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חָדַד

𐤇𐤃𐤃

châdad

H2300 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To be sharp, keen, or acute, both in a literal and figurative sense. In its literal sense, the verb denotes the physical property of being sharp, such as a blade or instrument. Figuratively, it extends to mental acuity or emotional intensity, such as being keen-minded, alert, or severe.

Semantic Range

to sharpen (a blade or weapon), to whet, to make keen or acute, to be fierce or severe (in attitude or behavior), to be mentally sharp or alert

Root / Etymology

From the root ח־ד־ד (chet-dalet-dalet), which fundamentally conveys the sense of sharpness or keenness. The verb form חָדַד serves as the foundational lexical form and can appear in qal (simple), piel (intensive), or hiphil (causative) stems, each emphasizing aspects of sharpness or the act of sharpening in a literal or figurative sense.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, חָדַד most often refers to the literal sharpening of tools or weapons (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:41, "If I whet my glittering sword"). It can also be used more abstractly for intensifying qualities or experiences, such as fierce attitudes or severe judgments. The figurative extension—such as keen intellect or severe discipline—developed in later periods and poetic contexts. While standard translations often render the term as 'sharpen' or 'whet,' they may not capture the broader semantic possibilities found in poetic or prophetic passages, where the sense can include emotional or cognitive sharpness. Related nouns from the same root (e.g., חֵדָה, 'riddle'—something finely honed or keenly devised) reinforce the concept of being distinguished by sharpness or acuity. The intensity associated with חָדַד distinguishes it from more neutral verbs for cutting or forming.

Translation Consistency

primary "sharpen" 2 occurrences

Most occurrences and the primary semantic range center on making something keen or acute (literal: whetting a blade; figurative: making mind or feeling keen). “Sharpen” is a natural, simple English verb that covers both literal and figurative senses better than alternatives like “fierce” or the vague “make.” It therefore provides a consistent, natural rendering for all forms of H2300.

Alternatives (4 occurrences):
"made sharp" (3x) "fiercer" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) sharp or (figuratively) severe; be fierce, sharpen.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חדד (ḥ-d-d) — sharpness, keenness, acuteness, severity

Root ח-ד-ד to be sharp, to sharpen, to be keen, to make acute
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H111 אֲדַד Hadad
H2299 חַד sharp
H2301 חֲדַד Chadad
H2303 חַדּוּד sharp points of
H2307 חָדִיד Hadid

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H2300-01 הוּחַ֖דָּה huchadah HVHp3fs is sharpened was made sharp was made sharp 3
H2300-03 יָ֑חַד yachad HVhi3ms sharpens as one sharpens 2
H2300-02 וְ/חַדּוּ֙ vechadu HC/Vqp3cp and fiercer and they were sharp and they are fiercer 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H2300-01 Ezekiel 21:14 הוּחַ֖דָּה huchadah HVHp3fs sharpened was made sharp was made sharp
H2300-01 Ezekiel 21:15 הוּחַ֔דָּה huchadah HVHp3fs it is sharpened was made sharp was made sharp
H2300-01 Ezekiel 21:16 הוּחַ֤דָּה huchadah HVHp3fs is sharpened was made sharp was made sharp
H2300-02 Habakkuk 1:8 וְ/חַדּוּ֙ vechadu HC/Vqp3cp and fiercer and they were sharp and they are fiercer
H2300-03 Proverbs 27:17 יָ֑חַד yachad HVhi3ms sharpens as one sharpens
H2300-03 Proverbs 27:17 יַ֣חַד yachad-2 HVhi3ms sharpens as one sharpens
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