Lexical Summary middad: To measure, to extend Original Word: מִדַּד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be gone From nadad; flight -- be gone. see HEBREW nadad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as madad, q.v. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Conceptual Field מִדַּד conveys the idea of a measured length, portion, or span. It evokes the picture of something precisely apportioned, a set “quota” of time or space that is neither random nor accidental. Though the term appears only once, it draws its force from a wider biblical conviction that every dimension of life is subject to God’s meticulous ordering (Psalms 139:16; Isaiah 40:12). Canonical Usage Job 7:4 is its single occurrence: “When I lie down I think, ‘When will I get up?’ But the night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn”. Job compares the hours of darkness to a measured unit relentlessly unfolding. His complaint is not merely about sleeplessness; it is about feeling trapped within a divinely allotted span whose limits he cannot shorten. The verse subtly affirms that night itself possesses a “measure” appointed by God, even when experienced as torment by the sufferer. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty over Time Scripture repeatedly asserts that God “numbers” our days (Job 14:5; Psalms 90:12). מִדַּד in Job underscores that even the darkest intervals are regulated by the Lord’s governance. Job’s inability to escape the measured night mirrors humanity’s inability to alter God-appointed seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1–11). Recognition of this limitation drives the sufferer to seek the One who controls the measure. Job’s protest takes place within faith, not outside it. By naming the night’s fixed portion, he tacitly acknowledges God as its measurer, thus turning complaint into dialogue with the Almighty. Ancient Near Eastern Background Mesopotamian texts speak of gods “measuring” destinies, but often capriciously. In Israel’s Scriptures measurement is never arbitrary; it reflects covenant faithfulness. מִדַּד therefore participates in a counter-cultural testimony: the One God apportions time purposefully, even when His purposes are hidden. Practical Ministry Significance • Pastoral Care: Those enduring chronic trials often echo Job’s cry. Highlighting the measured nature of their “night” encourages trust that suffering has boundaries set by a loving Father (1 Corinthians 10:13). Christological and Eschatological Connections Jesus experiences His own “hour” (John 12:27). The measured night of Gethsemane and Calvary culminates in resurrection dawn, guaranteeing that every believer’s allotted darkness is temporary (Romans 8:18). Revelation 6:11 portrays martyrs given “a little while longer”—another divinely set measure—until vindication comes. Thus מִדַּד anticipates the day when God will “wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4). Reflection and Application Believers are called to embrace both activity and rest as gifts within God’s measurement. In seasons that feel interminable, Job 7:4 invites prayer: “Lord, You have set the span; grant me grace to trust You until morning breaks.” Forms and Transliterations וּמִדַּד־ ומדד־ ū·mid·daḏ- umiddad ūmiddaḏ-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 7:4 HEB: מָתַ֣י אָ֭קוּם וּמִדַּד־ עָ֑רֶב וְשָׂבַ֖עְתִּי KJV: and the night be gone? and I am full INT: When arise be gone and the night am continually 1 Occurrence |
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