יְדִדוּת
𐤉𐤃𐤃𐤅𐤕
yᵉdidûwth
H3033 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or quality of being dearly loved or cherished; affectionate regard, endearment. The term denotes a relationship or disposition characterized by deep affection, often used as a term of endearment or to express the abstract concept of 'belovedness.' In context, it captures both personal affection and the status of being especially favored or treasured.
Semantic Range
affection, belovedness, dearness, endearment, state of being loved, state of being cherished, treasured status
Root / Etymology
Root: י-ד-ד (ידד), meaning 'to love,' 'to be fond of,' 'to show affection.' יְדִדוּת is a feminine abstract noun formation (ending -וּת) derived from the root, indicating the state or characteristic of being beloved.
Historical & Contextual Notes
יְדִדוּת is attested rarely in the Hebrew Bible; it appears, for example, in Jeremiah 12:7, where it refers to Zion as the object of YHWH's deep affection. The word is derived from the root ידד, which gives rise to both common nouns like יְדִיד ('beloved, friend') and personal names (e.g., Jedidiah). In biblical Hebrew, the abstract noun form emphasizes the enduring status or quality of being loved, rather than a specific act of affection. Later translations sometimes render the word as 'beloved' or 'dearly loved,' but its nuance includes both endearment and a special, chosen status. The word is conceptually related to terms like חֵן (favor, grace) and אֲהָבָה (love) but uniquely emphasizes the peculiar affection or favor shown to a single person, object, or place, rather than general love or favor. In post-biblical Hebrew, the meaning remains closely linked to endearment. The standard English 'belovedness' captures much of the Hebrew nuance but may not fully express the depth of affection implied in the original.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from יְדִיד; properly, affection; concretely, a darling object; dearly beloved.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ידד (y-d-d) — to love, to cherish, to show affection
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3032 | יָדַד | they cast lots |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3033-01 |
יְדִד֥וּת | yedidut | HNcfsc |
the beloved | belovedness of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3033-01 |
Jeremiah 12:7 | יְדִד֥וּת | yedidut | HNcfsc |
the beloved | belovedness of |