned by name contributes to the broader tapestry of biblical history, showing that no life is too small to be remembered in Scripture.
In Genesis 25:15 and 1 Chronicles 1:31, Kedemah is listed among his brothers. This repetition across different books highlights the continuity of God’s covenant promises. Even those outside the direct line of Isaac are part of the larger narrative God weaves through generations. We can find comfort in knowing that our own stories, however quiet they may seem, are held within His sovereign plan.
Reflecting on these names encourages a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves. It invites us to trust that God knows each person by name and has a purpose for every life. This perspective helps us see history not as random events, but as a faithful unfolding of divine care across time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Kedemah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וָ/קֵֽדְמָה\׃1×
- וָ/קֵ֑דְמָה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:15
Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.
This verse lists Kedemah among the sons of Ishmael, establishing his place in the patriarchal family tree.
-
I Chronicles 1:31
Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.
The repetition of this name in Chronicles reinforces the historical accuracy and enduring nature of God's recorded lineage.