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Genesis 2:14

And the name of the River of the Third-one is Hiddekel,80 himself is the One-who-walks81 in front of Straight;82 And the fourth River, himself is Perath.83

Footnote:

82

“Straight” Asshur 2nd son of Shem, and Assyria. Assyria was situated on and supplied water by this river (Tigris). See note on meaning in Gen. 10:11.

Strong's #6926, קדמה qidmah, front side or part. The feminine noun found (not only) in the construct form קדמת which means "the front of" 

Strong's #6924 קדם qadam. This word literally means "front" in the sense of either space or time. The fact that "front" is the idea used to indicate "ancient days/times" is very interesting.

  1. Spatial/Locational Meaning (Front/East):

    • Refers to a physical location or direction, often indicating "the front" or "the east."
    • Examples:
      • Front: Psalm 139:5 — "behind and in front" (אחור וקדם).
      • East: Genesis 25:6 — "frontward toward" (קדמה אל).

  2. Temporal/Ancient Time Meaning:

    • Refers to "ancient times" or "days of old."
    • Examples:
      • Deuteronomy 33:27 — "the ancient God" (אלהי קדם).
      • Psalm 44:2 — "in ancient days" (כימי קדם).
      • Used poetically to highlight historical or eternal aspects of God, places, or events.

This dual usage underscores how קֶדֶם conveys both geographic orientation (eastward/front) and chronological depth (antiquity/eternity), enriching its significance in biblical texts.