a primitive root; to flaunt, i.e. raise a flag; figuratively, to be conspicuous; (set up, with) banners, chiefest.
Transliteration:dâgal
Pronunciation:daw-gal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H1713 (דָּגַל, *dâgal*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to flaunt" or "to raise a flag/banner." This foundational sense immediately evokes imagery of visibility, identification, and declaration. Semantically, it extends from the literal act of hoisting a standard to the figurative state of being "conspicuous" or "distinguished." The idea is to make something prominent, recognizable, or set apart. In its nominal or adjectival derivatives, it can refer to the banner itself (as in `{{H1714}}` *degel*) or to the concept of being "chiefest" or pre-eminent, indicating a position of leadership or distinction that is readily observed. Thus, dâgal encompasses both the action of displaying and the resulting state of prominence or identification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H1713 appears in the Hebrew Bible in a limited yet highly significant set of contexts, primarily in the Psalms and the Song of Solomon.
1. **[[Psalm 20:5]]**: "We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners (נִדְגֹּל)." Here, dâgal is used in the Hiphil stem, indicating a causative action: "we will cause to be displayed" or "we will set up our banners." The context is one of national trust and reliance on God for victory. The raising of banners in the name of God signifies allegiance, a public declaration of faith, and an act of claiming divine assistance and triumph. It is an outward expression of an inward conviction.
2. **[[Song of Solomon 2:4]]**: "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love (וְדִגְלוֹ עָלַי אַהֲבָה)." This is perhaps the most poetically profound use of dâgal. The noun form `{{H1714}}` (דִּגְלוֹ, *diglo*, "his banner") is derived from this root. Here, the "banner" is explicitly identified as "love" (אַהֲבָה, *ʾahavah*). This metaphor conveys several layers of meaning:
* **Identification:** The beloved is identified as belonging to the one whose banner is love.
* **Protection/Shelter:** The banner provides a covering or a place of safety under its authority.
* **Declaration:** The love is not hidden but openly declared and displayed.
* **Ownership/Possession:** The banner marks territory or belonging.
This verse transforms the military/tribal standard into a deeply personal and intimate symbol of affection and devotion.
3. **[[Song of Solomon 6:4]]** and **[[Song of Solomon 6:10]]**: "You are beautiful, my love, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners (כַּנִּדְגָּלוֹת)." In both instances, the participle form כַּנִּדְגָּלוֹת (as those with banners) is used to describe the awe-inspiring and formidable presence of the beloved, likened to an army in full array. The presence of banners signifies order, strength, and a majestic, perhaps even intimidating, display of power and beauty. It speaks to a conspicuous and distinguished appearance that commands respect and admiration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation is to the noun `{{H1714}}` (דֶּגֶל, *degel*), which specifically means "standard" or "banner," often referring to the tribal standards of Israel in the wilderness (e.g., Numbers 1:52, 2:2). This noun embodies the physical object that the verb dâgal describes the action of raising or displaying.
Other related concepts include:
* **Identity and Belonging:** Banners serve as markers of identity for tribes, armies, or individuals.
* **Leadership and Authority:** The banner often represents the leader or the authority under which a group operates.
* **Victory and Triumph:** Raising a banner can be a sign of success in battle or achieving a goal.
* **Gathering and Unity:** Banners served as rallying points for tribes or military units.
* **Visibility and Prominence:** The very act of displaying a banner is to make something conspicuous.
While `{{H1713}}` focuses on the action or state of being banner-like, the word `{{H5251}}` (נֵס, *nes*) also means "standard" or "banner," but often carries a more elevated, symbolic, or miraculous connotation, frequently referring to God as a "banner" (e.g., Exodus 17:15, "The LORD is my Banner"). dâgal and its derivatives describe the physical or metaphorical display, while nes often points to the divine source or nature of the standard.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1713 is rich and multifaceted, primarily drawing from its metaphorical use in the Song of Solomon and its declarative use in the Psalms.
1. **God's Declarative Love:** The most profound theological insight comes from [[Song of Solomon 2:4]], where God's "banner over me is love." This portrays God's love not as a hidden sentiment but as an open, visible declaration over His people. It signifies His protective presence, His claim over them, and His enduring affection. This banner of love provides identification and security, assuring the believer of their cherished place in His heart. It is a love that is conspicuous, unmistakable, and all-encompassing.
2. **Human Allegiance and Trust:** In [[Psalm 20:5]], the act of "setting up our banners in the name of our God" is an act of profound theological trust. It signifies a public declaration of allegiance to Yahweh as the source of salvation and victory. It is an outward act of worship and dependence, acknowledging that true triumph comes not from human strength or strategy, but from divine intervention and favor.
3. **The Church as a Unified Body:** The imagery of an "army with banners" in [[Song of Solomon 6:4]] and [[Song of Solomon 6:10]] can be applied to the Church. United under the banner of Christ's love, the Church is called to be a formidable and beautiful force in the world, marked by order, strength, and a majestic presence that testifies to God's glory. It speaks to the corporate identity and mission of God's people, moving forward with purpose and divine authority.
4. **Christ as the Ultimate Standard:** While not explicitly stated with H1713, the concept of a banner points ultimately to Christ. He is the one around whom God's people gather, the one who embodies God's love, and the one whose victory is our salvation. He is the pre-eminent one, the "chiefest" among ten thousand, under whose authority and love all believers find their identity and purpose.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H1713 (דָּגַל, *dâgal*), meaning "to flaunt," "to raise a flag," or "to be conspicuous," powerfully conveys themes of declaration, identification, and prominence. Its biblical occurrences reveal its dual significance: as an act of human allegiance and trust in God for victory (as seen in [[Psalm 20:5]]), and more profoundly, as a metaphor for God's open and protective love over His people ([[Song of Solomon 2:4]]). Furthermore, the image of an "army with banners" ([[Song of Solomon 6:4]], [[Song of Solomon 6:10]]) speaks to the majestic and unified presence of God's people. Ultimately, dâgal highlights the visible display of identity, whether it be human dependence on God or, most wonderfully, God's conspicuous and all-encompassing love for humanity, a love under which His people are gathered, identified, and protected.
TRV