or דּוֹשׁ; or דִּישׁ; a primitive root; to trample or thresh; break, tear, thresh, tread out (down), at grass (Jeremiah 50:11, by mistake for דֶּשֶׁא).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dûwsh**, represented by `{{H1758}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to trample or thresh**. It appears 14 times in 13 verses, often carrying the variants דּוֹשׁ or דִּישׁ. While its literal meaning is tied to the agricultural process of separating grain, it is frequently used as a powerful metaphor for destruction, punishment, and divine judgment. The base definition also notes its mistaken use for a different word in [[Jeremiah 50:11]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H1758}}` encompasses both literal and figurative actions. Its agricultural context is seen when Ornan is found "threshing wheat" [[1 Chronicles 21:20]] and when Ephraim is described as a heifer that "loveth to tread out the corn" [[Hosea 10:11]]. More often, the term describes violent subjugation. The king of Syria is said to have "made them like the dust by threshing" [[2 Kings 13:7]], and Damascus is judged because "they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron" [[Amos 1:3]]. The word can also denote an act of severe punishment, as when Gideon threatens to "tear" the flesh of his enemies [[Judges 8:7]]. Figuratively, it illustrates divine power, with God promising Israel they will "thresh the mountains, and beat them small" [[Isaiah 41:15]] and the prophet stating God did "thresh the heathen in anger" [[Habakkuk 3:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the methods and outcomes associated with threshing:
* `{{H1854}}` **dâqaq**: This word means to crush or beat in pieces. It is used alongside `{{H1758}}` to describe the result of threshing, such as when Israel is promised they will thresh mountains and "beat them small" [[Isaiah 41:15]] or "beat in pieces many people" [[Micah 4:13]].
* `{{H2742}}` **chărûwts**: This term describes a threshing-sledge with sharp teeth. It is the specific tool mentioned in God's promise to make Israel "a new sharp threshing instrument" [[Isaiah 41:15]] and in the accusation against Damascus for using "threshing instruments of iron" [[Amos 1:3]].
* `{{H2251}}` **châbaṭ**: Meaning to knock out or beat off, this word describes a gentler form of threshing. It is contrasted with `{{H1758}}` in Isaiah, where delicate spices like fitches and cummin are not "threshed" with heavy instruments but are "beaten out with a staff" [[Isaiah 28:27]].
* `{{H4173}}` **môwrag**: This word also refers to a threshing sledge. It is used to describe the instrument God will provide for his people to thresh mountains [[Isaiah 41:15]] and is offered by Ornan as wood for a sacrifice [[1 Chronicles 21:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1758}}` is primarily centered on themes of judgment and power.
* **Divine Judgment:** Threshing is a vivid metaphor for God's judgment upon nations. He is depicted threshing the heathen in anger [[Habakkuk 3:12]] and declares that "Moab shall be trodden down" [[Isaiah 25:10]].
* **Instrument of Punishment:** The action is used to describe the oppressive cruelty of one nation against another. The threshing of Gilead by Syria is a transgression that brings divine retribution [[Amos 1:3]], and the king of Syria's destruction of Israel is described as making them "like the dust by threshing" [[2 Kings 13:7]].
* **Empowerment of God's People:** God reverses the roles by empowering his people to act as the thresher. He promises to make Zion's "hoofs brass" to "beat in pieces many people" [[Micah 4:13]] and to make Israel a "new sharp threshing instrument" capable of leveling mountains [[Isaiah 41:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1758}}` evolves from a simple agricultural term to a complex and forceful symbol in scripture. It represents the act of violent separation, whether of grain from chaff or of a people from their power. Its usage illustrates the brutal reality of ancient warfare, the severity of divine judgment against sin, and the immense power God bestows upon His chosen instruments to overcome insurmountable opposition.
TRV