Kedar

biblical_people_or_tribe theological_term standard

Kedar is the name of an Ishmaelite son and the Arabian tribe descended from him. In Scripture, the name usually refers to nomadic desert people known for tents, flocks, and life east and south of Israel.

At a Glance

A biblical people group descended from Ishmael, associated with Arabia, tents, flocks, and desert life.

Key Points

Descended from Ishmael
associated with black tents and nomadic living
used poetically and prophetically for Arabian peoples
a historical people group rather than a doctrinal term.

Description

Kedar is the biblical name of one of Ishmael’s sons and, by extension, the desert tribe descended from him (Genesis 25:13; 1 Chronicles 1:29). In the Old Testament, Kedar commonly refers to Arabian nomadic peoples known for tents, flocks, and life in the wilderness regions east and south of Israel (Song of Solomon 1:5; Isaiah 21:16-17; 42:11; Jeremiah 49:28-29; Ezekiel 27:21). The name appears in poetic and prophetic settings as a representative Arabian people group. Kedar is therefore best understood as a historical biblical people-name rather than as a doctrinal concept.

Biblical Context

Scripture presents Kedar first as an Ishmaelite descendant and then as a tribal name used for Arabian nomads. The Bible’s references emphasize tent-dwelling, flocks, and desert geography.

Historical Context

Kedar likely refers to a tribal confederation in northwestern Arabia or the desert fringe south and east of the Levant. Ancient texts and biblical poetry both associate Kedar with pastoral nomadism and trade.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Jewish readers and ancient interpreters generally recognized Kedar as an Ishmaelite Arab people. In biblical usage, the name could function as both an ancestral label and a collective designation for the tribe.

Primary Key Texts

Genesis 25:13
1 Chronicles 1:29
Song of Solomon 1:5
Isaiah 21:16-17
Isaiah 42:11
Jeremiah 49:28-29
Ezekiel 27:21

Original Language Note

Hebrew Qēdār (קֵדָר), a proper name traditionally associated with dark or black tents in poetic usage.

Theological Significance

Kedar has no direct doctrinal content, but it helps show the biblical world of surrounding nations and the way prophets addressed real peoples in history.

Philosophical Explanation

As a proper name, Kedar functions as a historical and literary marker rather than as a theological abstraction. Its meaning comes from its biblical use among the nations.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not treat Kedar as a theological doctrine or as a symbol with fixed hidden meaning. In context, it usually names a real people group or uses that people group poetically.

Major Views

Scholars generally identify Kedar with an Ishmaelite Arabian tribe. In some passages the name may refer to the ancestor, while in others it stands for the people descended from him.

Doctrinal Boundaries

No doctrine should be built from Kedar itself. Any theological point must come from the passage in which the name appears, not from speculation about the name alone.

Practical Significance

Kedar reminds readers that Scripture is rooted in real peoples and places. It also shows how God’s word speaks to Israel in relation to the surrounding nations.

Related Entries

Ishmael
Ishmaelites
Arabia
Arabians
Nebaioth
Dedan
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Kedar