### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dîyn**, represented by `{{H1777}}`, is a primitive root defined as a straight course or to sail direct. It appears **24 times** across **24 unique verses** in the Bible. While its root meaning suggests a direct action, it is primarily used in scripture as a verb meaning to **judge**, **plead** a case, or to **contend** and **strive**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H1777}}` spans from divine judgment to human legal responsibility. God is shown as the ultimate arbiter who will **judge** the ends of the earth [[1 Samuel 2:10]] and the nations [[Genesis 15:14]]. Humans are also commanded to use this faculty, particularly to **plead** the cause of the poor and needy [[Proverbs 31:9]]. The term also carries the meaning of contention or striving, as when God’s spirit will not always **strive** with man [[Genesis 6:3]], or when the people were at **strife** [[2 Samuel 19:9]]. In a personal context, Rachel exclaims that God has **judged** her, which becomes the basis for naming her son Dan [[Genesis 30:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of judgment and legal pleading:
* `{{H1779}}` **dîyn** (judgement, cause, plea): This is the direct noun form, representing the legal case or plea itself. It is often the object of the verb, as in "He judged `{{H1777}}` the cause `{{H1779}}` of the poor" [[Jeremiah 22:16]].
* `{{H1835}}` **Dân** (judge): The name given to one of Jacob's sons, directly derived from this root. This is explained when Rachel says God has judged her [[Genesis 30:6]], and Jacob prophesies, "**Dan** shall judge his people" [[Genesis 49:16]].
* `{{H8199}}` **shâphaṭ** (to judge, vindicate, punish): A primary verb for judging, often used in parallel with `{{H1777}}` to describe God's or a ruler's judicial actions, such as judging the people with righteousness [[Psalms 72:2]].
* `{{H7378}}` **rîyb** (to contend, plead): This word is used to describe holding a controversy or defending a case. It appears alongside `{{H1777}}` when the LORD "standeth up to **plead** (rîyb), and standeth to **judge** (dîyn) the people" [[Isaiah 3:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of `{{H1777}}` are centered on justice and divine authority.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment:** The word establishes the LORD as the supreme judge over all creation. He **judges** the people righteously [[Psalms 96:10]], the ends of the earth [[1 Samuel 2:10]], and even the heathen [[Psalms 110:6]], demonstrating His ultimate authority and power to establish order.
* **The Standard of Righteous Leadership:** Judging rightly is a divine mandate given to human leaders. Kings are expected to **judge** the people with righteousness [[Psalms 72:2]], and all are called to **plead** the cause of the poor and needy [[Proverbs 31:9]]. Jeremiah explicitly links judging the cause of the poor with knowing the LORD [[Jeremiah 22:16]].
* **Personal Vindication and Relationship:** `{{H1777}}` is used to express a personal cry for justice or vindication from God. Rachel sees the birth of her son as God having **judged** her [[Genesis 30:6]], and the psalmist asks God to **judge** him by His strength [[Psalms 54:1]], showing that divine judgment is also a source of personal help and validation.
* **Contention with Sin:** The term is used to describe God's striving against human sinfulness, as when His spirit will not always **strive** with man [[Genesis 6:3]]. It also appears in the context of man's inability to **contend** with a God who is much mightier [[Ecclesiastes 6:10]].
### Summary
In summary, **dîyn** `{{H1777}}` encapsulates a wide spectrum of judicial and relational concepts. It is not merely about passing a sentence, but about the active process of judging, pleading, contending, and setting things right. From the LORD’s sovereign judgment over the nations to the righteous mandate for leaders to defend the vulnerable, the word is a cornerstone of biblical justice. It reveals a God who is both the ultimate judge and a personal vindicator, one who strives with humanity and calls his people to reflect His righteous character.
TRV