רָדַף
To run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by )
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does רָדַף (rodeph) mean in the Bible?
רָדַף (rodeph) is a Hebrew word meaning "to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by )". to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by) BDB: pursue Usage: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). The word suggests active pursuit of a moral direction. This term runs through the canonical themes of Revelation.
Meaning
Pursuit with hostile intent; captures both literal chase and metaphorical escape of fleeting time.
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by) BDB: pursue Usage: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r).
Why This Word Matters
The word suggests active pursuit of a moral direction. Proverbs 11:19
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 42×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 2×
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action 3×
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Old Testament Witnesses
Showing 8 of 144 occurrences in the biblical text.
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.