### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dᵉbash**, represented by `{{H1706}}`, is the primary term for **honey**. It appears 54 times across 54 unique verses in the Bible. Based on a root meaning "to be gummy," the word signifies the sticky sweetness of honey, and by analogy can also refer to syrup or the contents of a honeycomb.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1706}}` is most famously used to describe the abundance of the Promised Land. God repeatedly promises to bring the Israelites to "a land flowing with milk and **honey**," a phrase symbolizing immense fertility and divine blessing [[Exodus 3:8]]. Beyond this promise, honey serves as a valuable commodity and provision. It was included among the "best fruits in the land" sent as a present to an Egyptian official [[Genesis 43:11]], and it provided sustenance in the wilderness [[1 Samuel 14:29]]. Honey is also found in nature, as when Samson discovered it in the carcass of a lion [[Judges 14:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of sweetness, abundance, and provision associated with honey:
* `{{H2461}}` **châlâb** (milk): This word is frequently paired with **dᵉbash** to form the iconic description of the Promised Land's richness [[Exodus 33:3]].
* `{{H2100}}` **zûwb** (to flow freely): This verb is almost exclusively used to describe the overflowing abundance of milk and honey in the land God promised to Israel [[Numbers 14:8]].
* `{{H5317}}` **nôpheth** (a dripping i.e. of honey (from the comb)): Often translated as honeycomb, this term specifies honey in its most natural and pure state. The Lord's judgments are described as "sweeter also than honey and the **honeycomb**" [[Psalms 19:10]].
* `{{H4966}}` **mâthôwq** (sweet): This adjective is used to describe the pleasant taste of honey. A divine scroll given to Ezekiel was in his mouth "as honey for **sweetness**" [[Ezekiel 3:3]], and a honeycomb is described as **sweet** to the taste [[Proverbs 24:13]].
* `{{H3293}}` **yaʻar** (honey in the comb (as hived in trees)): This word for a forest or wood is also used for a honeycomb, as seen when Jonathan dipped his rod into an **honeycomb** found in the woods [[1 Samuel 14:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and symbolic weight of `{{H1706}}` is significant, often representing divine favor and wisdom.
* **Symbol of Divine Blessing:** The "land flowing with milk and honey" is the ultimate expression of God's covenant promise to provide a place of prosperity and abundance for His people [[Deuteronomy 26:15]]. God fed His people with **honey** from the rock, a symbol of miraculous provision [[Psalms 81:16]].
* **Metaphor for Wisdom:** The sweetness of honey is a powerful metaphor for the value of God's word and wisdom. The Psalmist declares God's words are sweeter than **honey** to his mouth [[Psalms 119:103]]. Pleasant words are compared to a honeycomb, bringing sweetness to the soul and health to the body [[Proverbs 16:24]].
* **Prohibited Sacrifice:** Despite its positive symbolism, **honey** was explicitly forbidden as part of any offering made by fire to the LORD, distinguishing it as an earthly pleasure separate from certain sacred rituals [[Leviticus 2:11]].
* **Natural Goodness and Moderation:** Proverbs uses honey to teach wisdom, advising one to eat it because it is good, but not in excess, lest it be vomited up ([[Proverbs 24:13]], [[Proverbs 25:16]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1706}}` **dᵉbash** carries meaning far beyond its simple definition. While it denotes a natural food source and a valuable product, it primarily functions as a potent symbol of God's blessing, the richness of His provision, and the delightful sweetness of His wisdom and words. From the promise of the fertile land to the taste of a prophetic scroll, honey consistently represents the goodness and favor of God.
TRV