The Hebrew word dâvâh, represented by H1738, is a primitive root used to mean to be sick or to be in a state of infirmity. The definition specifically compares this sickness to that of menstruation. As an exceptionally rare term, it appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, indicating its very precise and narrow application.
The single biblical occurrence of H1738 is found in the legal instructions given to the children of Israel H3478. In Leviticus 12:2, the law addresses a woman H802 who has conceived seed H2232 and born H3205 a male child H2145. It dictates that she will be unclean H2930 for seven H7651 days H3117. This period of impurity is directly equated with her physical condition, stating that her time of being unclean corresponds to "the days of the separation H5079 for her infirmity."
Several related words from its immediate context clarify the meaning of H1738:
- H2930 ṭâmêʼ (to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated); ... unclean): This describes the state that results from the infirmity of childbirth. The law explicitly states that due to her condition, a woman "shall be unclean" Leviticus 12:2.
- H5079 niddâh (rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation)): This term for separation is used in parallel with infirmity. The law measures the period of uncleanness by the "days of the separation for her infirmity" Leviticus 12:2, linking dâvâh directly to a required state of ritual separation.
- H3205 yâlad (to bear young; ... beget; ... act as midwife): This is the action that brings about the state of infirmity. The entire regulation applies to a woman who has born a child, making childbirth the direct cause of the condition described by H1738 Leviticus 12:2.
The theological weight of H1738 is tied to the Levitical purity code.
- Ritual Uncleanness: The infirmity of dâvâh leads to a state of ceremonial uncleanness H2930. This was not a moral judgment but a state of being ritually set apart, as mandated by the law given to Israel H3478.
- The Sanctity of Life Processes: The law connects the profound act of bringing forth life—having born H3205 a child—with a temporary state of impurity and infirmity. This demonstrates a theological principle where even natural and blessed life events required a period of ritual separation.
- Divine Instruction: The ruling concerning dâvâh is part of God's spoken H1696 word to His people Leviticus 12:2. It establishes a clear framework for observing purity, showing that God's law provided guidance for all aspects of life, including physical health and recovery.
In summary, H1738 dâvâh is a highly specialized term, whose singular use in scripture defines the physical infirmity associated with childbirth. It is not a general word for illness but is precisely applied within the Levitical laws of purity. It serves as the reason for a mandated period of ritual uncleanness H2930 and separation H5079, illustrating how the Mosaic covenant addressed the physical realities of human life within a sacred structure.
TRV