Lexical Summary Kedrón: Kidron Original Word: Κεδρών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance KidronOf Hebrew origin (Qidrown); Cedron (i.e. Kidron), a brook near Jerusalem -- Cedron. see HEBREW Qidrown NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Qidron Definition Kidron, a brook and wadi near Jer. NASB Translation Kidron (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2748: κέδροςκέδρος, κέδρου, ἡ (from Homer down), a cedar, a well-known tree, the wood of which is fragrant: χείμαρρος τῶν κέδρων, John 18:1 R Tr text WH (so also 2 Samuel 15:23; 1 Kings 15:13 (cf. 2:37)); τοῦ (sic) κέδρου, ibid. Tdf.; but see the following word. STRONGS NT 2748: ΚεδρώνΚεδρών, ὁ (Buttmann, 21 (19)), indeclinable (in Josephus, Κεδρών, Κεδρωνος (see below)), Cedron (or Kidron) (Hebrew קִדְרון i. e. dark, turbid), the name of a (winter-) torrent, rising near Jerusalem and flowing down through a valley of the same name (having the Matt. of Olives on the E.) into the Dead Sea: χείμαρρος τοῦ Κεδρών, John 18:1 G L Tr marginal reading, according to the more correct reading (but see WH's Appendix, at the passage); (χείμαρρος Κεδρωνος, Josephus, Antiquities 8, 1, 5; φάραγξ Κεδρωνος, ibid. 9, 7, 3; b. j. 5, 6, 1; φάραγγι, βαθεῖα ... ἡ Κεδρών ὠνομασται, ibid. 5, 2, 3). (B. D., under the word The Kidron is a seasonal wadi that runs along the eastern wall of Jerusalem, separating the city from the lower western slopes of the Mount of Olives before winding south-eastward to the Dead Sea. In the dry season it is usually empty; during heavy rains it can become a swift torrent, carrying away debris collected from the city and the surrounding hillsides. Its steep sides and narrow channel formed a natural boundary for Jerusalem and provided a convenient place for disposing of defilements and destroyed idols. Old Testament Background 1. Refuge in Time of Crisis These repeated purgings made the ravine a perpetual reminder that true worship demands the removal of every rival to the Lord. Jeremiah foresaw the day when even the defiled valley would be “holy to the Lord” (Jeremiah 31:40), hinting at a future restoration that includes the cleansing of the land itself. Intertestamental Developments During Second Temple times graves multiplied along the western bank opposite the Mount of Olives, and a bridge was built to connect the Temple precincts to the slopes of the mount. By the first century the Kidron served pilgrims as the customary route from the city to Bethany, making it a well-trodden path for Jesus and His disciples. New Testament Fulfillment John 18:1 records the only New Testament use of the Greek term. “After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden.” (John 18:1) Several layers of significance converge here: Theological Themes 1. Separation from Defilement The Kidron reminds believers that holiness involves decisive action. Kings who tolerated idolatry left the valley untouched; reformers used it to show that sin must be carried outside the city and destroyed. Both David and Jesus crossed the Kidron in moments of deep anguish, yet their obedience in adversity became the path to victory and exaltation. Jeremiah’s promise that the valley itself would become “holy” points to the comprehensive scope of salvation—creation itself will be purified (Romans 8:19-21). Ministry Reflections • Leadership must not shy away from the hard work of spiritual house-cleaning; public and private reforms alike require a determined “Kidron moment.” Devotional Application Believers today cross their own “Kidron” whenever they bring sin and idols to the foot of the cross, trusting Christ to bear them away. The valley that once lay under judgment now offers a picture of grace: what has been cast there is remembered no more (Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 10:17). Key References for Study 2 Samuel 15:23; 1 Kings 15:13; 2 Kings 23:4-6, 2 Kings 23:12; 2 Chronicles 29:16; 2 Chronicles 30:14; Jeremiah 31:40; John 18:1 |
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