### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâgâh**, represented by `{{H1710}}`, is the term for **fish**, often used in a collective sense. It appears 15 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible. Its use spans from the creation account to prophecies of judgment and restoration, establishing fish as a key element within the created order and a symbol of both divine curse and blessing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H1710}}` is used to illustrate God's complete authority over nature. In the creation narrative, God grants humanity dominion over the **fish** of the sea ([[Genesis 1:26]], [[Genesis 1:28]]). As an instrument of judgment, the death of **fish** is a sign of God's power, as when the Nile's waters were turned to blood and the **fish** died [[Exodus 7:18]]. This event is later recalled in the Psalms [[Psalms 105:29]]. Conversely, a great abundance of **fish** symbolizes divine blessing and life, as seen in Ezekiel's vision of a healing river that will sustain a "very great multitude of **fish**" [[Ezekiel 47:9]]. The word is also used literally, as when the Israelites remembered the **fish** they ate in Egypt [[Numbers 11:5]] and when Jonah prayed from the **fish's** belly [[Jonah 2:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the meaning of `{{H1710}}`:
* `{{H1728}}` **davvâg** (a fisherman): The human agent who interacts with fish. This word appears in Ezekiel's prophecy where **fishers** will stand along the banks of the restored waters [[Ezekiel 47:10]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (a sea): The primary habitat for fish mentioned in scripture. The phrase "fish of the **sea**" is foundational to humanity's role of dominion given in creation [[Genesis 1:26]].
* `{{H7287}}` **râdâh** (to have dominion): This verb defines the relationship established between humanity and fish in the beginning. God commands mankind to "have **dominion**" over the fish of the sea [[Genesis 1:28]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): The fate of fish is often used to demonstrate the effects of a curse or judgment. In Isaiah's prophecy, fish will **die** for thirst as a result of God's rebuke [[Isaiah 50:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1710}}` is demonstrated through its various roles in the biblical narrative.
* **Creation and Dominion:** Fish are part of the original created order, explicitly placed under human stewardship [[Genesis 1:26]]. This establishes a divinely-ordained relationship between humanity and the natural world.
* **Indicator of Judgment:** The state of aquatic life serves as a visible sign of God's judgment. The death of the **fish** in Egypt [[Exodus 7:21]] and the prophetic image of fish stinking in dried-up rivers [[Isaiah 50:2]] show that the consequences of sin and divine wrath extend to all of creation.
* **Symbol of Restoration:** Just as their death signifies judgment, the abundance of fish signifies life and restoration. Ezekiel's vision of a river bringing life to the waters and producing a great multitude of **fish** of many kinds [[Ezekiel 47:10]] is a powerful metaphor for God's healing and reviving power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1710}}` carries weight far beyond its simple definition as **fish**. It is a fixture in the biblical narrative that illustrates the scope of God's creative power, His authority to judge nations, and His promise of future restoration. From being a food source for Israel to an element in the story of Jonah, the word **dâgâh** shows how God uses every part of His creation to accomplish His purposes.
TRV