מִגְדַּל־עֵדֶר
𐤌𐤂𐤃𐤋־𐤏𐤃𐤓
Migedal Eder
H4029 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A proper noun referring to a specific location named 'Migdal-ʻÊder' ('Tower of the Flock'). In biblical context, it designates a site near Bethlehem known for its proximity to pasturing grounds and a notable landmark (a tower) associated with flocks. The semantic range is limited to geographic designation, specifically the site so named, and does not function as a common noun. It is not descriptive of a type of structure in this usage but is preserved as a proper place name.
Semantic Range
proper name of a place near Bethlehem, literal 'tower of the flock' as a toponym; not used as a common noun
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew roots מִגְדָּל (migdal, 'tower') and עֵדֶר (ʻeder, 'flock'). The compound directly means 'tower of the flock,' referencing either a literal watchtower used by shepherds or a prominent location for flock-gathering. The root מגדל (m-g-d-l) means 'to be large, grow, tower' and עדר (ʿ-d-r) means 'to drive together, to flock.' In the toponym, these roots combine to form the proper name rather than describing the function or characteristic of the place.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Migdal-ʻÊder appears in Genesis 35:21, situated between Bethlehem and Ephrath. Its mention follows the death of Rachel and may denote a known point on pastoral routes. In later Jewish tradition, the site took on symbolic and eschatological significance, but in the biblical text it simply designates a real geographic landmark familiar to ancient readers, functioning much like 'Bethlehem' or 'Bethel.' English translations typically retain the Hebrew name in transliteration; 'tower of the flock' as an English phrase is etymological, not a functional rendering. Unlike generic terms for towers (migdal) or flocks (ʿeder), Migdal-ʻÊder is a unique, fixed place name.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from מִגְדָּל and עֵדֶר; tower of a flock; Migdal-Eder, a place in Palestine; Migdal-eder, tower of the flock.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
מגדל, עדר (Migedal Eder) — to tower, to be large; to drive together, to flock
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4029-01 |
עֵֽדֶר | eder | HNp |
of Eder | flock | Migedal Eder | 1 |
H4029-02 |
לְ/מִגְדַּל | lemigedal | HR/Ncmsc |
to the tower | to Migdal-Êder | to Migdal-Êder | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4029-02 |
Genesis 35:21 | לְ/מִגְדַּל | lemigedal | HR/Ncmsc |
to the tower | to Migdal-Êder | to Migdal-Êder |
H4029-01 |
Genesis 35:21 | עֵֽדֶר | eder | HNp |
of Eder | flock | Migedal Eder |