Lexical Summary Adami Hanneqeb: Adami Hannekeb Original Word: אֲדָמִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Adami From 'adamah; earthy; Adami, a place in Palestine -- Adami. see HEBREW 'adamah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom adamah and Neqeb Definition a place on the border of Naphtali NASB Translation Adami-nekeb (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲדָמִי הַנֶּ֫קֶב proper name, of a location pass in Naphtali, Joshua 19:33 see נקב. II. אדם ( Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingThe only appearance of אֲדָמִי is in Joshua 19:33, where the inspired record delineates the northern border of the tribe of Naphtali: “Their border went from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim, included Adami Nekeb and Jabneel, and extended to Lakkum, and ended at the Jordan” (Berean Standard Bible). By mentioning the site in a single breath with other identifiable places, Scripture secures Adami’s role as a fixed reference point within Israel’s territorial inheritance. Location and Geography The description in Joshua places Adami on the western side of the Upper Jordan Valley, most likely amid the rugged hills that descend toward the river. Several scholars locate it near modern Khirbet ed-Damieh, approximately ten kilometers south-southwest of modern Kfar Blum. The immediate mention of “Nekeb” (a Hebrew term for “pass” or “cleft”) hints at a strategic mountain pass. Situated between the oak at Zaanannim and Jabneel, Adami probably controlled access from the interior of Naphtali to the fertile Jordan plain below, making it both a geographic marker and a natural defensive site. Role in the Inheritance of Naphtali Adami stands as one of the divinely appointed border-stones marking out Naphtali’s possession in Canaan. The precision with which the book of Joshua enumerates such towns underlines God’s fulfillment of His covenant promise first articulated to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21) and reiterated to Moses (Deuteronomy 34:4). Each named locality—however obscure to later generations—witnesses to the faithful allotment of tribal inheritances by sacred lot (Joshua 18:6-10). For Naphtali, whose land was later called “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Matthew 4:15), Adami served as part of the boundary that would cradle much of Christ’s earthly ministry centuries later. Theological Patterns 1. Covenant Precision: The single reference to Adami demonstrates how Scripture roots theological truth in historical detail. God not only promised land; He assigned cities, passes, and oaks. Such specificity foreshadows the believer’s individualized inheritance kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:4) and affirms that the Lord “has fixed the times and boundaries” of every nation (Acts 17:26). 2. Ordered Borders and Peace: In giving Israel clear boundaries, God provided a framework for communal order and rest (Deuteronomy 12:10). Adami, therefore, is a symbol of divine order, declaring that peace flows from recognizing God-ordained limits. 3. Light to the Nations: The territory defined by Adami later became part of the region where Jesus “left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali” (Matthew 4:13). The geographic border that once safeguarded tribal identity eventually became the setting for the dawning of messianic light to the nations (Matthew 4:14-16). Archaeological and Historical Considerations Limited excavation has occurred at proposed sites, but surface pottery and fortification remains from the Late Bronze and Iron Ages have been reported around Khirbet ed-Damieh. These finds corroborate continuous occupation during the period of the Conquest and Judges. Though definitive identification is pending, the convergence of toponymic resemblance, topography suitable for a mountain pass, and chronological occupation strengthens the case for the site’s authenticity. Ministry Applications • Attention to Detail: Adami encourages believers and teachers to value every word of Scripture, confident that even seemingly minor place-names contribute to the inerrant, unified witness of God’s revelation. • Boundary Stewardship: Pastoral leaders can draw on the imagery of Adami to teach healthy boundaries in personal holiness, ministry roles, and congregational life, fostering security rather than restriction. • Missional Hope: The same border region that once defined Naphtali later welcomed the incarnate Word. Adami reminds the Church that God can transform every territorial line—geographic, cultural, or social—into a pathway for gospel advance. Related Passages Joshua 19:32-39; Genesis 15:18-21; Deuteronomy 33:23; Acts 17:26; Matthew 4:13-16; 1 Peter 1:4. Summary Though mentioned only once, אֲדָמִי embodies the meticulous faithfulness of God in securing Israel’s inheritance, foreshadowing both the ordered peace of His people and the future manifestation of the Messiah in Galilee. Forms and Transliterations וַאֲדָמִ֥י ואדמי vaadaMi wa’ăḏāmî wa·’ă·ḏā·mîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 19:33 HEB: מֵֽאֵל֜וֹן בְּצַעֲנַנִּ֗ים וַאֲדָמִ֥י הַנֶּ֛קֶב וְיַבְנְאֵ֖ל NAS: in Zaanannim and Adami-nekeb and Jabneel, KJV: to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, INT: Allon Zaanannim and Adami-nekeb Nekeb and Jabneel 1 Occurrence |
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tawny, Ethiopic 
(only in derivatives), Assyrian adâmu ? DlW; compare LagBN 28).