a primitive root; to move rapidly; used only as a denominative from דָּג; to spawn, i.e. become numerous; grow.
Transliteration:dâgâh
Pronunciation:daw-gaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb דָּגָה (dâgâh, `{{H1711}}`) is a fascinating denominative verb derived from the noun דָּג (dâg, `{{H1709}}` or `{{H1710}}`), meaning "fish." While its primitive root suggests "to move rapidly," its usage as a denominative verb specifically draws upon the prolific nature of fish. Thus, the core meaning of dâgâh is "to spawn," "to become numerous," or "to grow abundantly." It encapsulates the idea of rapid, natural, and significant increase, mirroring the remarkable reproductive capacity observed in aquatic life. This particular verb emphasizes a flourishing and multiplying growth, often in the context of a divine blessing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb דָּגָה (dâgâh, `{{H1711}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly significant. It is found in [[Genesis 48:16]], within Jacob's blessing upon Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph: "the Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude (וְיִדְגּוּ) in the midst of the earth."
In this pivotal passage, Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, thereby granting them full inheritance rights equal to Reuben and Simeon. The use of dâgâh here, rendered "grow into a multitude" or "multiply abundantly," is a specific prayer and prophetic declaration. It invokes the imagery of fish multiplying in water, signifying an extraordinary and widespread increase. This blessing is not merely a wish for numerous offspring, but a direct invocation of the covenantal promise made to Abraham and Isaac concerning their descendants becoming as numerous as the stars of the heavens or the dust of the earth. Jacob's choice of this particular verb underscores the expectation of a divinely ordained, prolific expansion for the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, which indeed came to pass as they became prominent and numerous tribes within Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and crucial related word to דָּגָה (dâgâh, `{{H1711}}`) is its root noun, דָּג (dâg, `{{H1709}}` or `{{H1710}}`), meaning "fish." The denominative nature of dâgâh directly links the concept of abundant growth to the natural phenomenon of fish reproduction.
Other significant Hebrew terms that convey the idea of fruitfulness, multiplication, and growth, often in the context of divine blessing, include:
* **פָּרָה (pârâh, `{{H6509}}`):** "to be fruitful," often used in the context of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([[Genesis 1:22]], [[Genesis 9:1]]).
* **רָבָה (râbâh, `{{H7235}}`):** "to multiply," "to become great," or "to increase," a very common term for numerical growth, often linked to the Abrahamic covenant ([[Genesis 16:10]], [[Genesis 22:17]]).
* **צֶמַח (tsemach, `{{H6780}}`):** "sprout," "branch," or "growth," often referring to vegetation but metaphorically used for offspring or a future king.
The concept of divine blessing and covenantal promises of numerous descendants is central to understanding dâgâh's significance. It stands alongside these other terms as a unique expression of God's power to grant abundant life and progeny.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of דָּגָה (dâgâh, `{{H1711}}`) is profound, despite its single occurrence. It serves as a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His ability to bring about extraordinary fruitfulness.
1. **Divine Blessing and Covenant Fulfillment:** The use of dâgâh in Jacob's blessing directly connects to the Abrahamic covenant, where God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars ([[Genesis 15:5]]) or the sand on the seashore ([[Genesis 22:17]]). Jacob's prayer for Ephraim and Manasseh to "grow into a multitude" (וְיִדְגּוּ) is an invocation of this very promise, anticipating its continued fulfillment through the generations. It signifies that the multiplication of Israel is not merely a natural demographic process but a direct result of divine favor and covenantal intent.
2. **Symbolism of Abundance:** The imagery of fish, known for their rapid and numerous spawning, provides a vivid metaphor for superabundant increase. This is not just a modest growth but a teeming, flourishing multitude, indicative of God's generous and overflowing blessing. It suggests a vitality and life-giving power that originates from God.
3. **God's Active Role in Proliferation:** The verb's active voice ("let them grow") implies God's direct agency in enabling this proliferation. It underscores the theological truth that life, fertility, and numerical increase are ultimately gifts from the Creator, who sustains and multiplies His people according to His divine plan.
4. **Continuity of the Patriarchal Line:** By blessing Ephraim and Manasseh with this specific verb, Jacob ensures the continuation and expansion of the covenant line, affirming that the promises made to Abraham and Isaac will indeed extend through Joseph's offspring, contributing significantly to the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel.
### Summary
דָּגָה (dâgâh, `{{H1711}}`) is a unique and highly evocative Hebrew verb derived from the word for "fish," signifying "to grow abundantly" or "to become numerous like fish." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Genesis 48:16]] is within Jacob's pivotal blessing upon Ephraim and Manasseh. Here, it prophetically declares that these tribes will experience an extraordinary, divinely-granted multiplication, fulfilling the covenant promises of numerous descendants made to Abraham and Isaac. Theologically, dâgâh underscores God's active role in bestowing fruitfulness, His faithfulness to His covenant, and the superabundant nature of His blessings upon His chosen people. It is a powerful linguistic testament to the miraculous growth and proliferation of the nation of Israel under divine care.
TRV