dual from the masculine of דְּבֵלָה; two cakes; Diblajim, a symbolic name; Diblaim.
Transliteration:Diblayim
Pronunciation:dib-lah'-yim
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דִּבְלַיִם (Diblayim, `{{H1691}}`) is a proper noun, specifically the name of a person. Its etymological root is derived from the word דְּבֵלָה (d'velah, `{{H1690}}`), which refers to a cake, typically of dried figs or other pressed fruit. The form "Diblayim" is a dual ending, suggesting "two cakes" or possibly a "double cake." While literally denoting a food item, its use as a personal name, particularly within the prophetic book of Hosea, imbues it with significant symbolic weight. The semantic range, therefore, extends beyond a mere food item to encompass the symbolic implications intended by the divine author through the prophet.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Diblayim occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Hosea:
* [[Hosea 1:3]]: "So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son."
In this singular occurrence, Diblayim is identified as the mother of Gomer, the woman whom the prophet Hosea is commanded by the Lord to marry. This marriage, and the subsequent children born from it, are explicitly presented as a prophetic sign to the nation of Israel, illustrating their spiritual harlotry and unfaithfulness to Yahweh. The specific instruction to marry a "wife of harlotry" and have "children of harlotry" (as stated in [[Hosea 1:2]]) underscores the deeply symbolic nature of every element in this divine drama, including the names of the individuals involved. While the text does not elaborate on Diblayim's character, her daughter Gomer's role as a symbol of Israel's spiritual adultery casts a shadow of symbolic meaning upon her mother's name as well. The name "two cakes" could subtly allude to the abundance of Israel's spiritual depravity, or perhaps a "double portion" of unfaithfulness or even the deceptive allure of sin, much like a sweet cake.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is דְּבֵלָה (d'velah, `{{H1690}}`), meaning a cake of figs. This word appears in several contexts:
* As a common food item, often used for provision or sustenance (e.g., [[1 Samuel 25:18]], [[1 Samuel 30:12]], [[1 Chronicles 12:40]]).
* As a medicinal poultice, particularly for boils (e.g., [[2 Kings 20:7]], [[Isaiah 38:21]]).
The connection between Diblayim ("two cakes") and דְּבֵלָה (d'velah) is direct, suggesting that the symbolic weight of the name H1691 is intrinsically tied to the common understanding of a fig cake. In the broader prophetic context of Hosea, the imagery of "cakes" might evoke ideas of Israel's material prosperity or self-sufficiency, which often led them away from dependence on God. It could also metaphorically represent the "sweetness" of idolatry or illicit relationships that enticed Israel away from their covenant Lord. The use of symbolic names and actions is a hallmark of prophetic literature, particularly in Hosea, where the names of Hosea's children (Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, Lo-Ammi) also carry profound theological messages.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Diblayim lies primarily in its contribution to the overarching prophetic message of Hosea. As the mother of Gomer, whose life directly parallels Israel's unfaithfulness, the name "Two Cakes" becomes part of the divine object lesson. While not explicitly interpreted in the text, its symbolic potential is rich:
1. **Symbol of Abundance/Excess:** "Two cakes" could signify an abundance of sin or a double portion of spiritual harlotry that characterized Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
2. **Allure of Idolatry:** Just as a sweet cake can be tempting, the name might subtly point to the enticing nature of idolatry and foreign alliances that drew Israel away from the one true God.
3. **Commonness and Corruption:** If cakes were a common food, the name could imply that Israel's spiritual harlotry had become commonplace and deeply ingrained, like a daily provision.
4. **Divine Sovereignty in Naming:** The fact that the Lord commands Hosea to marry Gomer, daughter of Diblayim, highlights God's sovereign hand in orchestrating every detail of this prophetic drama to reveal His character and Israel's sin. Even the names of seemingly minor characters are woven into the tapestry of divine revelation, underscoring the depth of God's communication and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, despite their infidelity.
### Summary
Diblayim (`{{H1691}}`) is a unique proper noun occurring only once in the Bible as the mother of Gomer, Hosea's wife. Etymologically rooted in the word for "cake" (דְּבֵלָה, `{{H1690}}`), its dual form translates to "two cakes." While not explicitly expounded upon in the text, its presence within the deeply symbolic narrative of Hosea's marriage to Gomer lends it significant theological weight. It subtly contributes to the prophetic indictment of Israel's spiritual harlotry, potentially symbolizing the abundance of their sin, the seductive nature of their idolatry, or the pervasive commonness of their unfaithfulness. As with all elements of Hosea's prophetic act, Diblayim's name serves as a divinely chosen detail, enriching the profound message of God's heartbroken love and unwavering pursuit of His covenant people.
TRV