קׇדְקֹד (qod.qod)
qod.qod
crown
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun qodqod refers to the highest point of the head, specifically the crown or scalp where hair grows. It appears nine times in the Hebrew Bible, often in poetic contexts within Job and Jeremiah, as well as in Deuteronomy. The word distinguishes this specific anatomical region from the general term for head (rosh), focusing on the very top surface rather than the entire organ.
Its usage frequently carries a sense of completeness or totality. When texts speak of something reaching to the qodqod, they emphasize the extreme upper limit, suggesting that no part of the head is left out. This precise terminology allows for vivid imagery in descriptions of physical states or divine actions affecting the whole person.
Translators typically render qodqod as "crown" or "top of the head," depending on the surrounding context. In Deuteronomy 32:42, for instance, the imagery involves enemies being struck down from the feet to this highest point, reinforcing the idea of total coverage. The word’s specificity highlights the ancient Hebrew attention to detailed physical description in both narrative and poetry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word qodqod points to the very top of the human head, the crown where hair grows. It is not just a body part; it marks the highest point of a person’s physical being. When Scripture uses this term, it often speaks of completeness. To reach from the feet to the crown means nothing is left out. This precision reminds us that God sees every detail of who we are, down to the smallest part.
In times of blessing, this word highlights honor and distinction. Joseph received blessings placed specifically on his crown, marking him as set apart. In moments of judgment or suffering, it shows total exposure. When Job suffered from head to toe, the text uses this specific term to show that no part of him was spared. This clarity helps us understand that our whole selves are known by God.
For your faith, this word offers a grounded perspective. You do not need to hide parts of yourself. Whether you are experiencing the high honor of Joseph or the deep pain of Job, your entire being is within God’s sight. He attends to the crown and the feet alike. This complete knowledge is not a burden but a comfort, as it means no part of your life is overlooked by His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- scalp/ his2×
- scalp/ your1×
- scalp of1×
- scalp1×
- and/ to/ [the] scalp of1×
- and/ to the/ scalp1×
- and/ [the] scalp of1×
- a scalp1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָדְקֹֽד\׃2×
- וּ/לְ/קָדְקֹ֖ד2×
- קָדְקֹ֖ד1×
- קָדְקֳדֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- קָדְקֳדֶֽ/ךָ\׃1×
- קָדְקֳד֔/וֹ1×
- וְ/קָדְקֹ֖ד1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 49:26
The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my ancestors, above the boundaries of the ancient hills. They will be on the head of Joseph, on the crown of the head of him who is separated from his brothers.
This verse places blessings specifically on the crown, distinguishing Joseph’s unique honor from general ancestral gifts.
-
Deuteronomy 28:35
Yahweh will strike you in the knees and in the legs with a sore boil, of which you cannot be healed, from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head.
The phrase from sole to crown emphasizes that the punishment covers the entire person without exception.
-
Job 2:7
So Satan went out from the presence of Yahweh, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to his head.
Though the text says 'head,' this specific anatomical term underscores the totality of Job’s physical affliction.
-
II Samuel 14:25
Now in all Israel there was no one to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty. From the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no defect in him.
Absalom’s lack of defect from foot to crown highlights his complete physical perfection and beauty.