feminine of דָּבָר; a reason, suit or style; cause, end, estate, order, regard.
Transliteration:dibrâh
Pronunciation:dib-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term dibrâh (`{{H1700}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the more common dābār (`{{H1697}}`). While dābār encompasses a broad semantic range including "word," "thing," "matter," "affair," "speech," or "command," dibrâh typically narrows this focus to denote a "reason," "cause," "purpose," "manner," "order," or "account." It often functions adverbially, frequently appearing in prepositional phrases such as lĕ-dibrâh ("on account of," "for the sake of," "concerning") or bĕ-dibrâh ("according to the manner/order of"). The nuance conveyed by dibrâh is that of a specific underlying cause, a governing principle, or a particular mode of action. It points to the 'why' or the 'how' of an event or statement, grounding it in a specific rationale or established procedure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
dibrâh appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in legal, historical, and prophetic contexts, illuminating the underlying rationale or manner of actions and decrees.
* In [[Genesis 18:18]], the phrase lĕ-dibrâh is used to express the reason for Abraham's blessing, "seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him." Here, it signifies "on account of" or "for the sake of" Abraham's future role.
* [[Numbers 27:7]] employs dibrâh to affirm the justice of the daughters of Zelophehad's petition: "The daughters of Zelophehad speak right; thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them." The phrase kēn dibrâh means "according to the right manner" or "justly."
* In [[Deuteronomy 1:45]], it describes the futility of Israel's repentance after their disobedience: "And ye returned and wept before the LORD; but the LORD would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you." Here, lĕ-dibrâh functions as "on account of" or "because of" their previous rebellion.
* [[Joshua 14:14]] states the reason for Caleb's inheritance: "Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite unto this day, because he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel." Again, al-dibrâh signifies "on account of" or "because of."
* In the prophetic books, particularly Ezekiel, dibrâh frequently appears in contexts related to divine ordinances and the structure of the temple. For example, [[Ezekiel 43:11]] and [[Ezekiel 43:18]] use the phrase bĕ-dibrâh when detailing the "manner" or "ordinances" of the temple and altar, emphasizing the precise order God requires. Similarly, [[Ezekiel 44:24]] speaks of judging "according to my judgments" (bĕ-dibrâtiy), underscoring adherence to divine law.
* [[Jeremiah 3:17]] uses lĕ-dibrâh in a messianic context: "At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart." Here, it means "on account of" or "for the sake of" the Lord's name.
Across these occurrences, dibrâh consistently points to the underlying rationale, the specific manner, or the precise order that governs an action or situation, whether human or divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is dābār (`{{H1697}}`), from which dibrâh is derived. Understanding dābār as "word," "matter," or "thing" helps to grasp dibrâh as the "reason for the matter" or the "manner of the thing."
Other related concepts and terms include:
* ya'an (`{{H3282}}`): A conjunction meaning "because," "on account of," or "for the reason that." While similar in function, dibrâh retains a more substantive connection to the specific "matter" or "reason."
* ma'an (`{{H4616}}`): Often translated "in order that" or "for the sake of," indicating purpose. dibrâh can also convey purpose but often with a stronger emphasis on the underlying cause.
* Concepts of causality: dibrâh highlights the cause-and-effect relationship in divine and human actions.
* Concepts of order and procedure: Especially in Ezekiel, it underscores the meticulousness of God's commands and the importance of adhering to precise divine ordinances.
* Concepts of justice and righteousness: As seen in Numbers, it can denote acting in accordance with what is right or just.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dibrâh lies in its emphasis on divine intentionality and order, as well as human accountability.
1. **Divine Purpose and Reason:** When used in relation to God's actions (e.g., [[Genesis 18:18]], [[Joshua 14:14]]), dibrâh underscores that God acts with clear purpose and for specific, righteous reasons. His blessings and judgments are not arbitrary but are "on account of" covenant faithfulness, obedience, or the fulfillment of His divine plan. This reinforces God's character as a rational, just, and purposeful sovereign.
2. **Divine Order and Holiness:** In the cultic and architectural descriptions of Ezekiel, dibrâh highlights God's demand for precise order and adherence to His ordinances ([[Ezekiel 43:11, 18]], [[Ezekiel 44:24]]). This signifies that worship and service to God must be conducted "according to His manner" or "His order," reflecting His holiness and the need for human conformity to His revealed will. It emphasizes that the divine realm operates on fixed principles established by God Himself.
3. **Human Accountability and Justice:** The use of dibrâh in legal contexts ([[Numbers 27:7]]) points to the principle of acting "according to what is right" or "just." It implies that human actions are to be judged based on their underlying reasons and adherence to established norms, particularly God's laws. This underscores human responsibility to act with integrity and in alignment with divine standards.
4. **The Foundational Nature of God's Word:** As a derivative of dābār, dibrâh implicitly connects the *reason* or *manner* of things to God's foundational "word" or "matter." It suggests that all true purpose, order, and justice ultimately emanate from the divine utterance and decree.
### Summary
dibrâh (`{{H1700}}`) is a nuanced Hebrew term, derived from dābār (`{{H1697}}`), that primarily conveys the sense of "reason," "cause," "purpose," "manner," or "order." It frequently functions adverbially within prepositional phrases, signifying "on account of," "for the sake of," or "according to the manner of." Its biblical occurrences reveal its role in articulating the underlying rationale for both divine and human actions, emphasizing God's purposeful sovereignty, His demand for precise order in worship and life, and the principles of justice and accountability. Ultimately, dibrâh underscores that all things operate according to a divine logic and established patterns rooted in God's foundational "word" and will.
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