קֶ֫דֶשׁ (qe.desh)
qe.desh
Kedesh
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun qeḏeš refers to a town designated as a "holy place," specifically a fortified city in northern Israel allocated to the tribe of Naphtali. It appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the narratives of Joshua and Judges, where it functions as a geographic anchor for the tribal boundaries.
Its etymology links directly to the root for holiness, marking it not merely as a settlement but as a place set apart. This designation aligns with the broader biblical pattern of establishing cities for priests and Levites, though qeḏeš is noted here for its strategic fortification rather than solely its priestly function. The text highlights its role in the military campaigns described in Joshua 12:22 and Judges 4:6, where it serves as a base for leaders like Barak.
Translators typically render this term simply as "Kedesh" to preserve its identity as a proper name, avoiding confusion with the abstract concept of sacred space. Its recurrence in historical accounts underscores its importance in the territorial organization of ancient Israel, serving as a tangible reminder of how physical locations were integrated into the religious and political landscape of the time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Kedesh was a city set apart in the hill country of Naphtali, designated as a place of refuge for those who had accidentally caused harm. This role highlights how God provided safety and community even in times of personal crisis or legal uncertainty. The city’s name means holy place, reminding us that physical locations can carry spiritual significance when they point toward God’s care.
In the narrative of Deborah and Barak, Kedesh served as a gathering point for Israel’s leaders before facing overwhelming odds. This shows how ordinary places become instruments of divine purpose when people respond in faith. The city’s history reflects a broader biblical theme: God uses specific communities and locations to advance His plans, offering stability and direction to those who seek Him.
For your life today, Kedesh invites reflection on where you find safety and community. It encourages trust that God provides refuge not only in spiritual terms but also through the tangible support of others. This ancient city stands as a witness to the enduring presence of God among His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kedesh5×
- and/ Kedesh2×
- Kedesh/ towards2×
- from/ Kedesh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קֶ֨דֶשׁ2×
- וְ/קֶ֥דֶשׁ2×
- קֶֽדֶשׁ\׃1×
- קֶֽדְשָׁ/ה\׃1×
- קֶ֤דֶשׁ1×
- קֶ֙דֶשׁ֙1×
- קֶ֔דְשָׁ/ה1×
- מִ/קֶּ֖דֶשׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 20:7
They set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.
This verse establishes Kedesh as one of the designated cities of refuge, showing its primary role in providing sanctuary for those who committed unintentional manslaughter.
-
Judges 4:6
She sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali, and said to him, “Hasn’t Yahweh, the God of Israel, commanded, ‘Go and lead the way to Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
Deborah calls Barak from Kedesh to lead Israel’s army, demonstrating the city’s strategic importance as a military and leadership hub during the period of the judges.
-
Judges 4:10
Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali together to Kedesh. Ten thousand men followed him; and Deborah went up with him.
Barak gathers ten thousand men at Kedesh, illustrating how the city functioned as a central assembly point for tribal forces in response to divine command.
-
II Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria.
The Assyrian conquest of Kedesh marks the end of its independence, serving as a historical marker for the decline of Naphtali’s territorial control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Kedesh mean?
Why was Kedesh important in the book of Judges?
How is Kedesh different from other cities of refuge?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 3 books)
Joshua 5 verses
the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one;
Joshua 15:23Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
Joshua 19:37Kedesh, Edrei, En Hazor,
Joshua 20:7They set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath…
Joshua 21:32Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer,…