from the same as דּוֹד; a pot (for boiling); also (by resemblance of shape) a basket; basket, caldron, kettle, (seething) pot.
Transliteration:dûwd
Pronunciation:dood
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1731 (דּוּד, *dûwd*) primarily denotes a vessel, specifically a pot, caldron, or kettle used for boiling. This suggests a primary function related to culinary preparation or processes involving heat. The Strong's definition further extends its semantic range to include a "basket," based on a resemblance in shape, implying a deep, rounded container. Thus, dûwd can refer to both a metallic boiling vessel and a woven container for carrying or holding goods. The etymological note "from the same as `{{H1730}}`" (דּוֹד, *dôwd*, meaning 'beloved' or 'uncle') suggests a shared root, possibly related to roundness or a cylindrical form, though the semantic divergence is significant. The core meaning, therefore, centers on a deep, often round, container used for either cooking or carrying.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1731 appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences reveal a rich contextual usage:
* **Culinary/Sacrificial Contexts:** In [[1 Samuel 2:14]], dûwd is used to describe a "caldron" or "pot" into which the priest's servant would thrust a three-pronged fork to take meat from the boiling sacrifice. This highlights its use in the preparation of food, specifically in the context of the Tabernacle sacrifices, underscoring the practical aspects of worship. Similarly, [[2 Chronicles 35:13]] mentions "pots" and "caldron" (dûwd) alongside other cooking vessels used by the Levites to boil the Passover offerings, emphasizing its role in large-scale, communal, and sacred meals.
* **Figurative/Metaphorical Usage:** [[Job 41:20]] (Hebrew 41:12) employs dûwd metaphorically in the description of Leviathan: "Out of his nostrils goes smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron." Here, the "seething pot" is a vivid simile for the intense, fiery breath and power of the mythical creature, conveying a sense of overwhelming heat and force.
* **Symbol of Toil and Deliverance:** One of the most significant occurrences is in [[Psalm 81:6]] (Hebrew 81:7), where the Lord declares, "I removed his shoulder from the burden; his hands were freed from the basket." The word translated "basket" here is dûwd. This verse directly references Israel's liberation from Egyptian bondage, where they were forced to make bricks. The "basket" (or "pots" in some translations, perhaps referring to containers for clay or mortar) symbolizes the instruments of their oppressive labor. God's act of freeing their hands from the dûwd powerfully illustrates divine deliverance from servitude.
* **Vessel for Classification/Judgment:** In [[Jeremiah 24:2]], the prophet sees a vision of "two baskets of figs" (dûwd). One basket contains "very good figs," symbolizing the exiles taken to Babylon whom God would restore. The other contains "very bad figs," representing those remaining in Judah or scattered, who would face further judgment. Here, the dûwd functions as a container for classification, serving as a powerful visual aid for divine judgment and the sifting of people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic range of H1731 connects it to several other Hebrew terms for containers and related concepts:
* **Pots and Cooking Vessels:**
* `{{H5518}}` (sîr): A common term for a pot or kettle, often used for boiling or cooking, appearing frequently in contexts similar to dûwd.
* `{{H6517}}` (parûr): A specific type of cooking pot.
* `{{H3403}}` (yāʿôr): A large pot or caldron.
* `{{H2736}}` (ḥārût): Another term for a cooking pot.
* **Baskets and Containers:**
* `{{H5536}}` (sal): A basket, often specifically for bread or food, as seen in the Joseph narrative.
* `{{H2945}}` (ṭeneʾ): A basket, particularly associated with firstfruits offerings ([[Deuteronomy 26:2]]).
* `{{H3759}}` (kᵉlûḇ): Can refer to a cage or a basket.
* **Concepts:** The use of dûwd evokes broader biblical concepts:
* **Slavery and Deliverance:** Particularly in the context of [[Psalm 81:6]], it connects to the themes of oppression, forced labor, and God's powerful act of redemption from bondage.
* **Sacrifice and Worship:** Its presence in the sacrificial system highlights the practical and ritualistic aspects of Israelite worship.
* **Divine Judgment and Providence:** The vision in Jeremiah uses the dûwd as a vehicle for understanding God's sovereign sorting and judgment of His people.
### Theological Significance
The seemingly mundane object of a "pot" or "basket" takes on profound theological significance in the biblical narrative.
Firstly, in its most poignant usage, dûwd becomes a **symbol of oppression and divine liberation**. In [[Psalm 81:6]], God's declaration of freeing Israel's hands from the "basket" (dûwd) directly refers to their harsh servitude in Egypt. This imagery powerfully conveys God's active intervention to deliver His people from crushing burdens, transforming an instrument of toil into a testament to His redemptive power. It underscores the Lord as the God who sees His people's affliction and acts decisively to set them free.
Secondly, the dûwd in [[Jeremiah 24:2]] serves as a **vessel of divine classification and judgment**. The two baskets of figs represent God's discernment between those exiles destined for restoration and those remaining for destruction. This illustrates God's sovereign control over historical events and His righteous judgment, sifting His people according to His purposes. The seemingly simple container becomes a prophetic tool for understanding God's justice and mercy.
Thirdly, its consistent appearance in **sacrificial and culinary contexts** ([[1 Samuel 2:14]], [[2 Chronicles 35:13]]) highlights the practical, tangible aspects of Israelite worship and daily life. It reminds us that even the most common household items were integrated into the sacred rituals, emphasizing the holistic nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God, where the mundane could become sacred.
Finally, the metaphorical use in [[Job 41:20]] speaks to **overwhelming power and intensity**. While describing Leviathan, the image of a "seething pot" evokes a formidable, uncontrollable force, hinting at the vastness and mystery of creation, and by extension, the incomprehensible power of the Creator Himself.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1731 (דּוּד, *dûwd*) encompasses the semantic range of both a "pot" or "caldron" for boiling and a "basket" for carrying, unified by the concept of a deep, rounded container. Its biblical occurrences reveal a versatile application:
* As a utilitarian object in **daily life and sacred rituals**, particularly in the preparation of sacrifices.
* As a potent **symbol of oppression and divine liberation**, vividly portraying God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage.
* As a **prophetic vessel for divine judgment and classification**, illustrating God's sovereign sifting of His people.
* As a **metaphor for intense, overwhelming power**, drawing from its association with boiling and heat.
From the mundane implements of labor and cooking to profound symbols of divine action, dûwd demonstrates how ordinary objects in the biblical narrative can carry deep theological weight, reflecting God's involvement in both the practicalities of human existence and the grand sweep of redemptive history.
TRV