Hebrew Ad

The various uses of “עַד” (Ad) and its role as a boundary marker

"עַד" in Hebrew generally means “until” or “before,” but depending on the context, it functions as more than just a temporal limit. It serves as a boundary that separates states or transitions between events. The connections between Exodus 12:6 (Passover preparation and offering), Genesis 3:19 (life and death), and Genesis 8 (the flood and the revealing of dry land) clearly demonstrate the boundary function of "עַד." In the Hebrew text, "Ad" marks a division between what is on the left and what is on the right.

1. Genesis 8: Noah’s Ark and "עַד"

Genesis 8:5: Hebrew text: "וְהַמַּיִם הָיוּ הָלוֹךְ וְחָסוֹר עַד הַחֹדֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִי בָּעֲשִׂירִי בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ נִרְאוּ רָאשֵׁי הֶהָרִים" Transliteration: "Vehamayim hayu halokh vechassor ad hachodesh ha-asiri, ba-asiri b’echad lachodesh nir’u roshei he-harim." Literal translation: "And the waters continued to recede until the tenth month; on the first day of the tenth month, the tops of the mountains became visible."

The role of "עַד": It serves as the boundary between the state of the waters receding (flood condition) and the revealing of mountain tops (new beginning). The phrase "עַד הַחֹדֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִי" separates the period of receding water (up to the ninth month) from the moment when the peaks became visible (the first day of the tenth month).

2. Comparison with Exodus 12:6

Text: "וְהָיָה לָכֶם לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת עַד אַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר יוֹם לַחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה" Translation: "And it shall be kept until the fourteenth day of this month."

The boundary: Here, "עַד" separates the preparation (on the 13th day—slaying and keeping) from the moment of offering (on the 14th evening, between the evenings). The same pattern emerges: preparation and anticipation followed by fulfillment and deliverance.

3. Comparison with Genesis 3:19

Text: "עַד שׁוּבְךָ אֶל־הָאֲדָמָה" Translation: "Until you return to the ground."

The boundary: "עַד" separates life (toiling and eating by the sweat of the brow) from death (returning to the ground). Similar to the flood narrative, it marks the threshold between an existing condition and a new, definitive state.

Common pattern of "עַד": Transition and boundary

• Genesis 8:5: chaos (the flood) → new beginning (dry land).

• Exodus 12:6: preparation and sacrifice (13th day) → offering and deliverance (14th evening).

• Genesis 3:19: struggle and life (labor) → return to dust (death).

Lesson: "עַד" is not just "until," but a divine boundary that separates endings from new beginnings. It reflects God’s perfect design in His appointed times (Moedim).

Hebrew letters and their pictographic meaning:

• "ע" (Ayin): Symbolizes an “eye” — seeing and perceiving the transition.

  • Genesis 8:5: The moment the mountaintops are seen.

  • Exodus 12:6: Watching over and guarding the lamb.

• "ד" (Dalet): Symbolizes a “door” — a passage from one state to another.

  • Genesis 8:5: The door from the flood to dry land.

  • Exodus 12:6: The door from preparation to the act of offering.

Therefore, "עַד" (“Ad”) symbolizes a “visible door,” marking the divine thresholds of Noah’s new beginning, the deliverance of Passover, and the boundary between life and death.