רָדַד
𐤓𐤃𐤃
râdad
H7286 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To tread down, flatten, or make level by trampling or spreading. In various contexts, the verb expresses either the physical act of making something smooth or level—such as spreading out a material or treading down earth—or, metaphorically, the act of subduing or bringing under control (such as conquering peoples or territories). It can also refer to overlaying surfaces, often with precious metals, through artistic or practical application.
Semantic Range
to tread down, to flatten or make level, to spread out (material), to overlay (with metal), to subdue or conquer, to bring into subjection
Root / Etymology
From the root רדד, which fundamentally carries the sense 'to flatten, make level, tread down.' The derived verb רָדַד reflects this core action of pressing, beating, or treading a substance so as to smooth or overlay it. The specialized senses arise by extension: metaphorically, to 'subdue' through overwhelming force (as in treading down armies or peoples), and more technically, to 'overlay' (such as overlaying with metal) by spreading thin sheets over a surface.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, רָדַד is comparatively rare. In its literal, physical sense, it appears in descriptions of constructing, overlaying, or preparing surfaces, particularly with precious metals for ritual or royal objects (cf. Isaiah 40:19). Metaphorically, it can depict subjugation or defeat, especially in poetic passages (cf. 2 Samuel 22:43; Psalms 18:43). The root is distinct from others like דָּרַךְ (to tread, march) or כָּבַשׁ (to subdue, bring into bondage), though there is conceptual overlap in the figurative sense of conquest or subjugation. Standard English translations often render the word as 'overlay,' 'spread,' or 'subdue,' but context determines whether the meaning is physical (constructive or artistic action), metaphorical (subjugation), or preparatory (making a surface level for use). The word is not tied to a specific historical period, but its use in temple and royal contexts suggests ongoing importance in Israelite craftsmanship and poetic description.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to tread in pieces, i.e. (figuratively) to conquer, or (specifically) to overlay; spend, spread, subdue.
Bantu Hebrew
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רדד (r-d-d) — tread down, flatten, make level, spread
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7289 | רָדִיד | my spread-out wrap |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7286-02 |
לְ/רַד | lerad | HR/Vqc |
to subdue | to tread down | 1 |
H7286-01 |
הָ/רוֹדֵ֖ד | haroded | HTd/Vqrmsa |
who subdues | the treading-down one | 1 |
H7286-03 |
רַ֣ד | rad | HVqp3ms |
was far spent | he trod down | 1 |
H7286-04 |
וַ/יָּ֛רֶד | vayared | HC/Vhw3ms |
and-he-spread | and he caused to spread out | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7286-03 |
Judges 19:11 | רַ֣ד | rad | HVqp3ms |
was far spent | he trod down |
H7286-04 |
1 Kings 6:32 | וַ/יָּ֛רֶד | vayared | HC/Vhw3ms |
and-he-spread | and he caused to spread out |
H7286-02 |
Isaiah 45:1 | לְ/רַד | lerad | HR/Vqc |
to subdue | to tread down |
H7286-01 |
Psalms 144:2 | הָ/רוֹדֵ֖ד | haroded | HTd/Vqrmsa |
who subdues | the treading-down one |