feminine of דָּג, and meaning the same; {a fish (often used collectively)}; fish.
Transliteration:dâgâh
Pronunciation:daw-gaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דָּגָה (dâgâh), transliterated as dâgâh (Strong's H1710), fundamentally denotes "fish." As indicated by its lexical entry, it is the feminine form of the masculine noun דָּג (dâg, `{{H1709}}`) and carries the identical semantic range. Crucially, dâgâh is often employed collectively, referring to fish as a species or an abundant group rather than a single specimen. This collective usage is vital for understanding its contextual applications in the biblical text, encompassing all aquatic creatures inhabiting the seas, rivers, and other bodies of water. Its core meaning is thus straightforward: the biological entity of a fish, frequently understood in a comprehensive, collective sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term dâgâh appears in several significant passages across the Hebrew Bible, primarily in Genesis, Exodus, and Ezekiel, each context illuminating a facet of its meaning and theological import.
* **Creation and Dominion:** In the foundational accounts of creation, dâgâh is prominent. In [[Genesis 1:26]] and [[Genesis 1:28]], humanity is granted dominion "over the fish of the sea" (וּבְדָגַת הַיָּם). This establishes fish as part of God's created order, placed under human stewardship. The collective nature of dâgâh here underscores the vastness of aquatic life over which humanity is to exercise responsible rule. Following the flood, this dominion is reiterated in [[Genesis 9:2]], where the "fish of the sea" are explicitly given into Noah's (and by extension, humanity's) hand, implying their role as a resource for sustenance and a subject of human authority.
* **Divine Judgment:** A potent use of dâgâh occurs during the plagues against Egypt. In [[Exodus 7:18]] and [[Exodus 7:21]], the turning of the Nile's waters to blood results in the death of the "fish that are in the Nile." This event is a direct assault on the Egyptian deity Hapi (god of the Nile) and a stark demonstration of Yahweh's absolute power over creation and the gods of Egypt. The death of the fish signifies not merely an inconvenience but a profound disruption of life and a symbol of divine judgment.
* **Prophetic Imagery:** In prophetic literature, dâgâh can be used metaphorically or as part of broader cosmic imagery. [[Ezekiel 29:4]] speaks of God putting hooks in the jaws of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, and drawing him out with "all the fish of your Nile," portraying Pharaoh and his forces as fish caught by divine judgment. Similarly, [[Ezekiel 38:20]] describes a great shaking of the earth where "the fish of the sea" (וּדְגַת הַיָּם) are included among the creatures that will tremble before God, emphasizing the universal scope of divine intervention and judgment.
Across these contexts, dâgâh consistently refers to actual fish but serves to illustrate profound theological truths about creation, dominion, judgment, and divine sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to dâgâh (H1710) is its masculine counterpart, דָּג (dâg, `{{H1709}}`), which also means "fish." Both terms are used interchangeably in various contexts, highlighting the singular concept of "fish" in the Hebrew lexicon.
Beyond this direct lexical link, dâgâh is conceptually connected to several broader biblical themes:
* **Creation (בָּרָא, `{{H1254}}`):** Fish are an integral part of God's created order, testifying to His wisdom and power in bringing forth diverse life forms.
* **Dominion (רָדָה, `{{H7287}}`):** The command to "rule over" the fish signifies humanity's designated role as stewards of God's creation, implying responsibility and care rather than exploitation.
* **Life and Death:** The presence of fish signifies thriving ecosystems, while their death (as in the plagues) symbolizes divine judgment and the disruption of natural order.
* **Abundance and Provision:** Though dâgâh itself does not explicitly denote provision, fish are implicitly understood as a source of food and sustenance for humanity, a blessing from the Creator.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The ability of God to control the fish, whether to create them, cause their death, or use them in prophetic imagery, underscores His absolute authority over all aspects of creation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dâgâh extends beyond its simple biological definition, serving as a powerful descriptor within God's unfolding narrative.
Firstly, dâgâh underscores **divine sovereignty and the order of creation**. From the very beginning, fish are presented as part of God's deliberate and good creation. Their existence testifies to an intelligent Designer who brought forth life in the waters. God's act of creating fish, alongside other creatures, establishes His ultimate authority over all life forms.
Secondly, the concept of dâgâh highlights **humanity's unique role as stewards**. The grant of dominion over the "fish of the sea" is not an invitation to tyranny but a sacred trust. It implies a responsibility to manage and care for God's creation, reflecting His own benevolent rule. This stewardship is a core aspect of the *imago Dei* and humanity's relationship with the natural world.
Thirdly, the use of dâgâh in the plague narratives (Exodus) powerfully demonstrates **God's judgment and His superiority over false gods**. The death of the fish in the Nile was not merely an ecological disaster but a direct assault on the economic and religious life of Egypt, whose deities were often associated with the river. This event unequivocally declared Yahweh's unrivaled power and His ability to manipulate the very fabric of creation to achieve His purposes.
Finally, in prophetic contexts, dâgâh serves as a reminder of the **universal scope of God's power and judgment**. Whether symbolizing nations caught in God's snare or trembling before His might, the inclusion of "fish" in such imagery broadens the canvas of divine action to encompass all living things, emphasizing that nothing is outside of God's ultimate control.
### Summary
The Hebrew term דָּגָה (dâgâh, `{{H1710}}`) refers to "fish," often used collectively. Its biblical occurrences, primarily in Genesis, Exodus, and Ezekiel, reveal its profound theological significance. In the creation accounts, dâgâh underscores God's creative power and humanity's divinely appointed dominion over the natural world. In the plague narratives, the death of the fish in the Nile vividly portrays God's sovereign judgment against idolatry and His absolute control over creation. In prophetic visions, dâgâh can symbolize nations or the universal trembling of creation before divine power. Thus, while seemingly a simple biological term, dâgâh contributes significantly to the biblical understanding of divine sovereignty, human stewardship, and the comprehensive scope of God's interaction with His created order.
TRV