### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דְּיוֹ (dᵉyôw), designated by Strong's H1773, refers exclusively to "ink." Its derivation is noted as uncertain, suggesting it may have been a specialized term, possibly a loanword, or a unique development within the Hebrew lexicon. Semantically, its range is highly restricted, denoting the black or colored liquid used for writing. It does not possess broader metaphorical or abstract meanings within the biblical text, serving as a concrete noun for a specific material.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word דְּיוֹ (dᵉyôw) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Jeremiah 36:18]]. This singular occurrence provides crucial insight into its practical application and significance:
* **[[Jeremiah 36:18]]**: "Then Baruch answered them, 'He dictated all these words to me, and I wrote them with ink (בַּדְּיוֹ) on the scroll.'"
In this pivotal passage, Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, explicitly states that he used "ink" to record the prophet's divine messages onto a scroll. This context underscores the vital role of ink as the physical medium by which oral prophecy was transformed into a written, enduring record. The act of writing with ink facilitated the preservation and dissemination of God's word, making it accessible beyond the immediate moment of dictation. The mention of ink here is purely descriptive, highlighting the tangible process of creating a sacred text.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term דְּיוֹ (dᵉyôw) is intrinsically linked to several key concepts and related words that describe the process of writing and the production of written texts in ancient Israel:
* **Writing (כָּתַב - `{{H3789}}`)**: Ink is the indispensable material for the act of writing.
* **Scribe (סוֹפֵר - `{{H5608}}`)**: The professional who uses ink to write, such as Baruch in Jeremiah's narrative.
* **Scroll/Book (מְגִלָּה - `{{H4039}}`, סֵפֶר - `{{H5612}}`)**: The primary surface upon which ink was applied to form written documents and sacred texts.
* **Pen/Stylus (עֵט - `{{H5087}}`)**: The instrument used to apply the ink to the writing surface.
* **Word/Speech (דָּבָר - `{{H1697}}`)**: Ink gives concrete and permanent form to spoken words, especially divine utterances.
* **Revelation**: In the context of Jeremiah, ink is the means by which divine revelation is physically recorded and preserved for future generations.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of the ancient scribal culture and the technology employed in the transmission of knowledge and divine communication.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, the theological significance of דְּיוֹ (dᵉyôw) is profound, primarily due to its role in the preservation of divine revelation:
* **Preservation of God's Word**: The most significant theological implication is ink's function as the essential medium for immortalizing God's spoken word. Without ink, the detailed prophecies of Jeremiah, dictated by God, would have been subject to the fallibility of oral tradition. Ink ensured their accurate and enduring transmission.
* **Authority and Permanence**: The act of writing with ink imbues the recorded words with a sense of permanence and authority. Unlike fleeting speech, written words, particularly those recorded with ink on a scroll, were considered a stable and reliable testimony. Even when King Jehoiakim burned the scroll, the very act of its having been written with ink meant its content could be faithfully reproduced, emphasizing the resilience of divine truth ([[Jeremiah 36:27-32]]).
* **Divine-Human Partnership in Revelation**: Ink represents the physical bridge between divine inspiration and human instrumentality. God speaks through the prophet, who dictates to the scribe, who then uses ink to commit the sacred words to a tangible form. This highlights the collaborative nature of divine communication, where human tools and labor are consecrated for God's purposes.
* **Foundation for Scriptural Canon**: The use of ink in recording prophetic messages is foundational to the concept of a written canon of Scripture. It underscores the divine intention for His words to be preserved in a fixed, unalterable form, serving as a perpetual guide for His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דְּיוֹ (dᵉyôw), H1773, strictly denotes "ink," the liquid medium used for writing. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Jeremiah 36:18]] is highly significant, illustrating its practical role in the scribal process of recording Jeremiah's prophecies onto a scroll. Theologically, "ink" serves as a humble yet indispensable instrument in the preservation and transmission of God's revealed word. It underscores the permanence and authority of written scripture, highlighting the divine-human partnership in bringing forth and safeguarding the sacred texts that form the foundation of biblical faith. Without this simple substance, the enduring record of divine truth would have been profoundly compromised.
TRV