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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dibyôwn**, represented by `{{H1686}}`, is a term of uncertain derivation, appearing only once in the plural form. It is also noted with a marginal reading of חֶרְיוֹן. Scholars suggest it likely refers to a cheap vegetable, possibly a bulbous root, though it is translated as **dove's dung**. Its single appearance across one unique verse makes it an exceptionally rare word in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H1686}}` occurs in the historical account of the siege of Samaria. The passage describes a dire situation where a **great** `{{H1419}}` **famine** `{{H7458}}` has gripped the city because enemies **besieged** `{{H6696}}` it. The desperation of the people is illustrated by the exorbitant prices for things of little to no value: an ass's head sold for eighty pieces of silver, and a small measure of **dove's dung** `{{H1686}}` sold for five pieces of silver [[2 Kings 6:25]]. This context frames the word not by its literal meaning but by its role in demonstrating extreme human suffering and scarcity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H1686}}` is defined by several key words that describe the crisis in Samaria:
* `{{H1419}}` **gâdôwl**: This word for **great** emphasizes the immense scale of the famine and the terrors of the situation [[2 Kings 6:25]]. It is used elsewhere to describe God's power [[Jeremiah 32:17]] and significant events like the trouble facing God's people [[Daniel 12:1]].
* `{{H6696}}` **tsûwr**: Meaning to **besiege** or confine, this term identifies the hostile action that caused the famine. It can refer to a military assault [[Daniel 1:1]] or, figuratively, to God's encompassing presence [[Psalms 139:5]].
* `{{H7458}}` **râʻâb**: This word for **famine** or hunger is the direct result of the siege. It can describe a physical lack of food [[Ruth 1:1]] or a spiritual famine for the words of the Lord [[Amos 8:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1686}}` is tied entirely to the desperate circumstances of its use. It serves to illustrate profound biblical themes of hardship and judgment.
* **The Depths of Suffering:** The sale of **dove's dung** as food highlights the complete collapse of society and the horrifying reality of a city under siege. Such conditions are often depicted as a consequence of turning away from God, where even the most basic sustenance is removed [[Jeremiah 16:4]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The combination of being **besieged** `{{H6696}}` and experiencing **famine** `{{H7458}}` is presented elsewhere as a tool of divine judgment against nations and disobedient people ([[Jeremiah 21:4]], [[Jeremiah 21:7]]).
* **Sovereignty over Scarcity:** The extreme **famine** `{{H7458}}` stands in contrast to God's power to provide, as when He gave the Israelites bread from heaven for their hunger [[Nehemiah 9:15]] or promised to deliver their souls from death in famine [[Psalms 33:19]]. The scene in Samaria underscores the severity of being cut off from such provision.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1686}}` is a word whose significance is derived entirely from its singular, dramatic context. While its precise identity as **dove's dung** or a cheap vegetable is debated, its function in the narrative is clear: to mark the absolute rock bottom of a society in crisis. It is a powerful descriptor of the human cost of a **great** `{{H1419}}` **famine** `{{H7458}}` brought on when a city is **besieged** `{{H6696}}`, illustrating a key biblical theme of suffering and judgment.
TRV