רָדַף (ra.daph)
ra.daph
to pursue
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 120 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb radaph describes the act of running after someone or something, often with intense focus. In its most literal sense, it depicts a military pursuit where one army chases another into flight, as seen when Israel’s forces pursued the Amalekites in Exodus 14:9 and 14:23. This physical chase carries an inherent urgency, implying that the pursuer is determined not to let the target escape.
However, the word frequently shifts from physical combat to spiritual or moral striving. In the Psalms, it describes a person’s eager effort to secure righteousness and peace, such as in Psalm 34:15 where believers are told to pursue peace. It can also describe negative aims, like chasing after wickedness or bribes, showing that the direction of the pursuit matters as much as the energy behind it.
A striking nuance appears in Ecclesiastes 3:15, where the passive form refers to what is "past" or "gone by." The image suggests time itself has been chased away and cannot be caught again. This usage highlights the word’s flexibility, moving seamlessly from the battlefield to the abstract flow of time and human ambition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word radaph paints a vivid picture of running after something with urgent intent. In the Old Testament, it often describes military chases where armies pursue one another across the desert or mountains. This physical action carries a sense of inevitability; once the pursuit begins, there is no turning back until the goal is reached or the path ends.
Yet this word also guides our spiritual lives. We are called to pursue righteousness and peace with that same determination. Just as a soldier does not let an enemy escape, we are encouraged to seek God’s ways without hesitation. The direction of our energy matters greatly, as we can chase after fleeting things or toward lasting truth.
Even when life feels like a relentless chase, this word reminds us that our efforts have purpose. Whether seeking justice or running from danger, our steps are seen. We find comfort in knowing that the One who guides history also directs our path, turning even our struggles into opportunities for faith and growth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 120 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they pursued15×
- and/ he pursued10×
- pursue6×
- the/ pursuers5×
- and/ [one who] pursues4×
- to/ pursue3×
- [is one who] pursues3×
- they pursued2×
- they have harassed/ me2×
- pursuers/ my2×
- it pursues2×
- he pursued2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפ֖וּ5×
- וּ/מְרַדֵּ֖ף3×
- וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֥ף3×
- וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֣ף3×
- וַ/יִּרְדְּפ֨וּ3×
- וַ/יִּרְדְּפ֤וּ3×
- רֹדֵ֣ף2×
- רְדָפ֣וּ/נִי2×
- לִ/רְדֹּ֕ף2×
- יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ2×
- וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפוּ֙2×
- וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפ֞וּ/ם2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:9
The Egyptians pursued them. All the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal Zephon.
Here the word captures the terrifying immediacy of the Egyptian army closing in on Israel, highlighting the urgency of divine deliverance at the sea.
-
Deuteronomy 28:45
All these curses will come on you, and will pursue you and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you didn’t listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded you.
This occurrence shows how consequences can 'pursue' a person when they turn away from God, illustrating the inescapable nature of spiritual cause and effect.
-
Genesis 14:14
When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led out his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his house, and pursued as far as Dan.
Abram’s pursuit demonstrates loyal family devotion, showing that this word can describe determined action taken to rescue loved ones from captivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word radaph mean?
How is radaph different from other words for 'follow'?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Can radaph be used positively?
Every Occurrence (120 verses across 21 books)
Genesis 5 verses
When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led out his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his…
Genesis 14:15He divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on…
Genesis 31:23He took his relatives with him, and pursued him seven days’ journey. He overtook him in the mountain of Gilead.
Genesis 35:5They traveled, and a terror of God was on the cities that were around them, and they didn’t pursue the sons of Jacob.
Genesis 44:4When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men.…