(Aramaic) corresponding to דּוּשׁ; to trample; tread down.
Transliteration:dûwsh
Pronunciation:doosh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`) carries the fundamental meaning of "to trample" or "to tread down." It is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew verb dûwsh (`{{H1758}}`), sharing the same semantic core. While its Hebrew counterpart often describes the agricultural process of threshing grain (e.g., by oxen treading on it to separate the kernels from the chaff), the Aramaic usage in the biblical text is exclusively metaphorical. In its sole occurrence, dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`) denotes a violent and destructive subjugation, signifying utter domination and breaking into pieces, rather than a productive or benign treading.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the book of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 7:23]]**: "Thus he said: 'The fourth beast shall be A fourth kingdom on earth, Which shall be different from all other kingdoms, And shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces.'"
In this pivotal prophetic passage, dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`) is used to describe the destructive nature of the fourth beast, symbolizing a tyrannical earthly kingdom. The context is one of immense power and ruthless conquest. The beast is depicted as not merely conquering but utterly "trampling" (Aramaic: *tədûshennah*) the entire earth and "breaking it in pieces." This imagery conveys a comprehensive and brutal subjugation, leaving nothing intact. It signifies a kingdom that exerts absolute, devastating control, reducing its conquered territories to rubble through overwhelming force. The verb emphasizes the oppressive and destructive character of this final, terrifying earthly power before the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`) is directly related to the Hebrew dûwsh (`{{H1758}}`), which also means "to trample" or "to thresh." While `{{H1758}}` can be used for agricultural processes (e.g., [[Isaiah 28:28]], [[Hosea 10:11]]), it also carries metaphorical weight for destruction and oppression (e.g., [[Micah 4:13]], [[Amos 1:3]]).
Other related Hebrew terms that convey similar concepts of treading down, often in a destructive or oppressive sense, include:
* râmas (`{{H7429}}`): "to trample," often implying a crushing or contemptuous act (e.g., [[Isaiah 28:3]]).
* bûs (`{{H947}}`): "to tread down," "to trample upon," often with connotations of contempt or desolation (e.g., [[Psalm 7:5]]).
The conceptual domain of dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`) in Daniel 7:23 aligns with themes of conquest, subjugation, oppression, and destruction. It vividly portrays the ruthlessness of human empires that seek to dominate the world through force, a stark contrast to the divine rule that will ultimately prevail.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`) in [[Daniel 7:23]] is highly significant for understanding the nature of the oppressive power represented by the fourth beast. This kingdom is not merely powerful but utterly destructive, characterized by its ability to "trample" and "break in pieces" the entire earth. This imagery underscores the extreme brutality and comprehensive nature of its dominion.
Theologically, this portrayal serves several purposes:
1. **Highlighting Evil's Destructive Power**: It reveals the extent of human depravity and the suffering inflicted by tyrannical regimes that oppose God's righteous rule. The "trampling" signifies a complete disregard for life, justice, and order, leaving only desolation.
2. **Emphasizing the Need for Divine Intervention**: The overwhelming and destructive power of the beast, described by dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`), intensifies the anticipation for God's ultimate judgment and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom. Only divine intervention can overcome such a force.
3. **Contrasting Earthly vs. Heavenly Rule**: The trampling action of the beast stands in stark contrast to the peaceful, just, and eternal reign of the Son of Man and the saints of the Most High (Daniel 7:13-14, 27). While earthly powers trample, God's kingdom establishes.
Thus, dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`) is a potent descriptor of unbridled, destructive power, setting the stage for the dramatic resolution where God's sovereignty triumphs over all earthly dominion.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`) signifies "to trample" or "to tread down." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 7:23]] is profoundly significant, depicting the terrifying and utterly destructive nature of the fourth beast, a tyrannical kingdom. Here, dûwsh (`{{H1759}}`) is used metaphorically to convey a comprehensive and ruthless subjugation, where the kingdom not only conquers but utterly devastates and breaks into pieces all that it encounters. This powerful imagery highlights the extreme oppression and desolation wrought by human empires, serving as a stark theological contrast to the ultimate, just, and eternal reign of God's kingdom.
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