The Hebrew word dâgar, represented by H1716, is a primitive root meaning to brood over eggs or young, to gather, or to sit. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its use is highly specific, typically referring to the nesting and gathering actions of birds to illustrate a deeper truth.
In its biblical occurrences, H1716 is used to draw parallels between animal behavior and human or spiritual conditions. In Jeremiah 17:11, it is used for a partridge that sitteth on eggs it does not successfully hatch, serving as a parable for one who acquires wealth unjustly. In Isaiah 34:15, it describes how the great owl will safely gather her young in a desolate land, signifying a complete and secure takeover by wilderness creatures as part of a divine judgment.
Several related words are used in conjunction with H1716 to describe the full cycle of nesting and birth:
- H1234 bâqaʻ (to cleave; hatch): This word appears alongside H1716 in Isaiah's prophecy, where the owl will "hatch." The term implies a breaking open, as when the fountains of the great deep were "broken up" at the flood Genesis 7:11.
- H3205 yâlad (to bear young; hatch): This term is paired with H1716 in Jeremiah's parable of the partridge that "hatcheth" not. It broadly refers to the act of bringing forth life, from a woman who will "bring forth" children Genesis 3:16 to the mountains being "brought forth" at creation Psalms 90:2.
- H4422 mâlaṭ (to bring forth young; deliver): Used in Isaiah 34:15 for the act of laying eggs, this word also means to escape or be rescued. This connects the idea of birth with preservation, as seen when God promises to "deliver" His people Isaiah 46:4.
The theological weight of H1716 is found in its powerful metaphorical applications.
- Metaphor for Illegitimate Gain: The image of brooding over eggs that do not hatch poignantly illustrates the principle in Jeremiah 17:11. Wealth gained dishonestly is ultimately barren and will be abandoned, exposing its owner as a fool.
- Symbol of Prophetic Judgment: In Isaiah 34:15, the successful gathering of young by an owl is a sign of fulfilled prophecy. It confirms that a land under judgment will become so completely desolate that it serves as a secure habitat for wild animals.
In summary, H1716 is a specific verb for the acts of brooding and gathering young. Though it is used only twice, its applications are significant, employing imagery from the natural world to convey lessons about divine justice and the consequences of human action. It illustrates how a simple, literal behavior can become a powerful symbol for the futility of injustice and the certainty of prophetic judgment.
TRV