from דָּג; the fish-god; Dagon, a Philistine deity; Dagon.
Transliteration:Dâgôwn
Pronunciation:daw-gohn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דָּגוֹן (Dâgôwn, `{{H1712}}`) refers to a prominent Philistine deity. Its etymology is widely understood to derive from דָּג (dâg, `{{H1709}}`), meaning "fish." This etymological connection suggests Dagon was perceived as a fish-god, often depicted with a human torso and a fish-like lower body. While some scholars have proposed a connection to *dagan* (grain), suggesting an agricultural deity, the biblical narrative and the common understanding of the name strongly favor the "fish" derivation. Thus, Dagon served as a significant deity within the Philistine pantheon, likely associated with fertility, the sea, or perhaps even grain, reflecting the diverse economic and geographical realities of the Philistine people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Dagon is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible primarily in two distinct narratives, both highlighting the deity's confrontation with the God of Israel.
The first occurrence is in [[Judges 16:23]], where the Philistines gather in the "house of Dagon" in Gaza to offer a great sacrifice and celebrate Samson's capture. This passage reveals Dagon as a god of national significance for the Philistines, to whom they attribute their victory over Israel's champion. The celebratory context underscores Dagon's perceived power and the devotion of his worshippers.
The more significant and detailed account is found in [[1 Samuel 5:1-7]]. Following the Philistine capture of the Ark of the Covenant, they bring it to Ashdod and place it in Dagon's temple, "by Dagon" ([[1 Samuel 5:2]]). This act was intended to demonstrate Dagon's supremacy over Yahweh, effectively placing the captured Ark as a trophy before their god. However, the narrative dramatically reverses this perceived triumph. On two successive mornings, Dagon is found prostrate before the Ark of the Lord ([[1 Samuel 5:3]], [[1 Samuel 5:4]]). The second instance is even more humiliating: Dagon's head and the palms of his hands are severed and lie on the threshold, leaving only his "trunk" (or "fishy part") intact ([[1 Samuel 5:4]]). This event leads to a lasting custom among Dagon's priests not to tread on the threshold ([[1 Samuel 5:5]]), a stark reminder of their god's desecration. Furthermore, the people of Ashdod and its surrounding territories are afflicted with tumors, interpreted as divine judgment directly linked to the presence of the Ark and Dagon's humiliation ([[1 Samuel 5:6-7]]). These narratives consistently portray Dagon as a tangible idol, a physical representation of Philistine idolatry, whose impotence is starkly revealed in the presence of the sovereign God of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Dagon is to the Hebrew word דָּג (dâg, `{{H1709}}`), meaning "fish." This etymological link supports the common understanding of Dagon as a fish-god, a deity perhaps associated with maritime activities, fishing, or even the life-giving properties of water.
The concept of Dagon is intrinsically linked to the broader biblical theme of *idolatry*. As a physical idol worshipped by a foreign nation, Dagon stands in direct opposition to Yahweh, the invisible, transcendent God of Israel. The narrative of Dagon's fall before the Ark of the Covenant directly contrasts the powerlessness of pagan deities with the omnipotence of Yahweh. Other related concepts include:
* **Paganism and Polytheism:** Dagon represents the polytheistic religious systems that surrounded ancient Israel, systems that often involved the worship of numerous gods associated with natural phenomena or human endeavors.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The Dagon narrative serves as a powerful demonstration of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all other gods, even those held in high esteem by powerful nations.
* **Cultic Practices:** The mentions of Dagon's "house" or "temple" and the "sacrifice" offered to him ([[Judges 16:23]]) provide glimpses into Philistine cultic practices, which involved specific rituals and sacred spaces.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Dagon's portrayal in the biblical text is profound. It serves as a powerful polemic against idolatry and a dramatic affirmation of Yahweh's singular supremacy.
1. **The Folly and Impotence of Idols:** The repeated collapse and dismemberment of Dagon's statue before the Ark of the Covenant vividly illustrates the futility and powerlessness of man-made gods. Dagon, despite being a prominent deity to the Philistines, cannot stand in the presence of the true God. His shattered form symbolizes the brokenness and ultimate impotence of all false gods.
2. **Yahweh's Sovereignty and Victory:** The narrative in 1 Samuel 5 is a theological declaration of Yahweh's unchallenged dominion. Even when His Ark is captured, Yahweh demonstrates His power not through human intervention but through direct divine action against the Philistines and their god. This event underscores that Yahweh does not need human protection; rather, He protects His own honor and demonstrates His might over all rival deities.
3. **Judgment Against Idolatry:** The plagues that afflict the Philistines in Ashdod and other cities are presented as divine judgment for their idolatry and their blasphemous act of placing the Ark alongside Dagon. This reinforces the biblical principle that worshipping false gods incurs divine wrath and demonstrates the destructive consequences of rejecting the true God.
4. **The Clash of Kingdoms:** The Dagon narrative represents a spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, symbolized by their respective deities. Yahweh's victory over Dagon prefigures His ultimate triumph over all opposing forces and powers.
### Summary
Dagon (דָּגוֹן, `{{H1712}}`) was a significant Philistine deity, likely a fish-god, whose name derives from the Hebrew word for "fish" (דָּג, `{{H1709}}`). Biblically, Dagon is primarily encountered in the Book of Judges, where Philistines celebrate Samson's capture in his temple ([[Judges 16:23]]), and more prominently in 1 Samuel 5. In the latter account, the Ark of the Covenant, having been captured by the Philistines, is placed in Dagon's temple in Ashdod. There, Dagon's idol repeatedly falls before the Ark, culminating in its dismemberment (head and hands severed) and the affliction of the Philistine people with plagues ([[1 Samuel 5:1-7]]). Theologically, the Dagon narrative serves as a powerful demonstration of the utter impotence of idols and the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh. It underscores God's judgment against idolatry and His decisive victory over all false gods, affirming His unique power and authority.
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