a primitive root (compare דּוּחַ); to be dumb, i.e. (figuratively) dumbfounded; astonished.
Transliteration:dâham
Pronunciation:daw-ham'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H1724 (דָּהַם, *dâham*) is a primitive verb primarily conveying the sense of being "dumb," "dumbfounded," or "astonished." Its core meaning suggests a state of profound shock or overwhelming surprise that renders one speechless or unable to react. The comparison to דוּחַ (`{{H1730}}`, *dûaḥ*), which means "to sweep away" or "to be overwhelmed," reinforces the idea that dâham describes a mental or emotional state where one is utterly overcome. The semantic range thus focuses on a sudden and intense impact on the mind or senses, leading to a condition of silence or mental paralysis due to astonishment or bewilderment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H1724 (דָּהַם, *dâham*) is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once in the Masoretic Text.
* **[[Daniel 5:9]]**: "Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished (דָּהַם) at him."
* **Context**: This verse immediately follows the appearance of the mysterious handwriting on the wall during Belshazzar's impious feast. King Belshazzar himself is already described as "greatly troubled" (`{{H926}}`, *bâhal*) and visibly shaken, with his "countenance changed." The verb dâham is applied to his lords, indicating their reaction to both the supernatural phenomenon and the king's extreme distress. Their "astonishment" is not mere surprise but a profound state of shock, bordering on fear and utter confusion. They are rendered speechless and bewildered by an event that defies their understanding and challenges their perceived reality. This singular occurrence powerfully illustrates the overwhelming nature of divine revelation and the human response to it.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H1724 is unique in its scarcity, its meaning resonates with several related Hebrew terms:
* **דוּחַ (`{{H1730}}`, *dûaḥ*)**: The base definition explicitly compares dâham to this root, which means "to sweep away" or "to be overwhelmed." This connection highlights the idea of being overcome or inundated by an experience, leading to the state of being dumbfounded.
* **Words for Fear and Trembling**: The astonishment of dâham in [[Daniel 5:9]] is deeply intertwined with fear. Related terms include פַּחַד (`{{H6342}}`, *pakhad* - dread, terror) and חָרַד (`{{H2729}}`, *charad* - to tremble, be afraid). The lords' astonishment is born of a terrifying encounter with the divine.
* **Words for Silence and Speechlessness**: דָּמַם (`{{H1826}}`, *damam* - to be silent, still) and מָמַם (`{{H4814}}`, *mamam* - to be speechless) describe the state of silence that is a direct consequence of being dâham. dâham implies the *cause* of the speechlessness (astonishment), while these terms describe the *result*.
* **Words for Wonder and Amazement**: תָּמַהּ (`{{H8539}}`, *tamah* - to be astonished, wonder) and שָׁמֵם (`{{H8074}}`, *shamem* - to be appalled, desolate, astonished) are broader terms for amazement. While similar, dâham seems to carry a more intense connotation of being utterly overwhelmed to the point of being "dumbstruck," often with an element of terror or bewilderment not always present in tamah. shamem frequently includes a sense of desolation or horror alongside astonishment.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of H1724 in [[Daniel 5:9]] imbues it with significant theological weight, despite its rarity. The "dumbfounded" reaction of Belshazzar's lords serves as a potent illustration of several theological truths:
* **The Overwhelming Nature of Divine Revelation**: The sudden appearance of the handwriting on the wall, a direct manifestation of God's presence and judgment, is so profound that it incapacitates human comprehension and response. It highlights the "otherness" and absolute power of God, which transcends human understanding and expectation.
* **Human Helplessness Before God's Sovereignty**: When God acts decisively, even those in positions of worldly power and influence are rendered helpless and speechless. The lords' inability to respond verbally or intellectually underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, whose ways are inscrutable and whose judgments are inescapable.
* **The Shock of Impending Judgment**: In this context, dâham describes a reaction to divine judgment. The astonishment is not one of pleasant surprise but of terror and utter bewilderment in the face of an imminent, terrifying consequence for impious actions. It reveals the profound psychological impact of encountering God's justice.
* **A Call to Awe and Reverence**: The state of being dâham can be seen as a natural human response to encountering the divine in a way that shatters perceived reality. It is a moment of profound recognition of something infinitely beyond human control and wisdom, leading to a state of awe that silences all objections or explanations.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1724 (דָּהַם, *dâham*), transliterated as *dâham*, is a rare but impactful verb signifying "to be dumb," "dumbfounded," or "astonished." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Daniel 5:9]] powerfully describes the reaction of King Belshazzar's lords, who were rendered speechless and utterly bewildered by the terrifying manifestation of God's judgment through the mysterious handwriting on the wall. This unique usage underscores the profound and often incapacitating impact of divine intervention on human beings, highlighting the overwhelming nature of God's power and the inscrutable wisdom of His ways. The word conveys a state of shock so profound that it leads to mental and verbal paralysis, vividly illustrating the stark contrast between limited human understanding and the awe-inspiring reality of the divine.
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