or (fully) דָּאג; (Nehemiah 13:16), from דָּגָה; a fish (as prolific); or perhaps rather from דָּאַג (as timid); but still better from דָּאַג (in the sense of squirming, i.e. moving by the vibratory action of the tail); a fish (often used collectively); fish.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâg**, represented by `{{H1709}}`, is the term for **fish**. It appears **20 times** across **18 unique verses** in the Bible. Often used collectively, `{{H1709}}` refers to aquatic life in contexts ranging from creation and sustenance to divine judgment and powerful symbolism.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1709}}` is used in several key contexts. It is part of the animal kingdom over which humanity is given dominion [[Genesis 9:2]] and is often listed alongside beasts and fowl. In the story of Jonah, the LORD prepares a **great** `{{H1419}}` **fish** `{{H1709}}` to **swallow up** `{{H1104}}` the prophet, later commanding the **fish** to release him ([[Jonah 1:17]], [[Jonah 2:10]]). The term is also used to name a significant location in Jerusalem, the **fish** `{{H1709}}` **gate** `{{H8179}}`, which was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah [[Nehemiah 3:3]] and is mentioned in prophecies [[Zephaniah 1:10]]. Finally, **fish** are used as a metaphor for human vulnerability, as when people are compared to **fishes** caught in a snare [[Ecclesiastes 9:12]] or being without a ruler [[Habakkuk 1:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the context in which **dâg** appears:
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (a sea): This is the natural habitat for fish, and the phrase "fishes of the **sea**" is a common pairing, establishing their domain in creation and judgment narratives ([[Genesis 9:2]], [[Hosea 4:3]], [[Psalms 8:8]]).
* `{{H5775}}` **ʻôwph** (fowl): This term for birds or fowl frequently appears with **dâg** in divine lists of created animals, whether describing God's creative scope or the extent of his judgment ([[Zephaniah 1:3]], [[Ezekiel 38:20]]).
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): The word is directly connected to **dâg** in the name of the "fish **gate**," a key entry point to Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of fish as a resource and commodity ([[Nehemiah 3:3]], [[Zephaniah 1:10]]).
* `{{H1104}}` **bâlaʻ** (to make away with... by swallowing): This verb is critically linked to **dâg** in the book of Jonah, where the great fish is prepared specifically to **swallow up** the prophet [[Jonah 1:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1709}}` is demonstrated in its various uses:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The narrative of Jonah shows God's absolute command over his creation, as he prepares a specific **fish** for his purpose and speaks directly to it ([[Jonah 1:17]], [[Jonah 2:10]]). God also includes fish in the scope of judgment, showing his authority over the **sea** `{{H3220}}` and all that is in it [[Hosea 4:3]].
* **Humanity's State:** Scripture uses fish metaphorically to depict the condition of humanity. Habakkuk compares men to **fishes** of the sea who are directionless without a ruler [[Habakkuk 1:14]]. Ecclesiastes likens the suddenness of calamity to **fishes** that are taken in an evil net [[Ecclesiastes 9:12]].
* **Subject of Judgment:** As part of the created order, fish are not exempt from the consequences of human sin. In prophecies of judgment, the **fishes** of the sea are consumed or taken away along with mankind and other animals ([[Zephaniah 1:3]], [[Hosea 4:3]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1709}}` is not merely a label for an aquatic creature. It represents a part of the created world subject to both human stewardship and divine authority. From its literal role as a traded commodity that named a **gate** `{{H8179}}` in Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 13:16]] to its profound symbolic use in the story of Jonah and in illustrating human helplessness, **dâg** serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nature and its place within his larger redemptive and judicial plans.
TRV