### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâʼag**, represented by `{{H1672}}`, is a primitive root used to convey being **anxious**, **afraid**, **sorry**, or to **take thought**. It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses, describing a range of internal states from worldly fear and practical concern to righteous sorrow over sin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1672}}` is used to express both practical and emotional distress. It describes a king's political fear, as when Zedekiah says, "I am **afraid** of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans" [[Jeremiah 38:19]]. The term is also used for familial concern, as when Saul worries his father will stop caring for the lost asses and **take thought** for his and his servant's welfare [[1 Samuel 9:5]]. In contrast, the prophet Jeremiah describes a blessed person as a tree by water who "shall not be **careful**" in a year of drought [[Jeremiah 17:8]], linking a lack of anxiety to spiritual steadfastness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which this anxiety or sorrow appears:
* `{{H3372}}` **yârêʼ** (to fear; morally, to revere): This root word for fear is often used in parallel with `dâʼag`. In a rebuke, the Lord asks, "And of whom hast thou been **afraid** `{{H1672}}` or **feared** `{{H3372}}`, that thou hast lied?" [[Isaiah 57:11]].
* `{{H2403}}` **chaṭṭâʼâh** (an offence... sin): This term is directly connected to the sorrowful aspect of `dâʼag`. The psalmist's repentance is shown when he says, "I will be **sorry** `{{H1672}}` for my **sin** `{{H2403}}`" [[Psalms 38:18]].
* `{{H7458}}` **râʻâb** (hunger... famine): This word represents a tangible cause of the anxiety described by `dâʼag`. The people are warned that the **famine** `{{H7458}}` they were **afraid** `{{H1672}}` of will follow them into Egypt [[Jeremiah 42:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1672}}` is seen in its application to different spiritual states.
* **Fear of Man and Circumstance:** `dâʼag` frequently points to anxiety rooted in worldly threats. This is seen in King Zedekiah's fear of his enemies [[Jeremiah 38:19]] and the Israelites' fear of the sword and **famine** `{{H7458}}` in Egypt [[Jeremiah 42:16]].
* **Righteous Sorrow for Sin:** The word is also used in a positive, spiritual context to denote repentance. The psalmist expresses this godly grief, declaring he will declare his **iniquity** `{{H5771}}` and "be **sorry** `{{H1672}}` for my **sin** `{{H2403}}`" [[Psalms 38:18]].
* **Contrast with Faith:** Anxiety is set in opposition to trust in God. A person who trusts in God is compared to a **tree** `{{H6086}}` that will not be **careful** `{{H1672}}` in a time of drought [[Jeremiah 17:8]], while being **afraid** `{{H1672}}` is associated with forgetting God [[Isaiah 57:11]].
### Summary
In summary, **dâʼag** `{{H1672}}` is more than a simple term for fear. It captures a spectrum of human emotion from the anxiety caused by physical threats and daily concerns [[1 Samuel 9:5]] to the profound sorrow that accompanies repentance for **sin** `{{H2403}}`. Its usage in scripture often serves to contrast worldly anxiety with the security and peace found in a steadfast relationship with God.
TRV