from דָבַר (in the sense of destroying); a pestilence; murrain, pestilence, plague.
Transliteration:deber
Pronunciation:deh'-ber
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun דֶּבֶר (deber), Strong's `{{H1698}}`, is derived from a root that, in this context, conveys the sense of "destroying." While the more common homonym דָבַר (dabar) `{{H1696}}` means "to speak," the specific usage and etymological understanding of this particular "deber" point to a destructive force. Its primary meaning is "pestilence," "plague," or "murrain." This refers to a widespread, often sudden and fatal, outbreak of disease, typically affecting human populations or livestock. The semantic range emphasizes a calamitous and devastating epidemic, often understood as a divine visitation rather than a mere natural occurrence. It denotes a severe affliction that brings death and widespread suffering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term דֶּבֶר (deber) appears approximately 50 times in the Hebrew Bible, almost exclusively in contexts of divine judgment or as a threat of such.
* **Exodus:** It is prominent in the account of the plagues in Egypt, specifically referring to the "murrain" that struck Egyptian livestock, sparing Israel's [[Exodus 9:3, 9:15]]. Here, it is unequivocally presented as a direct act of Yahweh, demonstrating His power and discrimination.
* **Numbers:** *Deber* is the instrument of immediate divine judgment against rebellion and sin. For instance, it consumes those who grumbled after the Korah rebellion [[Numbers 16:46-49]] and those who engaged in idolatry and immorality at Baal-Peor [[Numbers 25:8-9]]. These instances highlight its role as a swift and decisive punishment.
* **Deuteronomy:** It is explicitly listed as a covenant curse for disobedience, promising that Yahweh will send "pestilence" upon the land [[Deuteronomy 28:21]]. This establishes *deber* as a predictable consequence of covenant infidelity.
* **Psalms:** In the Psalms, *deber* is depicted as a danger from which God offers protection to the faithful. [[Psalm 91:3, 91:6]] assures the one who trusts in God that they will not fear "the pestilence that stalks in darkness" or "the plague that wastes at noonday." This demonstrates God's sovereign control over even such destructive forces.
* **Prophetic Books (Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos):** *Deber* frequently appears as part of a triad of divine judgments: "sword, famine, and pestilence" (חֶרֶב, רָעָב, וְדֶבֶר). This formidable combination signifies comprehensive national devastation and is repeatedly threatened against Judah and Jerusalem for their persistent sin [[Jeremiah 14:12, 21:6, 24:10; Ezekiel 5:12, 6:11; Amos 4:10]]. The prophets use this triad to underscore the severity of God's wrath and the inevitability of judgment if the people do not repent.
* **Historical Books:** In [[1 Chronicles 21:12, 21:14]], *deber* is the specific form of judgment chosen by David after his illicit census, resulting in the death of 70,000 men. This narrative again emphasizes its direct divine origin and devastating effect.
Across its occurrences, *deber* is consistently portrayed not as a random natural disaster, but as a purposeful instrument in God's hand, manifesting His justice, sovereignty, and covenant enforcement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for דֶּבֶר (deber) is its frequent association with other forms of divine judgment.
* **The Triad of Judgment:** The most common conceptual pairing is with חֶרֶב (cherev) `{{H2719}}`, "sword" (representing war), and רָעָב (ra'av) `{{H7458}}`, "famine." This "sword, famine, and pestilence" triad is a recurring motif, particularly in the prophetic literature, symbolizing complete national catastrophe and God's comprehensive judgment upon a sinful people.
* **Synonymous/Parallel Terms:**
* מַגֵּפָה (maggephah) `{{H4046}}`: "plague," "slaughter," "blow." Often used interchangeably or in parallel with *deber* to describe a divinely inflicted calamity, as seen in the accounts of the plagues in Egypt or the judgments in Numbers.
* מַכָּה (makkah) `{{H4347}}`: "blow," "strike," "wound." While broader in meaning, it can also refer to the "blow" of a plague, especially in the context of divine judgment.
* **Root Connection:** The provided definition connects *deber* to the root דָבַר (dabar) in the sense of "destroying." While there is scholarly debate on whether this is a distinct root or a specialized semantic extension of "to speak" (implying a destructive divine decree), the core meaning of severe, widespread destruction is consistent. This potential link to "speaking" could subtly underscore the idea that *deber* is a "word" or "decree" of judgment from God.
* **Antithetical Concepts:** In contrast to *deber*, concepts like life, healing, blessing, peace (שָׁלוֹם - shalom `{{H7965}}`), and prosperity represent the opposite of its destructive force. God's promise to deliver from *deber* implies His ability to bestow health and well-being.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of דֶּבֶר (deber) is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Judgment and Justice:** Foremost, *deber* is a powerful instrument of divine judgment. It demonstrates God's unwavering justice against sin, particularly against idolatry, rebellion, and covenant unfaithfulness. It is not a random act but a targeted manifestation of God's righteous wrath.
* **Covenant Consequences:** As stipulated in the Mosaic Covenant, *deber* serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of disobedience. It underscores the conditional nature of God's blessings and the solemnity of His covenant promises and warnings.
* **God's Sovereignty:** The ability to "send" or "withhold" *deber* highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation, life, and death. He is the ultimate orchestrator of historical events and the controller of all natural forces, including disease.
* **Call to Repentance:** The suffering and death brought by *deber* are often intended as a severe warning and a catalyst for repentance. The prophets frequently use the threat of pestilence to urge the people to turn from their wicked ways and return to God.
* **Divine Protection and Faithfulness:** Paradoxically, while *deber* represents God's judgment, it also underscores His protective care for the righteous. Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High are promised deliverance from the "deadly pestilence" [[Psalm 91:3]]. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant people who remain loyal to Him.
* **Eschatological Foreshadowing:** In some prophetic visions, widespread plagues and pestilences can foreshadow the ultimate judgments of God in the "Day of the Lord," pointing to a final reckoning and the establishment of God's just kingdom.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דֶּבֶר (deber) `{{H1698}}` refers to a severe, widespread disease or epidemic, commonly translated as "pestilence," "plague," or "murrain." Its underlying meaning is rooted in a sense of "destroying." Biblically, *deber* is consistently portrayed as a direct instrument of divine judgment, frequently appearing alongside "sword" (war) and "famine" as a triad signifying comprehensive national devastation for sin and covenant disobedience. It powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty over life and death, His unwavering justice, and the serious consequences of rebellion. While a terrifying manifestation of divine wrath, *deber* also serves as a potent call to repentance and, for the faithful, underscores God's protective care and deliverance.
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