Original Word: בְּעַד
Part of Speech: Preposition
Transliteration: b`ad
Pronunciation: bah-ad
Phonetic Spelling: (beh-ad')
KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within
NASB: through, behind, behalf, about, around, sake, account
Word Origin: [from H5704 (עַד - until) with prepositional prefix]

1. in up to or over against
2. (generally) at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

about, at by means of, for, over, through, up on, within

From ad with prepositional prefix; in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc. -- about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within.

see HEBREW ad

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
away from, behind, about, on behalf of
NASB Translation
about (2), account (1), around (2), because (1), behalf (4), behind (7), behind* (3), over (1), sake (2), through (9), what concerns (1).

בַּ֫עַד₁₀₅ substantive properly separation, with a Genitive, in separation from, in usage a

preposition away from, behind, about, on behalf of (Arabic , of time, after) — absolute Songs 4:1,3; Songs 6:7, elsewhere construct בְּעַד, with suffix בַּעֲדִי Exodus 8:24 +, בַּעֲדֵנִי Psalm 139:11; בַּעַדְךָ Genesis 20:7 +; בַּעֲדוֺ etc.; 1 plural בַּעֲדֵנוּ, Amos 9:10 בַּעֲדֵינוּ; בַּעַדְכֶם 1 Samuel 7:5 +; בַּעֲדָם Leviticus 9:7 +; —

1 literal

a. with verbs of falling, letting down, leaning forward so as to look out, through (literally away from) a window, etc.: Joshua 2:15 and she let him down by a cord בְּעַד הַחַלּוֺן away from the window, i.e. out through it, 1 Samuel 19:12; 2 Samuel 20:21; 2 Kings 1:2 and A. fell בְּעַד הַשְּׂבָּכָה out through the lattice; Genesis 26:8; Judges 5:28 out through the window נִשְׁקְפָה she looked forth (literally leant forward), 2 Samuel 6:26 +; pregnantly Job 22:13 will he judge בְּעַד עֲרָפֶל (looking) out through the thick clouds ? Conversely Joel 2:9 in through the windows they come (the locusts) as a thief.

b. idiomatic with verbs of shutting, especially סָגַר בְּעַד to shut behind or upon — whether oneself, Judges 9:51 and they entered the tower וַיִּסְגְּרוּ בַּעֲדָם and shut (the doors) upon themselves (that is, from the inside), 2 Kings 4:4,5,33; Isaiah 26:20; or another, Genesis 7:16 בַּעֲדוֺ ׳וַיִּסְגֹּר י and ׳י shut behind or upon him (that is, from the outside), i.e. shut him in, Judges 3:23 (the suffix in בַּעֲדוֺ referrring to Eglon), 2 Kings 4:21 (but N.B. persons leaving a room shut the door אַחֲרֵי themselves Genesis 19:6; 2 Samuel 13:17,18): see also Judges 3:22; 1 Samuel 1:6 בְּעַד רַחְמָהּ ׳סָגַּר י (compare Genesis 20:18 עָצַר בְּעַד רֶחֶם), Job 9:7 חָתַם בְּעַד to seal up, Job 1:10; Job 3:23 שׂוּךְ (הֵסֵךְ) בְּעַד to make a hedge about, Lamentations 3:7 גָּדַר בְּעַד to fence about. Somewhat peculiarly Lam 9:10 (who say,) Evil will not draw near, or come in front בַּעֲדֵינוּ so as to be about us (but Gr עָדֵינוּ unto us), Joel 2:8 (of the locusts) בְּעַד הַשֶּׁלַח יִמֹּ֑לוּ (probably) in among the weapons they throw themselves (i.e. they pass about and between them without being injured or having their course impeded), 1 Samuel 4:18 and Eli fell backward בְּעַד יַד הַשַּׁעַר, i.e. (si vera 1.) about the side of the gate: but text dubious; see Dr. Without a verb Jonah 2:7 the earth, בְּרִיחֶיהָ בַעֲדִי her bars were upon me (or about me) for ever, Psalm 139:11 night shall be the light about me, Psalm 3:4 thou מָגֵּן בַּעֲדִי art a shield about me. Hence

c. after a verb of protecting, Zechariah 12:8 in that day בְּעַד יושׁב ׳יָגֵןי ירושׁלם will ׳י give protection about, etc.

2 metaph. on behalf of (ὑπέρ); very frequently after הִתְמַּלֵּל Genesis 20:7; Numbers 21:7; 1 Samuel 7:5; Psalm 72:15 +; also with other verbs of entreating Exodus 8:24; 1 Samuel 7:9, or consulting (דָּרַשׁ) Isaiah 8:19; 2 Kings 22:13; Jeremiah 21:2; with כִּמֶּר atone Exodus 32:30; Leviticus 9:7; Leviticus 11:6,11 +, עָשָׂה (= offer) Ezekiel 45:22: see also 2 Samuel 10:12; 2 Samuel 12:16; Isaiah 37:4; Jeremiah 7:16; Jeremiah 11:4; Ezekiel 22:30; Proverbs 20:16; Proverbs 27:13; Psalm 138:8; Job 2:4 עוֺר בְּעַד עוֺר (see עוֺר), Job 6:22. Almost = for the sake of, an account of Proverbs 6:26; Jeremiah 11:14 (but ᵐ5. ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ᵑ7 and many MSS. בְּעֵת רָעָתָם, compare Jeremiah 11:12; Jeremiah 15:11). Isaiah 32:14 hill and watch-tower הָיָה בְעַד מְעָרוֺת are come to be on behalf of (i.e. take the place of, serve as) caves for ever: but use is singular, and בְּעַד is probably only dittograph from מער in מערות (so Gr). — With מִן, ׳מִבַּעַד לְ (compare ׳מִמַּעַל לְ, ׳מִתַּחַת לְ): Songs 4:1,3; Songs 6:7 thine eyes are doves מִבַּעַד לְצַמָּתֵךְ from behind thy veil. compare on בַּעַד Grätz^{Monatsschrift, 1879, 49 ff}.

Overview

בְּעַד (beʿad) is a versatile Hebrew preposition that most often expresses agency, advocacy, substitution, or protective distance. Whether rendered “for,” “on behalf of,” “about,” “behind,” or “through,” its occurrences weave a rich biblical tapestry of intercession, mediation, and shelter. By tracing its roughly 102 occurrences, one sees how Old Testament history, worship, and prophecy anticipate the ultimate Mediator who acts “for us.”

Range of Meaning in Practice

1. For the benefit or sake of someone (Genesis 18:32; Numbers 14:19).
2. In exchange for, or in substitution (Genesis 22:13; Job 42:8).
3. Over or around as a protective barrier (Exodus 14:22; 2 Samuel 18:4).
4. Concerning or about a matter (1 Samuel 25:24).
5. Through or by means of something (Job 36:7).
6. Behind or from behind, suggesting covering or defense (Joshua 8:4).

Key Theological Themes

1. Intercession and Advocacy – The preposition regularly marks the speech or action of someone who stands before God or another authority on another person’s behalf.
2. Substitutionary Protection – Beʿad conveys the idea of one thing taking another’s place or shielding another from harm, foreshadowing redemptive substitution.
3. Covenant Faithfulness – Usage in legal and covenant contexts underscores God’s faithfulness in acting “for” His people, and leaders mirroring that faithfulness toward their charges.
4. Spatial Shelter – The word’s spatial nuance of being “around” or “behind” illustrates physical and spiritual refuge provided by God.

Intercessory Usage

• Genesis 20:7 presents the earliest explicit intercessory nuance. God tells Abimelech regarding Abraham, “He is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will live”. Abraham’s prayer “for you” (beʿadekha) shows both representation before God and resulting deliverance.
• Moses repeatedly pleads “for” Israel. Numbers 14:19: “Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven them from Egypt until now.” His request beʿad haʿam (“for the people”) is grounded in God’s character.
• Samuel’s ministry is stamped by this word: “Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23). Prophetic leadership includes standing in prayerful advocacy.
• Job’s restoration hinges on priestly intercession. The LORD instructs Job’s friends, “My servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept him” (Job 42:8).

Protective and Spatial Sense

• During the Exodus, beʿad marks the watery walls that shielded Israel: “The waters were a wall for them on their right and on their left” (Exodus 14:22). The literal barrier images God’s saving enclosure.
• The same idea informs military strategy: “Hide in ambush behind the city” (Joshua 8:4). Protection “behind” becomes the posture from which victory follows.
• David’s peril and preservation show both senses. His men plead, “You must not march out with us, so that you do not extinguish the lamp of Israel” (2 Samuel 18:3–4). They stand “for” (beʿad) the king, positioning themselves as a living shield.

Economic and Substitutionary Usage

• Abraham substitutes a ram “for his son” on Moriah (Genesis 22:13). The preposition underlines vicarious sacrifice, setting a trajectory toward the ultimate Lamb.
• Ransom language appears in Exodus 21:30 where payment “for his life” spares guilt. Monetary recompense pictures redemption.
• Estimation of offerings employs beʿad: “But if he is too poor to pay your valuation, he shall present himself before the priest” (Leviticus 27:8). A substitute amount accommodates the worshiper’s poverty, revealing God’s gracious equity.

Historical Context in Israel

Kings, priests, and prophets each carry the burden of acting beʿad others:
• Kings administrate treaties and battle plans “for” the nation (2 Kings 11:8).
• Priests offer sacrifices “for” (beʿad) individuals and community (Leviticus 16:17).
• Prophets intercede and communicate God’s word “concerning” the people (Jeremiah 21:2).

Failure in any office is often marked by refusal to stand beʿad others (Ezekiel 22:30).

Prophetic and Messianic Foreshadowing

Psalms repeatedly speak of deliverance “for me” (Psalm 35:1). Such language prepares readers to recognize the Messiah who will suffer and triumph “for” His people. Isaiah 38:17 echoes, “In love You have delivered my soul from the pit,” anticipating substitutionary atonement. The cumulative Old Testament witness of beʿad climaxes at the cross where Christ gives His life “as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28), the Greek equivalent huper mirroring the Hebrew nuance.

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Intercessory Prayer – Believers are called to imitate Abraham, Moses, Samuel, and Job by praying beʿad others, trusting God’s readiness to act.
2. Protective Leadership – Parents, pastors, and civil rulers act “for” those entrusted to them, providing moral and spiritual covering.
3. Gospel Proclamation – Teaching on substitution finds rich Old Testament grounding in beʿad, enabling a fuller presentation of Christ’s finished work.
4. Counseling and Compassion – Bearing another’s burden (Galatians 6:2) is the lived out New Covenant expression of standing beʿad someone.

Representative Occurrences by Theme

Intercession
• Genesis 18:32; Genesis 20:7
• Numbers 14:19
• 1 Samuel 7:9; 1 Samuel 12:23
• Job 42:8

Substitutionary Sacrifice or Ransom
• Genesis 22:13
• Exodus 21:30
• Leviticus 16:17; Leviticus 27:8
• 2 Samuel 21:3

Protective Barrier or Shielding
• Exodus 14:22
• Joshua 8:4
• 2 Samuel 18:4
• Psalm 91:4

Advocacy before Authorities
• 1 Kings 2:19–20
• Jeremiah 21:2
• Esther 7:4

Concern or About a Matter
• 1 Samuel 25:24
• Jeremiah 14:17
• Ezekiel 36:37

Summary

בְּעַד consistently portrays one person or thing stepping in for, surrounding, or shielding another. The word’s intercessory and substitutionary dimensions saturate Israel’s history and worship, culminating in the redemptive work accomplished “for us” in Jesus Christ. By understanding beʿad, readers gain deeper insight into the biblical themes of mediation, protection, and sacrificial love that thread from Genesis to Revelation.

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