Lexical Summary qadmah: ago, previously Original Word: קַדְמָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance aforetime, ago (Aramaic) corresponding to qadmah; former time -- afore(-time), ago. see HEBREW qadmah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to qadmah Definition former time NASB Translation ago (1), previously (1). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Semantic Rangeקַדְמָה (qadmah) conveys the idea of prior time—“formerly,” “before,” or “long ago.” It looks backward, anchoring a present action or claim in what has already taken place. The word therefore functions adverbially to underscore continuity and faithfulness across generations. Occurrences in Scripture Ezra 5:11 and Daniel 6:10 contain the only biblical uses of קַדְמָה. 1. Ezra 5:11: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago (qadmah) …” Historical Context Ezra 5:11 appears in a letter sent to King Darius explaining why the Jews were rebuilding the temple. The word “qadmah” instantly links the post-exilic builders with the era of Solomon: the present undertaking is not a novelty but a restoration of an earlier, divinely sanctioned work. The continuity of worship on the same sacred site is thereby highlighted. Daniel 6:10 situates the prophet under Medo-Persian rule. When royal prohibition against prayer is issued, Daniel prays “as he had done before.” “Qadmah” underscores his unwavering practice, showing that civil edicts cannot sever a pattern of devotion rooted in the past. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Continuity In both contexts קַדְמָה affirms that God’s purposes extend seamlessly through time. The temple had “formerly” stood as a testimony to the covenant; its rebuilding re-establishes that testimony (Ezra 5:11). Daniel’s “former” habit of prayer asserts that covenant loyalty transcends shifting political climates (Daniel 6:10). 2. Faithfulness and Testimony The word draws attention to consistency in worship. The restored temple and Daniel’s habitual prayer each demonstrate that authentic faith manifests in sustained obedience rather than episodic enthusiasm (cf. 1 Kings 8:57-58; Hebrews 13:8). 3. Memory as Motivation Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to remember His works (Deuteronomy 6:20-24; Psalm 77:11). By using קַדְמָה the biblical writers invite contemporary hearers to let past acts of God shape present commitments. Application for Church Ministry • Heritage of Worship: Churches engaged in renovation or church-planting can view their labor as participation in a line of worshippers stretching “long ago.” Affirming this lineage nourishes humility and purpose (1 Corinthians 3:9-11). • Spiritual Discipline: Daniel’s example presses believers toward steadfast private devotion regardless of external pressure. Regular habits formed “before” crises enable courage when trials arrive (Luke 22:39-46). • Biblical Preaching: Emphasizing the historical faithfulness of God energizes congregations to trust Him for the future (Lamentations 3:21-23). Teaching on קַדְמָה can illustrate that present obedience is grounded in an unbroken account of divine grace. Related Concepts • זְכֹר (zāḵôr, “remember”) – the call to recall God’s past deeds. In sum, קַדְמָה is a small word with expansive resonance, tying present faith and labor to the faithful acts, disciplines, and structures that God Himself ordained “long ago.” Forms and Transliterations מִקַּדְמַ֤ת מקדמת קַדְמַ֖ת קדמת kadMat mikkadMat miq·qaḏ·maṯ miqqaḏmaṯ qaḏ·maṯ qaḏmaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 5:11 HEB: הֲוָ֨א בְנֵ֜ה מִקַּדְמַ֤ת דְּנָה֙ שְׁנִ֣ין NAS: many years ago, which a great king KJV: many years ago, which a great king INT: that was was built ago these years Daniel 6:10 2 Occurrences |
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