Original Word: קָדַד
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: qadad
Pronunciation: kah-DAD
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-dad')
KJV: bow (down) (the) head, stoop
NASB: bowed, bowed low, bow low, bowed down
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to shrivel up, i.e. contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference

bow down the head, stoop

A primitive root; to shrivel up, i.e. Contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference -- bow (down) (the) head, stoop.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to bow down
NASB Translation
bow low (1), bowed (7), bowed down (1), bowed low (6).

I. [קָדַד] verb bow down (Assyrian (including Tel Amarna) ‡adâdu, bow down); —

Qal Imperfect3masculine singularוַּיִּקֹּד Genesis 24:26 +, etc.; — usually + וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ etc.; in worship of ׳י Genesis 24:26,48; Exodus 4:31; Exodus 12:27; Exodus 34:8; Numbers 22:31; 2Chronicles 20:18; 29:30; Nehemiah 8:6; homage to man of rank Genesis 43:28, king 1 Samuel 24:9 (Gi v.1 Samuel 24:8), 1 Samuel 28:15; 1 Kings 1:16,31; to ׳י + king I Chron 1Ki 29:20.

II. קדד (√ of following; meaning dubious.; Late Hebrew קָדְקד = Biblical Hebrew; Assyrian ‡a‡‡adu = קָדְקֹד; compare Jewish-Aramaic).

Physical Posture of Humility

The verb denotes the act of lowering the body—often the head or upper torso—to the ground. Scripture consistently links this gesture with an inward attitude of reverence, dependence, and surrender. Whether used toward God or a human superior, the action portrays wholehearted acknowledgement of another’s greatness.

Worship and Covenant Affirmation

In the Pentateuch the verb frequently accompanies pivotal acts of covenant faith. When Abraham’s servant found Rebekah, “The man bowed down and worshiped the LORD” (Genesis 24:26), recognizing divine providence in preserving the patriarchal line. At Sinai Moses “immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped” (Exodus 34:8) when the LORD proclaimed His Name and steadfast love, displaying covenant loyalty through humble adoration. The nation responds in like manner to redemptive revelation—“Then the people bowed down and worshiped” at the first Passover (Exodus 12:27).

Recognition of Divine Revelation

Numbers 22:31 records Balaam’s response when the LORD opened his eyes: “Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.” The physical collapse underscores the weight of divine disclosure and the fear of judgment. In similar fashion Israel “believed… then bowed down” (Exodus 4:31) upon hearing that God had “seen their misery,” coupling faith with visible submission.

Submission to Earthly Authority

The same posture, when offered to men, acknowledges God-ordained hierarchy rather than idolatry. Joseph’s brothers “bowed low to pay him homage” (Genesis 43:28), fulfilling prophetic dreams without compromising monotheism. David bowed to Saul (1 Samuel 24:8) and Bathsheba to David (1 Kings 1:16, 31), illustrating respect for the Lord’s anointed even amid personal tension. Such scenes teach that honoring legitimate authority is a facet of honoring God.

Corporate Revival and Reform

Post-exilic reforms repeatedly feature corporate bowing. Under Hezekiah “they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped” (2 Chronicles 29:30); under Jehoshaphat “all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD” (2 Chronicles 20:18). At Ezra’s reading of the Law, “they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground” (Nehemiah 8:6). In each instance the gesture seals renewed commitment to the Word and reaffirms communal identity as the people of God.

Patterns and Theological Insights

1. The verb never appears in idolatrous worship; its canonical usage safeguards pure devotion.
2. It bridges private and public spheres—individuals (Moses, Balaam) and assemblies (Judah, Jerusalem) alike respond in the same way, revealing a timeless posture of faith.
3. Bowing follows revelation or blessing, emphasizing response rather than initiative; grace elicits humility.
4. Combination with other worship verbs (especially “worship” and “praise”) demonstrates an inseparable link between physical action and vocal confession.

Relationship to Other Hebrew Terms

While a closely related verb often rendered “to worship” conveys full prostration, this term stresses the bending of the upper body or head. It can therefore appear alongside the fuller prostration without redundancy (e.g., 1 Chronicles 29:20), providing a nuanced picture: the head inclines and the whole self follows.

Ministry Applications

• Encourage bodily expression in corporate worship as Scripture-sanctioned and spiritually formative.
• Teach reverence for God-appointed leadership, showing that humility toward people can honor the Lord.
• Highlight bowing as a spontaneous response to the Word, fostering a culture where revelation leads to immediate worship.
• Use historical precedents of revival to call today’s church to unified, visible acts of contrition and praise.

Christological Reflection

Every scene foreshadows the universal homage due to Christ, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Philippians 2:10). The Old Testament posture anticipates the day when voluntary submission becomes universal acknowledgement of His lordship.

וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּ וַיִּקְּד֧וּ וַיִּקֹּ֣ד וַיִּקֹּ֥ד וַיִּקֹּ֧ד וַיִּקֹּ֨ד וַתִּקֹּ֣ד וַתִּקֹּ֨ד וָאֶקֹּ֥ד ואקד ויקד ויקדו ותקד vaekKod vaiyikkeDu vaiyikKod vattikKod wā’eqqōḏ wā·’eq·qōḏ wat·tiq·qōḏ wattiqqōḏ way·yiq·qə·ḏū way·yiq·qōḏ wayyiqqəḏū wayyiqqōḏInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts