In Hebrew class we were assigned a word study. I chose the word, strength (me-odekah) from the verse, “And you shall love יהוה [Ya-ho-vah] your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your might.” (Duet 6:5, ISR). While reading commentaries and blogs, I discovered another area of study—examining the Hebrew letters and meaning.
According to the Blue Letter Bible website the Hebrew word Me’odekah is translated as strength or might depending on the version and entails a variety of definitions: exceedingly, might, force, or abundance. Meh-oh-deh-kah’s root word is “m’od (pronounced, meh-ode).
Many authors from blogs and commentaries indicate that this word goes beyond its definition and uses specific descriptions such as, exceeding force, might, and abundant strength. Thus, in my mind, insinuates loving God with stamina and perseverance, along with discipline. Inner will power.
However, it didn’t stop there. Digging further into this word through Hebrew lenses, a picture came to mind that communicated something not directly expressed in the English definition.
As mentioned earlier the root word of meh-oh-deh-kah is “me-od” [מְאֹד]. Using the ancient Semetic Hebrew language and early pictures chart, the first letter picture, mem, is water. Its meanings are water, chaos, mighty, and blood. The second letter, aleph, pictures an ox head. Its meaning is strong, power, and leader. The last letter, dalet, pictures a door. It means move, hang, entrance. My mind raced with excitement! Yeshuah! Might!
John tells us, “This is the One that came by water and blood: יהושע Messiah, not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is the Truth” (1 John 5:6, ISR). (Mem)
Paul states, “…and He put all under His feet, and gave Him to be head overall, to the assembly….” (Ephesians 1:19-22, ISR). (Aleph)
יהושע said, “I am the door. Whoever enters through Me, he shall be saved and shall go in and shall go out and find pasture” (John 10:9, ISR). (Dalet)
Therefore, to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your [me’od]ekah” becomes more than inner will power. Me’od (might/strength) is Yeshua, being our head and entrance to Yahovah through His blood (redemption) and water (Mikveh).
During these 40 Days of Repentance—Dig deeper through abundant learning of Scripture and time in prayer: “…with all your –dedication… “…with all your –determination…
Heavenly Father, help us to learn how to love You with abundance, inner will power “through Messiah who empowers [us]” (Philippians 4:13, ISR).
Wendy Larson
Living Messiah Fellowship, Mesa Arizona
