### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dîyg**, represented by `{{H1770}}`, is a verb meaning **to fish**. It is a denominative from the word for fish (דָּג) and appears only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its sole usage is metaphorical, describing a divine action of gathering or capturing people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical occurrence of `{{H1770}}` is in [[Jeremiah 16:16]]. In this prophetic passage, God declares His intention to bring judgment upon or gather His people in a comprehensive manner. The Lord says He will send for many fishers, "and they shall **fish** them." This action is immediately followed by a parallel statement that He will send for hunters to hunt them from every mountain and hill. This context establishes that the act of fishing is not literal, but a figure of speech for an inescapable divine summons.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the imagery used in this context:
* `{{H1771}}` **dayâg** (a fisherman; fisher): This is the noun form of the person who performs the action. It is used in the same verse, where God sends for "fishers" [[Jeremiah 16:16]], and also in Isaiah, where fishers mourn and languish [[Isaiah 19:8]].
* `{{H6679}}` **tsûwd** (to catch an animal (figuratively, men); chase, hunt): This verb is used in parallel with `{{H1770}}` in [[Jeremiah 16:16]], where hunters will "hunt" the people. It is frequently used for pursuing people, such as hunting a brother with a net [[Micah 7:2]] or hunting souls [[Ezekiel 13:18]].
* `{{H6719}}` **tsayâd** (a huntsman; hunter): This is the noun for the one who hunts, serving as the direct parallel to "fisher" in the declaration made in [[Jeremiah 16:16]].
* `{{H7971}}` **shâlach** (to send away, for, or out): This verb is critical to the context, as God is the one who will "send" the fishers. This same word is used when God sends His word to heal [[Psalms 107:20]] or sends His anointed messenger to proclaim liberty [[Isaiah 61:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1770}}` is derived entirely from its singular, metaphorical use.
* **Divine Judgment as Gathering:** The act of being "fished" is presented as part of a divine plan. It portrays God's sovereign ability to gather people for His purposes, whether for judgment or restoration, using human agents He has commissioned.
* **Inescapable Summons:** Paired with the imagery of hunting, fishing here signifies a thorough and inescapable action. The targets will be caught from the waters and then pursued over every mountain, hill, and rock, leaving no place to hide [[Jeremiah 16:16]].
* **God as the Initiator:** The action is initiated by God, who "sends" the fishers [[Jeremiah 16:16]]. The use of the verb `{{H7971}}`, shâlach, links this act to other moments where God sends forth His word, His prophets, or His saving power, highlighting His direct authority over the event.
### Summary
In summary, while **dîyg** `{{H1770}}` is one of the rarest verbs in the Bible, its lone appearance is rich with meaning. It functions as a powerful metaphor for God's comprehensive and inescapable work of gathering people. Placed alongside the imagery of hunting in [[Jeremiah 16:16]], it illustrates the absolute sovereignty of God in carrying out His divine will, commissioning agents to ensure His purposes are fulfilled.
TRV