an orthographical variation of דָּג as a denominative (דַּיָּג); a fisherman; fisher.
Transliteration:davvâg
Pronunciation:dav-vawg'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דַּוָּג (davvâg), Strong's number `{{H1728}}`, denotes primarily "a fisherman" or "fisher." Its base definition indicates it is an orthographical variation or denominative of דָּג (dag, `{{H1709}}`), meaning "fish," or closely related to דַּיָּג (dayyag, `{{H1770}}`), also meaning "fisherman." The word's semantic range is narrow, specifically referring to an individual engaged in the occupation or activity of catching fish, whether for sustenance or as a profession. The derivation from "fish" naturally defines the one who interacts with them in this specific manner.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term דַּוָּג (davvâg) appears in the Hebrew Bible in only two significant passages, each offering distinct contextual insights into its usage:
1. **[[Isaiah 19:8]]**: "And the fishermen (וְאָנוּ דַּוָּגִים) shall mourn and lament, all who cast a hook into the Nile, and those who spread nets on the waters shall languish."
In this prophetic oracle concerning Egypt, the word refers to literal fishermen. The context describes the devastating effects of divine judgment upon Egypt, particularly the drying up of the Nile River. As the lifeblood of Egypt, the Nile's desiccation would lead to economic ruin and societal collapse. The lament of the fishermen, whose livelihood directly depends on the river, vividly portrays the depth of this judgment. Here, "davvâg" grounds the prophecy in the tangible reality of human suffering caused by divine intervention.
2. **[[Jeremiah 16:16]]**: "Behold, I will send for many fishermen (לְדַוָּגִים רַבִּים), declares the LORD, and they shall catch them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill, and out of the clefts of the rocks."
Here, the term takes on a profound metaphorical meaning. The "fishermen" are not literal but represent agents of divine judgment. God declares His intention to send these "fishermen" to "catch" or gather the people of Israel for punishment due to their idolatry and persistent unfaithfulness. This image conveys the inescapable nature of God's pursuit and the comprehensive scope of His judgment. Paired with "hunters" (צַיָּדִים, `{{H6710}}`), the metaphor emphasizes that no place of refuge will be found for those who have forsaken the Lord. The "catching" implies a methodical, thorough gathering for divine reckoning.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word דַּוָּג (davvâg) is intrinsically linked to:
* **`{{H1709}}` (דָּג - dag)**: The noun "fish," from which "davvâg" is derived, highlighting the object of the fisherman's activity.
* **`{{H1770}}` (דַּיָּג - dayyag)**: An alternative or related form also meaning "fisherman," underscoring the commonality of the occupation.
* **Fishing as an activity**: Implies the use of tools like nets (חֶרֶם, `{{H2764}}`) and hooks (חַכָּה, `{{H2443}}`), and the skill involved in capturing aquatic life.
* **Hunting (`{{H6710}}` צַיָּד - tsayyadh)**: In [[Jeremiah 16:16]], the pairing of fishermen and hunters emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's agents of judgment, covering both water and land.
* **Divine pursuit and gathering**: The concept of God actively seeking out individuals, whether for judgment (as in Jeremiah) or for salvation (as seen in the New Testament's "fishers of men").
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of דַּוָּג (davvâg) primarily emerges from its metaphorical usage in [[Jeremiah 16:16]]. This passage powerfully illustrates:
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**: God explicitly states, "I will send for many fishermen," demonstrating His absolute control over human affairs and His active role in executing justice. He raises up agents, even from seemingly ordinary professions, to accomplish His divine purposes.
2. **The Inescapability of Divine Reckoning**: The image of "fishermen" and "hunters" relentlessly pursuing the unfaithful underscores that there is no hiding place from God's judgment. His reach extends to "every mountain and every hill, and out of the clefts of the rocks," signifying total comprehensive pursuit.
3. **Prophetic Symbolism**: The mundane occupation of fishing is elevated to a potent symbol of divine action. While in [[Isaiah 19:8]] the fishermen are victims of judgment, in [[Jeremiah 16:16]] they are instruments of it, showcasing the multifaceted nature of God's engagement with humanity.
4. **Contrast with New Testament Metaphor**: It is crucial to note the stark contrast between the Old Testament's use of "fishermen" as agents of *judgment* (e.g., [[Jeremiah 16:16]]) and the New Testament's positive metaphor of "fishers of men" (e.g., [[Matthew 4:19]], [[Mark 1:17]]). In the Gospels, Jesus calls His disciples to "catch" people for salvation and discipleship. This highlights the different aspects of God's character and mission across the biblical narrative – His justice and His grace – both expressed through the vivid imagery of "fishing."
### Summary
The Hebrew word דַּוָּג (davvâg, `{{H1728}}`) means "fisherman." While literally describing those who catch fish, as seen in [[Isaiah 19:8]] where they lament the drying of the Nile, its most profound theological usage is found in [[Jeremiah 16:16]]. Here, "fishermen" serve as a powerful metaphor for God's agents of judgment, sent to "catch" the unfaithful Israelites for divine reckoning. This usage underscores God's absolute sovereignty, the inescapable nature of His justice, and His ability to employ diverse means to accomplish His will. The distinct application of the "fisherman" metaphor for judgment in the Old Testament, contrasted with its New Testament use for evangelism, provides a rich insight into the comprehensive scope of God's redemptive and judicial purposes.
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