### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Dâgôwn**, represented by `{{H1712}}`, is the proper name for **the fish-god; Dagon, a Philistine deity**. It appears **13 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. It consistently refers to a primary god worshipped by the Philistines, whose power is directly challenged in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1712}}` is central to several key events. The Philistines credit **Dagon** with their victory over Samson, offering a great sacrifice to their god in celebration [[Judges 16:23]]. The most detailed account occurs when the Philistines capture the Ark of God and place it in the house of **Dagon** in Ashdod [[1 Samuel 5:2]]. The idol is twice found fallen on its face before the Ark; the second time, its head and hands are cut off, leaving only a stump [[1 Samuel 5:4]]. This leads the men of Ashdod to conclude that the hand of the God of Israel is against them and their god **Dagon** [[1 Samuel 5:7]]. Later, the temple of **Dagon** is mentioned as the place where the Philistines fastened the head of King Saul [[1 Chronicles 10:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the worship and downfall of Dagon:
* `{{H430}}` **ʼĕlôhîym** (gods... but specifically used... of the supreme God): This word is used by the Philistines to refer to Dagon as their "god" ([[Judges 16:23]], [[1 Samuel 5:7]]). The narrative places Dagon in direct opposition to the **God** `{{H430}}` of Israel, demonstrating the latter's absolute authority.
* `{{H795}}` **ʼAshdôwd** (ravager; Ashdod, a place in Palestine): This Philistine city is the primary location of Dagon's temple. The humiliation of Dagon before the Ark of the LORD unfolds within his own house in **Ashdod** [[1 Samuel 5:5]].
* `{{H796}}` **ʼAshdôwdîy** (an Ashdodite... or inhabitant of Asdod): This term refers to the worshippers of Dagon. It is the people "of Ashdod" `{{H796}}` who set their fallen idol back in its place, only to discover its destruction the next day [[1 Samuel 5:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1712}}` is demonstrated through direct confrontation.
* **Supremacy of God:** The narrative of Dagon is a powerful declaration of the LORD's sovereignty. The Philistine idol cannot even remain standing in the presence of the Ark of God [[1 Samuel 5:3]] and is ultimately dismembered, symbolizing its complete defeat [[1 Samuel 5:4]].
* **The Futility of Idols:** Dagon represents the impotence of false gods. Though worshipped by the Philistines and credited with military victories [[Judges 16:23]], the idol is shown to be a mere object, unable to protect itself or its people from the power of the God of Israel.
* **Divine Judgment:** The events in Ashdod are portrayed as a direct judgment upon both the idol and its followers. The men of Ashdod explicitly state that the hand of God is "sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god" [[1 Samuel 5:7]], connecting their own suffering with the dishonoring of their deity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1712}}` is not merely a historical name but a central figure in a theological polemic. As the chief deity of the Philistines, Dagon's repeated and graphic humiliation serves as a clear biblical illustration of the powerlessness of idols and the unmatched supremacy of the God of Israel. The narrative surrounding Dagon is a definitive statement that false gods will ultimately fall before the one true God.
TRV