The Hebrew word for ground, appearing about 225 times. Closely related to adam, emphasizing cultivated land and the material from which humanity was formed. Represents both blessing and curse.
The wordplay between adam and adamah is central to Genesis theology. Man was taken from the ground, tasked to serve it, cursed to struggle with it. The ground itself is cursed (Gen 3:17), cries out (Gen 4:10), and awaits redemption.
Unlike erets (earth as territory), adamah refers to arable soil. The relationship is covenantal — obedience brings fertility, disobedience brings barrenness. Exile from the adamah replays Adam's exile from Eden.