קָדֵשׁ (qa.desh)
qa.desh
Kadesh
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun qadesh refers to a specific place name, Kadesh, rather than a general concept. It appears sixteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Genesis, Numbers, and Judges. Lexical sources identify this location as a city situated in the extreme southern region of Judah.
There is some textual variation regarding its exact identity. Some entries equate it with Kedesh, while others link it to Kadesh-barnea. This suggests the name may have been used for multiple sites or that the traditions surrounding these locations overlapped significantly in the biblical narrative. The word itself carries the root meaning of "holy," but in these instances, it functions strictly as a proper noun designating geography.
Its limited occurrence highlights its role as a marker in Israel’s journey and settlement history rather than a theological term for ritual purity. Readers encounter it when tracing the borders of Judah or following the movements of the tribes through the wilderness period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Kadesh appears as a specific place name rather than an abstract concept, marking key moments in Israel's history. It serves as a geographical anchor for stories of journey, conflict, and divine encounter. When you read about Kadesh, you are seeing how God guided His people through real landscapes during their wilderness wanderings.
This location reminds us that faith often unfolds in concrete settings. From Abraham’s travels to the spies’ report, Kadesh was a stage for significant decisions. It highlights how ordinary places can hold extraordinary spiritual weight when we seek God there.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kadesh5×
- from/ Kadesh3×
- at/ Kadesh2×
- [is] Kadesh2×
- Kadesh/ towards2×
- in/ Kadesh1×
- [are] in/ Kadesh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָדֵ֖שׁ4×
- קָדֵֽשׁ\׃2×
- מִ/קָּדֵ֑שׁ2×
- קָדֵֽשָׁ/ה\׃1×
- קָדֵ֔שׁ1×
- קָדֵ֑שָׁ/ה1×
- מִ/קָּדֵ֖שׁ1×
- בְּ/קָדֵֽשׁ\׃1×
- בְּ/קָדֵ֑שׁ1×
- בְ/קָדֵ֖שׁ1×
- בְ/קָדֵ֔שׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:7
They returned, and came to En Mishpat (also called Kadesh), and struck all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that lived in Hazazon Tamar.
This verse links Kadesh with En Mishpat, showing its early role in the conflicts surrounding Abraham's family.
-
Numbers 20:1
The children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month. The people stayed in Kadesh. Miriam died there, and was buried there.
Here, the congregation stays in Kadesh while Miriam dies, marking a moment of transition and loss for Israel.
-
Deuteronomy 32:51
because you trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah of Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because you didn’t uphold my holiness among the children of Israel.
Moses’ failure at the waters of Meribah in Kadesh is cited as a reason he could not enter the Promised Land, emphasizing the seriousness of honoring God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kadesh mean in the Bible?
Is Kadesh the same as Kadesh-barnea?
Why is Kadesh significant in the story of Moses?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 5 books)
Genesis 3 verses
They returned, and came to En Mishpat (also called Kadesh), and struck all the country of the Amalekites, and also the…
Genesis 16:14Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi. Behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
Genesis 20:1Abraham traveled from there toward the land of the South, and lived between Kadesh and Shur. He lived as a foreigner in…