רָדָה (ra.dah)
ra.dah
to rule; to scrape
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb radah carries two distinct meanings that appear across the Old Testament: to rule with authority and to scrape or hollow out. In its most famous usage, it describes human dominion over the earth and other creatures, establishing a framework for stewardship rather than mere exploitation. This sense of governance appears in foundational texts like Genesis 1:28, where humanity is given charge over the natural world.
Less commonly, the word denotes a physical action of scraping or digging out, such as removing residue or hollowing a space. While this literal sense occurs in verses like Isaiah 40:15 regarding weighing mountains, the dominant theme remains one of control and management. The term often appears in Psalms and prophetic literature to discuss political power or divine judgment.
Translators typically render radah as "rule" or "have dominion," capturing its weighty connotation of responsibility. The word implies an active, ongoing engagement with what is under one’s care. Its presence in key passages highlights the biblical view that authority is a designated role, requiring careful and just exercise.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word radah reminds us that authority is not about power for its own sake, but about responsibility. When God gave humanity dominion over the earth in Genesis 1:28, it was a call to care for creation as a steward would. This means leading with gentleness and fairness, rather than harshness or exploitation. Your influence at home or work is an opportunity to reflect God’s careful management of the world.
Scripture also warns against ruling others with cruelty, as seen in Leviticus 25:43. True leadership honors the dignity of those under your care. Whether you are managing a team or raising children, this word invites you to lead with integrity and respect. It is a privilege to serve others, not to dominate them.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will rule2×
- who/ ruled2×
- and/ they will rule2×
- they are ruling1×
- rule1×
- he will rule over/ him1×
- he subdues1×
- he had scraped out1×
- and/ they ruled1×
- and/ they may rule1×
- and/ rule1×
- and/ may he rule1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִרְדֶּ֥ה2×
- רֹדֶ֤ה1×
- רָדָ֥ה1×
- רְ֝דֵ֗ה1×
- יַ֔רְדְּ1×
- יִרְדֶּ֥/נּֽוּ1×
- יִרְדּ֣וּ1×
- וּ/רְד֞וּ1×
- וַ/יִּרְדֶּ֑/נָּה1×
- וַ/יִּרְדֵּ֣/הוּ1×
- וַ/יִּרְדּ֣וּ1×
- וְ֭/יֵרְדְּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
This verse establishes the original mandate for human stewardship over creation, framing authority as a gift of care rather than control.
-
Leviticus 25:43
You shall not rule over him with harshness, but shall fear your God.
Here the word is used negatively to forbid harsh oppression, showing that biblical leadership must never degrade those being led.
-
Psalms 72:8
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth.
This psalm describes the ideal Messianic king whose just rule extends from sea to sea, highlighting the scope of godly governance.