feminine from the same as דַּוָּג; properly, fishery, i.e. a hook forfishing; fish (hook).
Transliteration:dûwgâh
Pronunciation:doo-gaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun דּוּגָה (dûwgâh, `{{H1729}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the same root as דַּוָּג (dawwâg, `{{H1728}}`), meaning "fisherman." Its core meaning denotes an implement used in the act of fishing: specifically, a "hook for fishing" or a "fish hook." While the base definition also includes "fishery," the primary and most concrete application, as clarified by the definition itself ("i.e., a hook for fishing"), refers to the tool itself. This word thus belongs to a semantic field associated with the capture of aquatic life, emphasizing the instrument of that capture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term דּוּגָה (dûwgâh, `{{H1729}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Habakkuk:
* **[[Habakkuk 1:15]]**: "They bring all of them up with a hook; they catch them in their net, and gather them in their dragnet. Therefore they rejoice and are glad."
In this sole occurrence, the word is used metaphorically within a prophetic lament and divine response. The prophet Habakkuk is questioning God about the rampant injustice and violence within Judah. God responds by revealing that He is raising up the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to execute judgment. The imagery in [[Habakkuk 1:15]] vividly portrays the Chaldeans as ruthless fishermen, using a "hook" (דּוּגָה, `{{H1729}}`), a "net" (מְצוּדָה, `{{H4686}}`), and a "dragnet" (חֶרֶם, `{{H2764}}`) to capture nations and peoples as if they were fish. The "hook" here signifies a tool of individual, precise capture, yet it is part of a larger, comprehensive strategy of subjugation. This depiction underscores the overwhelming power and predatory nature of the Chaldean invaders, and the utter helplessness of those caught in their grasp. The context highlights the Chaldeans as instruments of divine judgment, bringing about inescapable capture.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of דּוּגָה (dûwgâh, `{{H1729}}`) is closely tied to the act of fishing and its associated tools and agents:
* **דַּוָּג (dawwâg, `{{H1728}}`)**: "Fisherman." This is the direct masculine counterpart or agent from which דּוּגָה is derived, highlighting the one who wields the hook.
* **דּוּג (duwg, `{{H1727}}`)**: "To fish." This is the verbal root, describing the action itself.
* **מְצוּדָה (mᵉtsûwdâh, `{{H4686}}`)**: "Net," "snare." This term often appears alongside "hook" in contexts of capture, as seen in [[Habakkuk 1:15]]. It emphasizes a broader, more comprehensive form of entrapment.
* **חֶרֶם (ḥerem, `{{H2764}}`)**: "Dragnet," "fishing net." Also present in [[Habakkuk 1:15]], this word further reinforces the imagery of total and inescapable capture.
* **Concepts of Capture and Judgment**: The use of fishing implements as metaphors for warfare and divine judgment is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy (e.g., [[Jeremiah 16:16]], [[Ezekiel 29:4]], [[Ezekiel 38:4]], [[Amos 4:2]]). These passages often depict God "hooking" or "netting" nations or individuals for judgment, underscoring His sovereign control over human affairs.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of דּוּגָה (dûwgâh, `{{H1729}}`) in [[Habakkuk 1:15]] carries profound theological weight, particularly in its metaphorical application:
* **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**: The "hook" serves as a powerful symbol of God's absolute sovereignty over nations. Even the ruthless Chaldeans, acting with their own will and power, are portrayed as mere instruments in God's hand, used to "hook" and capture those whom He has appointed for judgment. This illustrates that no nation or individual can escape God's decreed purposes.
* **The Inescapability of Divine Justice**: Just as a fish caught on a hook has no means of escape, the imagery conveys the utter helplessness and inescapable fate of those whom God brings under judgment. The "hook" represents an inescapable grip, a precise and effective means of capture that leads directly to subjugation or destruction.
* **Metaphor for Oppression and Warfare**: The "hook" in the hands of the Chaldeans vividly portrays the brutal and predatory nature of their military conquest. It dehumanizes the victims, reducing them to mere catches, highlighting the severity and ruthlessness of the coming divine punishment.
* **God's Use of Unrighteous Instruments**: The passage in Habakkuk grapples with the paradox of God using a nation more wicked than Judah to punish Judah. The "hook" becomes a stark reminder that God can employ any means, even the most formidable and seemingly unjust, to accomplish His righteous ends.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דּוּגָה (dûwgâh, `{{H1729}}`) primarily denotes a "fishing hook," a concrete implement for catching fish. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Habakkuk 1:15]] elevates this simple tool into a potent metaphor for divine judgment and inescapable capture. In this context, the Chaldeans are depicted as fishermen using a "hook" and nets to ensnare nations, symbolizing their role as instruments of God's sovereign will. Theologically, דּוּגָה underscores the absolute control of God over the destinies of nations, the inescapable nature of His justice, and the often harsh reality of His judgment, even when executed through human agents.
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