in the margin for the textual reading, חֶרְיוֹן; both, (in the plural only and) of uncertain derivation,; probably some cheap vegetable, perhaps a bulbous root; dove's dung.
Transliteration:dibyôwn
Pronunciation:dib-yone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1686}}` (dibyôwn) is of uncertain derivation, appearing in the Hebrew Bible in the plural form only. Its base definition is "dove's dung." This primary understanding suggests either the literal excrement of doves, potentially used as a desperate food source, fuel, or fertilizer during times of extreme scarcity, or, more likely, a euphemism for a cheap, undesirable, and barely edible plant. Scholarly opinion often leans towards the latter, interpreting it as a type of bulbous root or a humble vegetable, perhaps wild onions or carob pods, which were considered of negligible value but became precious in dire circumstances. The marginal note in the Masoretic Text also references חֶרְיוֹן (kheryown), a textual variant or closely related term with a similar meaning, further highlighting the ambiguity and the desperate nature of the substance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H1686}}` (dibyôwn) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 6:25]]. This solitary occurrence is found within the narrative of the severe Aramean siege of Samaria during the reign of King Jehoram of Israel. The context describes an excruciating famine so dire that a donkey's head, an unclean animal, was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter of a kab of `{{H1686}}` (dibyôwn) for five shekels. This exorbitant pricing for such a contemptible item underscores the extreme desperation and starvation gripping the city. The passage vividly portrays the depths of human suffering, culminating in the horrific account of cannibalism in the subsequent verses. Whether literally dove's dung or a euphemism for a worthless plant, its high price vividly illustrates the catastrophic collapse of the food supply and the utter destitution of the besieged population.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H1686}}` (dibyôwn) stands somewhat isolated in its specific lexical form, its semantic field connects it to several broader biblical concepts and related terms. The alternative reading חֶרְיוֹן (kheryown) is a direct lexical parallel, reinforcing the concept of a vile substance consumed out of extreme necessity. More broadly, `{{H1686}}` is intrinsically linked to themes of famine (e.g., `{{H7458}}` ra'av), siege warfare (e.g., `{{H4692}}` matzor), and scarcity (e.g., `{{H2627}}` chaser). It evokes the imagery of desperate food sources, such as those described in [[Leviticus 26:26]] and [[Deuteronomy 28:53-57]], where the consumption of one's own children is foretold as a consequence of disobedience. The narrative of Elisha's ministry often features miraculous provisions during times of famine, making `{{H1686}}` a stark contrast to divine sustenance.
### Theological Significance
The singular mention of `{{H1686}}` (dibyôwn) in [[2 Kings 6:25]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark illustration of the consequences of covenant disobedience and divine judgment. The severity of the famine, leading to the consumption of such an abhorrent substance, aligns with the curses outlined in [[Deuteronomy 28]], particularly the horrors of siege and starvation that would befall a rebellious Israel. The passage demonstrates the depth of Israel's spiritual decline, where their suffering reached an unimaginable nadir. However, this extreme suffering also sets the stage for God's dramatic intervention through the prophet Elisha, highlighting His sovereign power to deliver His people even from the brink of annihilation. The `{{H1686}}` (dibyôwn) thus represents the ultimate human desolation that precedes divine reversal and the demonstration of God's faithfulness to His promises of both judgment and salvation.
### Summary
`{{H1686}}` (dibyôwn), translated as "dove's dung" or a cheap, undesirable vegetable, is a hapax legomenon in the Hebrew Bible, appearing solely in [[2 Kings 6:25]]. Its uncertain derivation notwithstanding, its contextual meaning is clear: a substance of negligible value that became exorbitantly expensive during the severe Aramean siege of Samaria. This single occurrence powerfully conveys the extreme famine and desperation faced by the besieged Israelites. Theologically, it underscores the dire consequences of covenant disobedience, reflecting the curses of [[Deuteronomy 28]], while simultaneously serving as the backdrop against which God's miraculous deliverance through Elisha is dramatically showcased, affirming His ultimate sovereignty over human suffering and salvation.
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