Lexical Summary qidmah: East, eastward, ancient times Original Word: קִדְמָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance eastward Feminine of qedem; the forward part (or relatively) East (often adverbially, on the east or in front) -- east(-ward). see HEBREW qedem NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as qedem Definition front, east NASB Translation east (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs [קִדְמָה] noun feminine front, East; — only construct קִדְמַת as preposition: 1 in front of, over against (compare NöZMG xxxiii (1879), 532), Genesis 2:14 (i.e. from standpoint of writer; really, on geographic grounds, = west of; yet see Died. 6), Genesis 4:16 (both J), 2 on the east of, Ezekiel 39:11; 1 Samuel 13:5 may be either. Topical Lexicon Geographical Orientation קִדְמָה marks the direction that faces sunrise. In every occurrence the term fixes attention on a specific location “toward the east,” thereby anchoring the narrative on the map of the Ancient Near East. It frames the third river of Eden “along the east side of Assyria” (Genesis 2:14), locates Cain’s exile “east of Eden” (Genesis 4:16), situates a Philistine garrison “east of Beth Aven” (1 Samuel 13:5), and defines the future burial site of Gog “east of the Sea” (Ezekiel 39:11). Each text employs the word with the practical purpose of orientation, yet together they trace a theological storyline that moves from paradise, through human rebellion and warfare, to eschatological judgment. Eden and the Flow of Blessing Genesis 2:14 uses קִדְמָה to describe the Tigris River running on the east side of Assyria. By pinning Eden’s geography to the eastern frontier of Mesopotamia, Scripture affirms that the garden was not mythical but real. The directional note underscores the outward flow of blessing: waters depart Eden and travel eastward, hinting that God’s provision is intended to stream beyond the garden’s borders to the world (compare the later east-flowing river of Ezekiel 47). Exile “East of Eden” When Cain “went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden” (Genesis 4:16), קִדְמָה becomes a marker of alienation. Movement toward the east parallels Cain’s moral departure; the direction that once bore life-giving rivers now signals separation from God. This theme recurs with Lot’s choice of the Jordan plain (Genesis 13:11) and Israel’s eventual exile to Babylon—each journey traces an eastward path away from covenant blessing. Strategic High Ground for War In 1 Samuel 13:5 the Philistines encamp at Michmash “east of Beth Aven.” The eastern ridge of the central hill country gave them tactical advantage over Benjamin’s heartland. Here קִדְמָה is military language: the army’s position threatens Israel’s covenant territory from the sunrise flank, foreshadowing Saul’s test of faith and Jonathan’s daring victory. The verse reminds readers that spiritual battles are often fought on the ground of ordinary geography. The Valley of Final Defeat Ezekiel 39:11 looks forward to the day when the Lord breaks the forces of Gog: “On that day I will give Gog a burial place in Israel—the Valley of those who pass by east of the Sea.” The eastern side of the Dead Sea, a corridor for travelers from Edom and Moab, will become a mass grave for invaders. קִדְמָה therefore frames the terminus of hostile powers; the same direction that once signified exile for God’s people will witness the burial of their enemies. The reversal highlights divine sovereignty over both space and history. Theological Motifs of the “East” 1. Presence and Absence: Eden’s rivers suggest access to God, whereas Cain’s settlement and later exiles underline distance. Ministry Implications • Spiritual Geography: Modern disciples can read the map of קִדְמָה as a call to discern movements either toward or away from the Lord. Decisions that appear minor—like Cain’s choice of residence or Saul’s failure to act—can set a trajectory of separation. Summary קִדְמָה ties together paradise, exile, conflict, and consummation. By attending to its directional cues, readers trace the faithfulness of God across the landscape of Scripture—from the garden’s riverbanks to the final defeat of evil—assured that every point of the compass lies under His sovereign rule. Forms and Transliterations קִדְמַ֖ת קִדְמַ֣ת קִדְמַת־ קדמת קדמת־ kidMat qiḏ·maṯ qiḏ·maṯ- qiḏmaṯ qiḏmaṯ-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 2:14 HEB: ה֥וּא הַֽהֹלֵ֖ךְ קִדְמַ֣ת אַשּׁ֑וּר וְהַנָּהָ֥ר NAS: it flows east of Assyria. KJV: that [is] it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. INT: it flows east of Assyria river Genesis 4:16 1 Samuel 13:5 Ezekiel 39:11 4 Occurrences |
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