רְדִיד (ra.did)
ra.did
veil
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun redid refers to a wide wrapper or a large veil, describing a substantial piece of fabric rather than a small accessory. Its root sense involves something that is spread out, suggesting a garment designed for coverage and protection. In the biblical text, this word appears only twice, both within the poetic imagery of Song of Solomon.
These occurrences highlight the redid as part of luxurious attire, emphasizing its size and function as a covering. The sources define it specifically as a wide wrapper, distinguishing it from smaller cloths by its expansive nature. This usage paints a picture of elegance and modesty, where the fabric serves to conceal or adorn the wearer in a dignified manner.
Translators typically render redid as "veil" or "wrapper," capturing the idea of a large cloth used for covering. The word’s limited appearance underscores its specific role in describing high-status clothing within the ancient Near Eastern context. By focusing on the physical attributes of spread and width, the term conveys both practical utility and aesthetic value in the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word redid describes a wide wrapper or veil, a substantial piece of fabric designed for coverage and protection. In the ancient Near East, such garments were not merely functional but signified dignity and modesty. When you encounter this term in Scripture, it paints a picture of elegance, where clothing serves to conceal and adorn the wearer with grace.
In Song of Solomon 5:7, the narrator loses her redid during a distressing encounter. This loss highlights the vulnerability that can come when our protections are stripped away. The text reminds us that even in moments of confusion or hardship, our worth is not defined by what we wear or possess, but by who we are before God.
This imagery invites reflection on how we view modesty and protection in our own lives. Whether seeking comfort in community or finding peace in spiritual covering, the redid points to the value of dignity and the care taken in how we present ourselves. It is a reminder that true beauty often lies in the quiet strength of character.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- garment/ my1×
- and/ the/ shawls1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְדִידִ/י֙1×
- וְ/הָ/רְדִידִֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 5:7
The watchmen who go about the city found me. They beat me. They bruised me. The keepers of the walls took my cloak away from me.
This verse illustrates the vulnerability experienced when the protective covering of the redid is taken away during a moment of distress.