### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma דִּבְרִי (Dibrîy), Strong's number `{{H1704}}`, is a proper noun derived from the root דָּבָר (dāḇār), `{{H1697}}`, which means "word," "speech," "matter," or "thing." Consequently, Dibrîy carries the meaning of "wordy," "my word," or "eloquent." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily confined to identifying an individual, though the etymological connection to "word" carries significant implications within a biblical worldview that highly values speech and divine utterance. Unlike common nouns or verbs, its meaning is fixed to a specific person and the inherent significance of their appellation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Dibrîy appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Leviticus 24:11]]. Here, he is identified as an Israelite from the tribe of Dan, whose daughter, Shelomith, was the mother of a man who blasphemed the Name of the Lord and cursed. The full verse reads: "And the son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel; and the Israelite woman’s son and a man of Israel fought in the camp. And the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the Name of the Lord and cursed; so they brought him to Moses. Now his mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan."
The context is a legal narrative detailing the severe consequences for blasphemy. Dibri himself is not an active participant in the narrative's central conflict but is mentioned for genealogical identification. The naming of the blasphemer's maternal grandfather, Dibri, whose name means "wordy," introduces a subtle, perhaps ironic, contrast. The "wordy" grandfather is linked to a grandson who misuses his words to blaspheme God's sacred Name, the ultimate "Word." This juxtaposition underscores the profound difference between speech used for mundane or even expressive purposes and speech that profanes the divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root from which Dibrîy is derived: דָּבָר (dāḇār), `{{H1697}}`. This foundational Hebrew term encompasses a vast semantic field, referring to spoken words, divine decrees, commands, prophecies, events, and even the "affair" or "matter" itself.
Concepts closely associated with דָּבָר include:
* **Divine Revelation:** God's communication to humanity, often through His "word" (e.g., the Law, prophetic utterances, creation by divine fiat).
* **Covenant:** The relationship between God and Israel, established and maintained through God's spoken word and Israel's verbal commitment.
* **Speech and Language:** The power and responsibility inherent in human communication, which can be used for blessing or cursing, truth or falsehood.
* **Blasphemy:** The ultimate misuse of speech, directly profaning the holy Name or character of God, as seen in the narrative involving Dibri's grandson. This act stands in stark opposition to the reverence due to God's "word."
While Dibri is a unique proper noun, its root connects it to the very fabric of biblical theology concerning divine communication and human accountability for their utterances.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Dibrîy, though a proper name, is primarily derived from its etymology and the narrative in which it appears. The name "Dibri" (meaning "wordy") serves as a poignant backdrop to the heinous act of blasphemy committed by his grandson. This narrative in [[Leviticus 24]] is a powerful testament to the sanctity of God's Name and the grave sin of profaning it.
The "wordiness" implied by Dibri's name stands in stark contrast to the *misuse* of words by his descendant. While Dibri's name might suggest eloquence or a propensity for speech, his grandson's act demonstrates the destructive potential of speech when directed against the divine. This highlights a crucial theological principle: the power of the tongue and the moral responsibility to use speech reverently, especially concerning God.
The incident involving Dibri's grandson emphasizes the absolute holiness of God's Name (the *Shem Yahweh*), which is inseparable from His very being and character. To blaspheme the Name is to attack God Himself. The severe penalty (death by stoning) underscores the seriousness with which God views the profanation of His Name, a foundational element of the covenant relationship and a core tenet of Israelite worship (cf. the Third Commandment, [[Exodus 20:7]]). Thus, Dibri's name, almost ironically, points to the profound theological weight of "the word" – both divine and human – and the consequences of its proper or improper use.
### Summary
Dibrîy (`{{H1704}}`) is a unique Hebrew proper noun meaning "wordy" or "my word," derived from the ubiquitous term for "word," דָּבָר (`{{H1697}}`). Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Leviticus 24:11]], where Dibri is identified as the maternal grandfather of a man who committed the grave sin of blaspheming the Lord's Name. While Dibri himself is a minor figure, the juxtaposition of his name, meaning "wordy," with his grandson's misuse of words through blasphemy, powerfully underscores the sanctity of God's Name and the profound theological importance of human speech. The narrative serves as a stark reminder of the reverence due to the divine "Word" and the severe consequences for its profanation.
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