from an unused root (compare דָּבַב) (probably meaning to be sluggish, i.e. restful); quiet; strength.
Transliteration:dôbeʼ
Pronunciation:do'-beh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H1679 (דֹּבֶא, *dôbeʼ*) is a rare term, derived from an unused root that is often compared to דָּבַב (*dābab*). The root דָּבַב signifies a gentle, soft, or sluggish movement, akin to flowing or gliding. From this etymological background, H1679 carries a semantic range that encompasses both "quietness" and "strength." This apparent duality suggests a nuanced meaning: not merely a loud or overt display of power, but rather a deep, internal, and perhaps unyielding strength that is characterized by steadfastness, persistence, or quiet resolve. It implies a strength that is inherent and enduring, perhaps akin to the steady, unceasing flow of a river, which, while appearing gentle, possesses immense, quiet power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1679 appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in the poetic context of the Song of Deborah in [[Judges 5:21]]. The verse reads: "The torrent of Kishon swept them away, that ancient torrent, the torrent Kishon. O my soul, march on with strength!" (NIV). The King James Version renders the latter part as, "O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength." This single occurrence presents an interpretive challenge due to the word's rarity and the differing translations.
In the context of [[Judges 5:21]], the word דֹּבֶא is closely associated with the sweeping power of the Kishon torrent, which overwhelmed Sisera's forces. If translated as "strength" (as in KJV/NIV), it could refer to:
1. The strength of the enemy that was overcome by the torrent and by God's intervention through Deborah and Barak. In this reading, Deborah's soul has "trodden down" or defeated this strength.
2. The strength or resolve of Deborah's own soul, or the soul of Israel, as it presses forward in battle, empowered by God. In this reading, her soul is exhorted to "march on with strength."
Given the root's connection to "sluggishness" or "restfulness," the "strength" implied by H1679 is likely not a frenetic or agitated power, but rather a steady, persistent, and unyielding force. This aligns well with the imagery of a relentless torrent that, by its very nature, sweeps away all obstacles. Thus, H1679 could denote a steadfastness or inherent might that is quiet yet irresistible.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root דָּבַב (to move gently, flow, glide), which underpins the semantic range of H1679. This connection highlights the aspect of quiet, persistent motion that can accumulate into significant power.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical cognates, include:
* **Steadfastness/Endurance:** Concepts like `{{H533}}` (אֱמוּנָה, *ʼĕmûnâ*, faithfulness, firmness) or `{{H3602}}` (כּוּן, *kûn*, to be firm, established) share the idea of an unyielding quality.
* **Inner Resolve:** This word can be contrasted with more common terms for overt strength or power, such as `{{H3581}}` (כֹּחַ, *kōaḥ*, strength, power), `{{H5797}}` (עֹז, *ʿōz*, strength, might), or `{{H2428}}` (חַיִל, *ḥayil*, strength, might, valor). While these terms often denote outward capability or military prowess, H1679 might point to a deeper, more intrinsic, and perhaps less visible form of strength.
* **Quietness/Rest:** The "quiet" aspect of H1679 resonates with concepts of peace (`{{H7965}}`, שָׁלוֹם, *shālôm*) or rest (`{{H5117}}`, נוּחַ, *nûaḥ*). The strength it describes might be that which is found in stillness or unwavering composure, rather than in outward exertion.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, H1679 offers profound theological insight, particularly in the context of divine action and human response.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The sweeping power of the Kishon torrent, described with H1679, illustrates God's sovereign ability to use natural forces to accomplish His purposes and defeat His enemies. This "strength" is not merely physical might but an inherent, unstoppable force that flows from the divine will.
2. **Strength in Quiet Resolve:** The paradoxical combination of "quiet" and "strength" in H1679 can be seen as a reflection of a biblical principle: true strength, especially that which is divinely empowered, often manifests not in boisterous displays but in steadfast endurance, quiet trust, and unwavering resolve. This echoes passages like [[Isaiah 30:15]], "In quietness and trust shall be your strength." Deborah's call to her soul to "march on with strength" (NIV) suggests a divinely imparted, unyielding spirit in the face of daunting odds.
3. **Overcoming Adversity:** Whether H1679 refers to the strength of the enemy being overcome or the strength of God's people in overcoming, it highlights the theme of victory over opposition. God empowers His people to "tread down" the strength of their adversaries, often through means that appear ordinary (like a seasonal torrent) but are divinely orchestrated.
### Summary
H1679 (דֹּבֶא, *dôbeʼ*) is a unique Hebrew word appearing only once in [[Judges 5:21]]. Rooted in a concept of gentle or sluggish movement, its core meaning encompasses both "quietness" and "strength." This suggests a nuanced understanding of power as an inherent, persistent, and unyielding force, rather than an overt, agitated display. In the context of Deborah's song, it speaks either to the formidable strength of the enemy that was decisively overcome by divine intervention through the Kishon torrent, or to the steadfast, divinely-empowered resolve of Deborah's own soul. Theologically, H1679 underscores God's sovereign power manifested through natural phenomena and the quiet, enduring strength that He imparts to His servants, enabling them to overcome adversity through unwavering faith and resolve.
TRV