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H129 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֲדָמָה
Adamah
Noun, proper place name
Adamah; ground; red earth; settlement

Definition

The Hebrew place name Adamah (H129) refers to a fortified city allotted to the tribe of Naphtali (Joshua 19:36). It shares its root with adamah (H127), the common word for "ground" or "earth," and with Adam (H121), the name of the first man.

The name reflects the fundamental Hebrew connection between humanity and the soil — adam was formed from adamah (Genesis 2:7), making every settlement on the land a reminder of human creatureliness.

Usage & Theological Significance

In the theology of the Old Testament, the land (adamah) was never merely real estate — it was a covenantal gift. Israel's possession of Canaan's cities was both a fulfillment of divine promise and an ongoing obligation of covenant faithfulness.

The city Adamah in Naphtali stood in the region of Galilee — the same region where Jesus of Nazareth would begin His ministry, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that Galilee of the nations would see a great light (Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:15-16).

Key Bible Verses

Joshua 19:36 Adamah, Ramah, Hazor,
Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.
Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken.
Isaiah 9:1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali.
Matthew 4:16 The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Related Words

External Resources

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