אֲדֹרָם
𐤀𐤃𐤓𐤌
Adoram
H151 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A personal name of an Israelite official: Adoram. The name most likely means 'my lord is exalted' or 'my lord has been exalted,' reflecting a combination of the elements meaning 'lord' (ʼădōn) and a form of 'high/exalt.' Used exclusively as a personal name within the administrative spheres of the United Monarchy and immediately afterwards. Not a title but a proper name designating specific individuals.
Semantic Range
personal name for an Israelite official; variant of Adoniram; possibly also 'my lord is exalted' as an honorific name
Root / Etymology
Name is a contraction of אֲדֹנִירָם (Adoniram), derived from the Hebrew root אדן meaning 'lord, master,' combined with רוּם meaning 'to be high, exalted.' The contracted form drops the 'ni' syllable from 'Adoniram.' Thus, 'Adoram' is likely a shortened theophoric or honorific name reflecting esteem or veneration of a 'lord.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The name אֲדֹרָם (Adoram) appears as the head of the forced labor department under kings David, Solomon, and Rehoboam (2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 12:18; 1 Kings 4:6). In some passages, the fuller version אֲדֹנִירָם (Adoniram) is used for the same or a similar official, indicating that these were variant forms of the same name, or perhaps used for successive office holders. English translations often render both forms of the name as 'Adoram' or 'Adoniram,' sometimes confusing the individuals or the offices. No secondary meanings are attested outside personal naming; the name does not serve as a noun or title. The use of אֲדֹרָם declines after the early monarchy period, reflecting its association with that specific role in royal administration. The English term 'Jew' is not contextually appropriate; 'Israelite' or 'royal official of the United Monarchy' better fits the biblical usage. The name is unrelated to later Judean or Jewish identities.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
contracted for אֲדֹנִירָם; Adoram (or Adoniram), an Israelite; Adoram.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אדן-רם (ʾ-d-n / r-w-m) — to rule, lord over; to be high, be exalted
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H151-01 |
אֲדֹרָם֙ | adoram | HNp |
Adoram | My Lord is Exalted | 1 |
H151-02 |
וַ/אֲדֹרָ֖ם | vaadoram | HC/Np |
and Adoram | And My-Lord-is-Exalted | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H151-02 |
2 Samuel 20:24 | וַ/אֲדֹרָ֖ם | vaadoram | HC/Np |
and Adoram | And My-Lord-is-Exalted |
H151-01 |
1 Kings 12:18 | אֲדֹרָם֙ | adoram | HNp |
Adoram | My Lord is Exalted |