מֵמַד
𐤌𐤌𐤃
mêmad
H4461 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A measurement, dimension, or size determined by measuring; also refers to a set measure, standard, or unit of measurement. Used in descriptions of spatial dimensions, especially architectural details and objects within priestly, legal, or technical contexts. It can denote a concrete measured quantity or an abstract concept of measurement.
Semantic Range
measure, measurement, dimension, size, standard or unit of measurement, the act or result of measuring
Root / Etymology
Root: מדד (m-d-d), meaning 'to measure, to stretch, to extend.' מֵמַד is a masculine noun formed with the mem prefix, which often denotes an instrument or result, indicating a concrete product of measuring. Thus, מֵמַד is 'a dimension' or 'measurement.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, מֵמַד is used almost exclusively in post-exilic texts, notably in the book of Ezekiel, and always in the context of detailed architectural descriptions (e.g., of the temple). It refers to specific dimensions or measured distances and is linked to precise technical or ritual standards. Unlike מִדָּה ('measure, measurement'), which has broader use and may refer to abstract qualities or divine attributes, מֵמַד is typically restricted to concrete, spatial dimensions. Standard English translations usually render it as 'measure' or 'dimension,' but they may under-represent its technical nuance in architectural or ritual descriptions. There is no evidence of significant semantic development over time, as its usage is late and specialized.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from מָדַד; a measure; measure.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מדד (m-d-d) — to measure, to stretch, to determine size
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4055 | מַד | like his measured garment |
| H4058 | מָדַד | I will measure out |
| H4060 | מִדָּה | in the measure |
| H4061 | מִדָּה | apportioned tribute of |
| H4063 | מֶדֶו | their measured-length robes |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4461-01 |
מְ֭מַדֶּי/הָ | memadeyha | HNcmpc/Sp3fs |
its measurements | her dimensions | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4461-01 |
Job 38:5 | מְ֭מַדֶּי/הָ | memadeyha | HNcmpc/Sp3fs |
its measurements | her dimensions |