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יָדַד

𐤉𐤃𐤃

yâdad

H3032 verb

SILEX Entry

Root ידד to throw, to cast

Definition

To throw or cast, especially in the sense of physically propelling something away from oneself. In biblical contexts, it refers specifically to the act of casting lots, a method used for decision-making, allocation, or divination. The primary usage surrounds the mechanical act involved in the process of lot-casting, not general throwing.

Semantic Range

to throw lots, to cast lots, to assign by lots; rarely, to hurl or throw (in a ritualized context)

Root / Etymology

Root יָדַד (ydd), derived from the root consonants י-ד-ד. The root meaning is believed to be 'to throw' or 'to cast', likely related to the act of hurling or propelling, especially as it pertains to throwing lots. The relationship to יָדָה (yadah, 'to throw' or 'to praise'), suggested by some lexica and Strong's, is possible but the roots are distinct in form and precise meaning.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb יָדַד is rare and only appears in a limited context within the Hebrew Bible, with the recorded form most commonly associated with the technical or ritual practice of casting lots. In ancient Israelite practice, casting lots was a means of discerning divine will or making impartial decisions, often concerning division of land, appointment to tasks, or allocation of responsibilities (cf. usage in Leviticus, Joshua, 1 Samuel, Jonah). The word does not occur with the broader sense of 'throwing' as do other Hebrew verbs (such as שָׁלַךְ or הִשְׁלִיךְ). The semantic overlap with יָדָה (to throw, to praise) is proposed due to similarity in root forms, but the words remain distinct. Later translation practices (e.g., KJV) may obscure this nuance, rendering distinct verbs with similar English terms ('cast').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; (compare יָדָה); properly, to handle, i.e. to throw, e.g. lots; cast.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

ידד (y-d-d) — to throw, to cast

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3033 יְדִדוּת belovedness of
H3039 יְדִיד to my beloved one
H3040 יְדִידָה Beloved woman
H3041 יְדִידְיָה Beloved of Yah
H4312 מֵידָד Affectionate One

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H3032-01 יַדּ֣וּ yadu HVqp3cp they cast they cast lots 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H3032-01 Joel 4:3 יַדּ֣וּ yadu HVqp3cp they-cast they cast lots
H3032-01 Obadiah 1:11 יַדּ֣וּ yadu HVqp3cp they cast they cast lots
H3032-01 Nahum 3:10 יַדּ֣וּ yadu HVqp3cp were cast they cast lots
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