### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dôbeʼ**, represented by `{{H1679}}`, is a unique term for **strength**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. The word derives from an unused root that likely means to be sluggish or restful, giving it associated meanings of quietness and strength.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H1679}}` is found in the blessing of Asher in Deuteronomy. The verse promises that "as thy days, so shall thy **strength** be" [[Deuteronomy 33:25]]. This appearance directly links a person's endurance and vitality to the length of their life, set alongside a promise of secure and strong footing with shoes of iron and brass.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words in the surrounding verse provide context for the meaning of **dôbeʼ**:
* `{{H3117}}` **yôwm** (a day): This word for **day** is used in direct parallel with strength, suggesting an enduring vitality that lasts for one's entire life [[Deuteronomy 33:25]]. It is frequently used to define a space of time, such as dwelling in the house of the LORD all the **days** of one's life [[Psalms 27:4]].
* `{{H1270}}` **barzel** (iron): The promise of **iron** shoes signifies impenetrable security and readiness. This metal is often used figuratively to describe something unyielding or strong, like an **iron** pillar [[Jeremiah 1:18]] or the "furnace of **iron**" to describe Egypt [[Jeremiah 11:4]].
* `{{H5178}}` **nᵉchôsheth** (brass): Paired with iron, **brass** further emphasizes durability and resilience. It is used to describe strong defenses, like **brasen** walls [[Jeremiah 1:18]], and appears in the construction of key religious items, such as the **brasen** serpent [[Numbers 21:9]].
* `{{H4515}}` **minʻâl** (shoe): Translated as **shoes**, this word completes the imagery of a secure and protected journey, where one's footing is as durable as their inner strength [[Deuteronomy 33:25]].
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H1679}}` carries specific theological implications within its context:
* **A Blessing of Endurance:** The promise "as thy days, so shall thy **strength** be" is part of a divine blessing. It frames strength not as a temporary human effort but as a sustained gift from God, lasting throughout one's entire life [[Deuteronomy 33:25]].
* **Security and Provision:** This strength is linked to physical security, symbolized by shoes of **iron** `{{H1270}}` and **brass** `{{H5178}}`. This suggests that God's blessing provides both internal vitality and external protection for his people on their journey.
* **Quiet Confidence:** The root meaning of `{{H1679}}` implies restfulness and quiet. This suggests the promised strength is not a frantic, anxious power, but a calm, steadfast endurance rooted in the security of God's promise.
### Summary
In summary, while **dôbeʼ** `{{H1679}}` is one of the rarest words in the Hebrew Bible, its single use offers a profound statement. It encapsulates the idea of a divinely granted strength that is both enduring and quiet, promised to last as long as life itself. It illustrates how a solitary word, placed in a rich context of blessing, can convey a powerful theological promise of God's life-long provision and security for His people.
TRV