### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דַּוָּי (davvây, `{{H1742}}`) is an adjective derived from the root דָּוֶה (daveh, `{{H1739}}`), which primarily signifies a state of being "sick," "unwell," or "faint." The base definition for davvây expands on this, encompassing "sick," and by extension, "troubled" or "faint" in a figurative sense. Its semantic range thus extends beyond mere physical ailment to denote a profound state of debilitation, distress, or languishing. It describes an internal condition of weakness or affliction, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, indicating a deep-seated infirmity rather than a superficial one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term davvây appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant, consistently portraying a severe state of internal affliction.
1. **[[Isaiah 1:5]]**: "Why should you be stricken anymore? You will revolt more and more. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint." Here, davvây is used in parallel with חָלָה (chalah, `{{H2470}}`, "sick"), describing the spiritual and moral condition of the nation of Israel. The "faint heart" (lev davvây) signifies not a physical weakness but a profound spiritual and ethical decay, a deep-seated infirmity resulting from persistent rebellion against God. It speaks to the utter desolation and lack of spiritual vitality.
2. **[[Jeremiah 8:18]]**: "My sorrow is beyond healing, my heart is faint within me." In this lament, the prophet Jeremiah expresses overwhelming grief and despair. The phrase "my heart is faint" (libbî davvây) conveys an intense internal anguish, a heart so deeply wounded by sorrow that it feels utterly debilitated and without strength. This reflects both the prophet's personal suffering and his empathy for the impending judgment upon his people.
3. **[[Lamentations 1:22]]**: "Let all their evil be before You; and do to them as You have done to me for all my transgressions; for my groans are many and my heart is faint." Similar to Jeremiah, this verse from Lamentations uses davvây to describe a heart overwhelmed by suffering and the consequences of sin. The "faint heart" (libbî davvây) here is a poignant expression of profound internal weakness and distress, brought about by immense affliction and the weight of transgressions.
In each instance, davvây is linked to the "heart" (lev, `{{H3820}}`) or "head" (rosh, `{{H7218}}`), emphasizing an internal and pervasive state of brokenness. It never denotes a superficial ailment but rather a condition of profound spiritual, emotional, or existential weakness that undermines the very core of being.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for davvây is its root, דָּוֶה (daveh, `{{H1739}}`), which also carries the meaning of being "sick" or "faint," and can refer to ritual impurity (e.g., a menstruous woman). This root reinforces the sense of a debilitating and perhaps defiling condition.
Related concepts and words that share semantic overlap include:
* חָלָה (chalah, `{{H2470}}`): To be sick, weak, or diseased, often used in a physical sense but also figuratively for spiritual sickness.
* מַכְאוֹב (mak'ov, `{{H4341}}`): Pain, sorrow, or grief, often associated with deep suffering.
* יָגון (yagon, `{{H3015}}`): Grief, sorrow, or distress.
* כָּשַׁל (kashal, `{{H3782}}`): To stumble, totter, or fail, implying a loss of strength or stability.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of human vulnerability, suffering, and the debilitating effects of various forms of distress. Davvây often encapsulates the internal manifestation of such states.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of davvây is profound, illuminating the nature of human brokenness and the divine response to it.
1. **Consequence of Sin and Rebellion**: In Isaiah 1:5, davvây serves as a potent metaphor for the spiritual sickness of a nation estranged from God. It underscores that persistent sin and rebellion lead to a deep-seated spiritual infirmity, a "faintness" of heart that renders one incapable of true worship or obedience. This highlights sin not merely as an act but as a debilitating condition that saps spiritual vitality.
2. **Depth of Human Suffering**: In Jeremiah and Lamentations, davvây articulates the profound depth of human sorrow and despair. It speaks to a heart so overwhelmed by grief, judgment, or the consequences of transgression that it feels utterly weak and without hope. This portrayal of suffering is not superficial; it is an internal, pervasive brokenness that resonates with the human experience of profound loss and anguish.
3. **Implicit Need for Divine Healing**: The state of being davvây inherently points to a condition beyond human self-remedy. A "faint heart" or "sick head" requires divine intervention for healing and restoration. The severity of the condition described by davvây sets the stage for God's compassion and redemptive power, as only He can revive a heart that has become utterly faint and restore a nation that is spiritually sick. It underscores humanity's utter dependence on God for renewal and strength.
### Summary
The Hebrew term דַּוָּי (davvây, `{{H1742}}`) denotes a state of profound sickness, faintness, or trouble, stemming from the root דָּוֶה (daveh, `{{H1739}}`). It transcends mere physical ailment, consistently describing a deep spiritual or emotional debilitation of the heart or head. Biblical occurrences in [[Isaiah 1:5]], [[Jeremiah 8:18]], and [[Lamentations 1:22]] illustrate its use to depict the severe consequences of sin and rebellion, manifesting as a spiritual sickness of the nation, or the overwhelming sorrow and despair experienced by individuals or the people. Theologically, davvây highlights the debilitating effects of sin, the profound depth of human suffering, and implicitly underscores the desperate need for divine healing and restoration in the face of utter human weakness. It paints a vivid picture of a soul or nation in dire need of God's redemptive and life-giving intervention.
TRV