Lexical Summary
ad: Until, as far as, up to, while, during
Original Word:עַד
Part of Speech:preposition; preposition ; conjunction
Transliteration:`ad
Pronunciation:ahd
Phonetic Spelling:(ad)
KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-)to, + how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet
NASB:until, far, even, long, or, before, while
Word Origin:[fromH5710 (עָדָה - To pass on)]
1. (properly) a (peremptory) terminus
2. (used as a preposition, adverb or conjunction especially with a preposition) as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
against, and, as, at, before, by that, even to, forasmuch as,
Properly, the same asad (used as a preposition, adverb or conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with) -- against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-)to, + how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.
see HEBREWad
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
adahDefinitionas far as, even to, up to, until, while
NASB Translationaccount (1), afar* (1), after (1), all the way (1), along (1), before (7), before* (3), beside* (1), beyond (2), beyond* (1), both* (1), completely* (1), either...or (1), equal (1), even (24), even including (1), exceedingly* (3), extremely* (1), far (131), far* (1), forever* (66), forevermore* (1), here* (2), how many* (2), including (1), like (2), little while* (1), long (23), long* (25), momentary* (1), never* (2), only (1), or (9), over (1), over there* (1), point (1), reaching (1), since* (1), so long (1), still* (1), there (1), threatened* (1), till (3), time (1), toward (1), unfathomable* (1), until (365), until the when (1), until* (43), utterly* (3), very (1), very* (2), violently* (1), when (1), when* (1), while (7), while i was still (1), within (1), without* (2), yet (1), yet* (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
III. , in poetry (
Numbers 24:20,24;
Psalm 104:23;
Psalm 147:6;
Job 7:4;
Job 20:5, and in
Isaiah 26:4;
Isaiah 65:18;
Psalm 83:18;
Psalm 92:8;
Psalm 132:12;
Psalm 132:14:compare , ),
(Aramaic ,
Sabean , , MordtmZMG xxx (1876), 27; DHMxxxvii (1883), 414, Assyrianadi Dl§ 81 a (Arabic
isexcept); perh akin to
pass on, advance to, Köii. 304, 309: probably from ground-form±¦d¦y, Ol428, 431 Köii. 309 ff.; but LagSym. ii. 101-3, Mitth. i. 231 f., as plur. like ); — with suffixNumbers 23:18 +,Micah 4:8 +, etc.,Job 32:12;2 Kings 9:18 occurs; —as far as, even to (differing from in that the limit is included, as in Arabic
FlKl. Schr. i. 402 f.):
ofspace; —
Genesis 11:31as far as Haran,Genesis 12:6;Genesis 13:3,12 + often,Isaiah 8:8 ,Isaiah 15:4 ,Isaiah 25:12;Isaiah 26:5;Psalm 36:6 ,Psalm 69:2 (compareJonah 2:6;Micah 1:9;Jeremiah 4:10,18), Jer 90:3Job 11:7, etc.; pregnantlyPsalm 118:27bind . . . (and lead)up to . . .;Isaiah 57:9even to afar (
);person,Exodus 22:8 ,1 Samuel 9:9;Psalm 65:3Isaiah 45:24;Job 4:5,Hosea 14:2al. (see , stronger than ); in poetryNumbers 24:20 shall beeven unto destruction, shall issue in destruction,Numbers 24:24; rarely with verbs ofattending,Numbers 23:18,Job 32:12;Job 38:18 (usually ). Before another perp.,1 Samuel 7:111 Kings 4:12 ,Ezekiel 41:20,Esther 4:2, and even (si vera. l.)2 Kings 9:20:compareNehemiah 3:16,26,Judges 19:10 +.
In the combination , asGenesis 10:19from Sidon . . .as far as Gaza + often (see
); and idiomatic, not of actual space, but ofclass of objects, to express the idea ofboth... and, asGenesis 19:4from youngto old (inclusively) =both youngand old (see
); ,even to =including,Leviticus 11:42;Numbers 8:4even to (i. e. including) it base and its flower, compare1 Samuel 18:4.
Oftime:
(a) even to, untilGenesis 8:5even to the 10th month,Exodus 12:6unto the 14th day, etc.,Exodus 12:15;Exodus 12:18, etc.;unto this day,Genesis 19:37,38,Genesis 26:33;Genesis 32:33, both + often; followed by infinitiveExodus 40:37;Joshua 6:10;Judges 18:30;till morning,Exodus 12:10 + (15 t.),Exodus 16:23 + (11 t.); soExodus 18:13,14 +, in poetryPsalm 104:23;Genesis 13:15 + often;2 Kings 4:35;Isaiah 13:20; see also , and ,near the end and followed by another preposition,Leviticus 23:16 ,Nehemiah 13:9 . With the force ofagainst,Judges 6:31 ; compare(b) end.(b) followed by infinitive, both of past time, asGenesis 8:7;Genesis 32:35 ,Genesis 33:3;Genesis 34:5, and especially future time, asGenesis 3:19until thy returning,Genesis 19:22;Genesis 27:45;Deuteronomy 7:20,23;Deuteronomy 20:20;Deuteronomy 22:2;Deuteronomy 28:20,22, — both + often; compareJudges 3:25 +;Leviticus 25:29 10t.;Deuteronomy 2:15 +;2 Kings 13:17,19;Ezekiel 19:14;1 Samuel 15:18;Jeremiah 9:15 +;Judges 16:2 +; also inDeuteronomy 7:24 (compareDeuteronomy 28:48;Joshua 11:14;1 Kings 15:29;2 Kings 3:25;2 Kings 10:17;2 Kings 24:20 [""Jeremiah 52:3 ]; on the anomalous , see Dr, read probably ); and most probably compare Köiii. 583) inDeuteronomy 3:3 (see Dr), + 5 t. (see above), read probably . With the force oftowards the end of, against, especially in ,Genesis 43:25;Exodus 22:25;Numbers 10:21 used to set up the tabernacleagainst their coming,2 Kings 16:11;Ezekiel 33:22; compare2 Samuel 17:22. EllipticalJudges 16:2 (wait)till the morning dawn, and we slay him! (GFM; Dr§ 115). (c) with various adverbs of time. (q. v.) as , , , , , , , compare (see
). (d) to suffest alsodegree (compare
),until there is no placeIsaiah 5:8,Psalm 40:13;Job 5:9;Job 9:10; compareLeviticus 26:18 and ifeven up to these things, even the end of all these punishment, you do not hearken to me.
During (rare; prop,as far as the limit indicated, including the time previous, compare : so often Aramaic ,
,while),2 Kings 9:22 what is peaceduring, etc.,?Job 20:5during a moment; followed by infinitiveJudges 3:26during their delaying,Exodus 33:22;Job 7:19Jonah 4:2.
Ofdegree, to suggest a higher or the highest; aseven to muchness, i.e. exceedingly (see ),even to hastePsalm 147:15;Esther 5:6 ,Esther 5:3;Esther 7:2. See also , below. With a negative, to expressnot even as much as,Deuteronomy 2:5 , and with ,Exodus 9:7 , simil.Exodus 14:28;Judges 4:16;2 Samuel 17:22 (read for see Dr). Sts. almost = Latinadeo,1 Samuel 2:5 (si vera lectio)even to the barren, she hath borne seven, i.e.even the barren hath, etc.,Job 25:5 ,Haggai 2:19. In comparisons,to the degree of, even like (rare),Nahum 1:10 (text dubious) entangledeven like thorns,1 Chronicles 4:27 did not multiplyto the degree of (i.e.like), etc. compare.2 Samuel 23:19 did notattain (in prowess)unto the three.
until; —
until that: (a) with perfect, ofpast time,Exodus 32:20 (Deuteronomy 9:21),Deuteronomy 2:14 ,Joshua 3:17;Joshua 8:26;Judges 4:24;1 Kings 10:7 (2 Chronicles 9:6),2 Kings 17:20,23;2 Kings 21:16; with suggestion ofdegree,1 Samuel 30:4 (followed by),1 Kings 17:17; rarely offuture time (the 'future perfect,' Dr§ 17),2 Samuel 17:13 (of degree),Ezekiel 34:21 So - (often in Late Hebrew; see )Judges 5:7;Songs 3:4 (twice in verse);Genesis 26:13 ,Genesis 41:49;2 Samuel 23:10; 2Chronicles 26:15; and (of future time)Genesis 28:15;Numbers 32:17;Isaiah 6:11. (b) with imperfect, usually offuture time,Genesis 27:44 ,Genesis 29:8;Exodus 23:30;Exodus 24:14;Leviticus 22:4;Numbers 11:20;Numbers 20:17;1 Samuel 22:3;Hosea 5:15 +; rarely ofpast time,Jonah 4:5till he should see,Ecclesiastes 2:3. So (of the future) -Songs 2:7,17;Songs 3:5;Songs 4:6;Songs 8:4;Psalm 123:2; andGenesis 49:10 .
alone,until: (a) with perfect, ofpast time,Joshua 2:22;Joshua 4:23 ,1 Samuel 20:41 ,2 Samuel 21:10;1 Kings 11:16;Ezekiel 28:15; of thefuture (rare),2 Kings 7:3 ,Ezekiel 39:15;Daniel 11:36 . So (of the future),Genesis 24:19,33;Isaiah 30:17;Ruth 2:21. (b) with imperfect, offuture time,1 Samuel 1:22 (elliptic: compareJudges 16:2,
(b)end),Isaiah 22:14;Isaiah 26:20;Isaiah 32:15;Isaiah 62:1,7;Psalm 57:2;Psalm 71:18;Job 27:5 +; of thepast (rare),Exodus 15:16 ,Exodus 15:16;Joshua 10:13 (poetry) ,Psalm 73:17. — In poetry, is sometimes used to mark not an absolute close, but an epoch or turning-point, in the future, asPsalm 110:1 (see De) ,Hosea 10:12;Job 14:6 (but see
); ,Genesis 49:10;Numbers 23:24;Isaiah 42:4;Psalm 71:18;Psalm 112:8;Job 8:21 (but read probably with Ew Hi Di Dual. he willyet, etc., understandingJob 8:20 as present, not future).
While (rare: compare 12 b): —
with perfect,1 Samuel 14:19while Saul spake.
with imperfect,Psalm 141:10while I at the same time pass by.
with participle,Job 1:18 (but read probably , asJob 1:16;Job 1:17),Nehemiah 7:3.
- (without verb)Songs 1:12. Sowhile not = ere yet (of past time)Proverbs 8:26 (so ,
, often, e.g.Genesis 24:15 , Matthew 1:18); and (of the future)Ecclesiastes 12:1,2,6 (compare Talmud , Mishna ).
Of degree,to the point that, so that even (rare),Isaiah 47:7 Thou saidst, I shall be for ever a lady,to the point that (going so far in thy pride that) thou didst not, etc. (but Hi Che Dual. join I shall be for ever, a ladyperpetually; see I. );Job 14:6 (Di De Bu Du)to the point that he may enjoy, etc.,Isaiah 22:14 (Du). InJoshua 17:14 , readbecause that (Ges Buhl; compare Di).
, a strengthened form for , found chiefly in Chronicles, Ezra, and occurring in most of the above senses. Thus
ofspace:Joshua 13:5;Judges 3:3;1 Chronicles 13:5,1 Chronicles 5:9, 2Chronicles 16:8;1 Chronicles 4:39,1 Chronicles 12:17; 2Chronicles 14:12; 2Chronicles 28:9;Ezra 9:6.
Oftime:1 Chronicles 23:25;1 Chronicles 28:7; 2Chronicles 26:15;Ezra 3:13;Ezra 9:4 ;Ezra 10:14 probablyduring (KeilGes Bewith regard to, strengthened for ); followed by infinitive1 Kings 18:29;1 Chronicles 28:20; 2Chronicles 29:28; 2Chronicles 24:10; 31:1; 2Chronicles 26:16; 2Chronicles 32:24 (""2 Kings 20:1 alone);Ezra 10:14 .
Ofdegree:even unto (till there was) a great camp,1 Chronicles 12:23; =exceedingly2Chronicles 16:12; 17:12; 26:8; 2Chronicles 16:14; 2Chronicles 29:30 2Chron 31:30; 2Chronicles 36:16.
Topical Lexicon
Occurrence and OverviewUsed approximately 1,260 times, עַד serves as Scripture’s principal preposition and conjunction for expressing extension—whether of place, time, intensity, or purpose. Its breadth allows the Holy Spirit to weave a single term through narrative, law, poetry, and prophecy to describe how far, how long, how deeply, and to what end God’s dealings with humanity reach.
Spatial Boundaries: “as far as”
1. Boundary‐Setting. The term traces journeys and territorial limits, marking divine providence in geography. “Abram journeyed on, continuing toward the Negev” (Genesis 12:9).
2. Warfare and Security. “David struck them from the twilight until the evening of the next day” (1 Samuel 30:17). The victory’s extent mirrors the preposition’s reach.
3. Sanctuary and Sacred Space. When Levitical duties extend “to the curtain” (Exodus 26:33) the word safeguards the holiness perimeter in tabernacle and temple.
Temporal Duration: “until / during”
1. Probationary Time. Judgment pronounced on Adam extends “until you return to the ground” (Genesis 3:19), revealing sin’s lasting consequences.
2. Seasons of Preparation. Hannah remains at home “until the child is weaned” (1 Samuel 1:22), illustrating the nurturing interval God often ordains before public service.
3. Day of Visitation. Prophets employ the term to signal decisive moments: “Until a spirit is poured out from on high” (Isaiah 32:15); “until the Ancient of Days came” (Daniel 7:22). The word thus frames history within divine appointment.
Intensification and Emphasis: “even / up to”
1. Heightened Contrast. “The waters prevailed fifteen cubits upward” (Genesis 7:20). The phrase drives home the flood’s overwhelming scope.
2. Extraordinary Mercy or Wrath. God’s patience extends “even to this day” (2 Kings 14:7), yet indignation also reaches “even to the heavens” (Jeremiah 51:9).
Covenant Permanence: “forever” (עַד עוֹלָם)
1. Steadfast Love. Refrains such as “For His loving devotion endures forever” (Psalm 118:1) join עַד with עוֹלָם to seal an everlasting covenant refrain.
2. Throne Promises. “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Psalm 45:6). Here the word anchors messianic hope.
3. Perpetual Ordinances. Passover is given “as a statute forever” (Exodus 12:24), tethering ritual memory to future fulfillment.
Prophetic and Eschatological Horizons
By marking terminus points (“until”), the term anticipates Messiah’s advent and ultimate reign. Zechariah sees a day when there shall be “continuous light—day and night, with evening time as day” (Zechariah 14:7). The temporal barrier is lifted, pointing to the eternal state described in Revelation.
Worship and Liturgy
Psalmic doxologies rely on עַד to summon perpetual praise: “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3). The phrase invites congregations to worship across both horizon and era.
Theological and Ministry Implications
1. Perseverance. Believers endure “until the end” (Daniel 12:13), echoing Jesus’ call to faithfulness “to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, Greek equivalent).
2. Boundaries of Holiness. Ministers respect limits God places on leadership, Sabbath rest, and moral conduct, acknowledging that every “until” belongs to Him.
3. Hope and Urgency. The word keeps the church vigilant; there is a divinely set “until” for gospel proclamation before the consummation.
Christological Perspective
The incarnation fulfills countless “until” statements. Simeon waits “until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah” (Luke 2:26). At the cross Jesus drinks “until all was accomplished” (John 19:28). The Ascension pledge—He remains in heaven “until the time for restoring all things” (Acts 3:21)—rests on the same Hebraic concept.
Practical Application for Believers Today
• Set godly boundaries in life and ministry, trusting the Lord who appoints “as far as.”
• Cultivate endurance, embracing every God‐ordained “until.”
• Rehearse God’s forever promises in corporate worship, letting “forever” shape the church’s vocabulary of praise.
• Teach eschatological hope, reminding saints that time and space are ultimately bracketed by the sovereign Lord.
Thus, עַד spans the Bible’s account from Eden to New Jerusalem, urging faith that lasts, worship that endures, and mission that presses forward—“until He comes.”
Forms and Transliterations
אֲ֠לֵיהֶם אליהם בְּעֹ֖ד בַּעֲדֵ֔נוּ בַּעֲדֵ֖ינוּ בַּעֲדֵ֙נוּ֙ בַעֲדֵ֔נוּ בעד בעדינו בעדנו וְ֠עַד וְֽעַד־ וְעַ֖ד וְעַ֛ד וְעַ֣ד וְעַ֣ד ׀ וְעַ֥ד וְעַ֨ד וְעַ֬ד וְעַד֙ וְעַד־ וְעָֽדֵיכֶ֗ם וְעָדֶ֣יךָ ועד ועד־ ועדיך ועדיכם עֲדֵי־ עַ֔ד עַ֖ד עַ֗ד עַ֚ד עַ֛ד עַ֝֗ד עַ֠ד עַ֣ד עַ֣ד ׀ עַ֤ד עַ֥ד עַ֧ד עַֽד־ עַֽד׃ עַד֩ עַד־ עָ֝דֶ֗יהָ עָ֝דֶ֗יךָ עָדֶ֣יךָ עָדַ֖י עָדָיו֙ עד עד־ עד׃ עדי עדי־ עדיה עדיו עדיך ‘ā·ḏāw ‘ā·ḏay ‘ă·ḏê- ‘ā·ḏe·hā ‘ā·ḏe·ḵā ‘aḏ ‘aḏ- ‘āḏāw ‘āḏay ‘ăḏê- ‘āḏehā ‘āḏeḵā ’ă·lê·hem ’ălêhem ad aDai aDav adei aDeicha aDeiha adoSha Aleihem ba‘ăḏênū ḇa‘ăḏênū ba·‘ă·ḏê·nū ḇa·‘ă·ḏê·nū baaDeinu baaDenu bə‘ōḏ bə·‘ōḏ beOd vaaDenu vead veaDeicha veadeiChem wə‘aḏ wə‘aḏ- wə‘āḏeḵā wə‘āḏêḵem wə·‘ā·ḏe·ḵā wə·‘ā·ḏê·ḵem wə·‘aḏ wə·‘aḏ-
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