or (Job 19:29) דּוּן; from דִּין; judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife; cause, judgement, plea, strife.
Transliteration:dîyn
Pronunciation:deen
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun דִּין (dîyn, `{{H1779}}`) is primarily derived from the verbal root דִּין (dîyn, `{{H1777}}`), meaning "to judge, contend, or plead." As a noun, dîyn encompasses a rich semantic range centered on the concept of "judgment." Its core meaning denotes a legal "suit" or "case," the process of "justice" being administered, the resulting "sentence" or "verdict," and even the "tribunal" or court where such proceedings occur. By extension, and often by implication, dîyn can also refer to the "strife" or "contention" itself that necessitates judicial resolution. The term thus covers the entire spectrum from the initial dispute (plea, cause, strife) to the final resolution (judgment, sentence). It is occasionally found in the form דּוּן (dûn), as seen in [[Job 19:29]], signifying a close phonetic and semantic relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of dîyn throughout the Hebrew Bible reveal its multifaceted usage. In many instances, it refers to the administration of justice, whether by human judges or by God Himself. For example, in [[Deuteronomy 1:17]], Moses instructs judges to hear the "cause" (dîyn) of their brethren without partiality, for "the judgment (dîyn) is God's." This highlights the divine origin and ultimate authority behind righteous human judgment. Similarly, [[Psalm 9:7]] declares that the Lord is enthroned forever, having prepared His throne for "judgment (dîyn)." This underscores God's role as the supreme and righteous arbiter of all things.
The term often appears in contexts related to social justice, particularly the protection of the vulnerable. [[Proverbs 29:7]] states that "The righteous considers the dîyn of the poor," emphasizing a moral imperative to ensure justice for those who are marginalized. Conversely, the denial of dîyn to the oppressed is frequently condemned, as seen in prophetic literature where God's dîyn is brought against those who pervert justice (e.g., [[Jeremiah 5:28]]).
Furthermore, dîyn can denote the "strife" or "controversy" itself. [[Proverbs 22:10]] advises, "Cast out the scoffer, and contention (dîyn) will go out; yes, strife and dishonor will cease." Here, dîyn signifies the disharmony and conflict that can arise within a community. In a theological sense, God is sometimes depicted as having a dîyn or "controversy" with nations or His people, implying a legal dispute or a case He brings against them due to their unfaithfulness (e.g., [[Jeremiah 25:31]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Dîyn is intricately linked with several other significant Hebrew terms. Its closest conceptual kin is the verb דִּין (dîyn, `{{H1777}}`), from which it directly derives. This verbal root emphasizes the *action* of judging, contending, or pleading, which the noun then encapsulates as the *result* or *process*.
Another highly related term is מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, `{{H4941}}`), often translated as "justice," "judgment," or "ordinance." While dîyn can refer to a specific legal case or the act of judging, mishpat often denotes a broader sense of legal custom, divine decree, or the established order of justice. Dîyn might be the specific "cause" or "plea" that falls under the wider umbrella of mishpat. One could say that mishpat is the framework, and dîyn is the specific application or instance within that framework.
The concept of "righteousness," conveyed by צֶדֶק (tzedeq, `{{H6664}}`) and צְדָקָה (tzedakah, `{{H6666}}`), is also deeply intertwined with dîyn. True dîyn is always administered in accordance with tzedeq. God's dîyn is inherently righteous, and human judges are commanded to render dîyn justly.
In its sense of "strife" or "contention," dîyn overlaps with רִיב (riv, `{{H7379}}`), which also means "strife," "dispute," or "lawsuit." Both terms can describe a legal contention, but dîyn often emphasizes the *process* or *outcome* of the contention, while riv might focus more on the *fact* of the dispute itself.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dîyn is profound, centering on the character of God and the nature of His governance.
1. **God as the Ultimate Judge:** The consistent portrayal of God as the one who renders dîyn establishes Him as the supreme moral authority and arbiter of all creation. His dîyn is perfect, impartial, and just, ensuring that righteousness ultimately prevails. This divine judgment is not merely punitive but also redemptive, aiming to restore order and uphold justice.
2. **The Call to Human Justice:** Because God is just, His people are called to reflect His character by administering dîyn righteously in their communities. This includes advocating for the poor, the widow, and the orphan, ensuring their dîyn is heard and upheld. The failure to do so is a grave sin that provokes God's own dîyn.
3. **Accountability and Eschatology:** The concept of dîyn points to the inherent accountability of humanity before God. It anticipates a final dîyn – a day of judgment – where all actions will be weighed, and divine justice will be fully executed, bringing ultimate resolution to all earthly strife and establishing eternal righteousness.
4. **The Nature of Strife:** The "strife" aspect of dîyn highlights the reality of conflict and injustice in a fallen world. This brokenness necessitates divine intervention and the establishment of God's righteous order, ultimately through His dîyn.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דִּין (dîyn, `{{H1779}}`) is a potent term encompassing both the judicial process of "judgment," "justice," "sentence," or "tribunal," and the underlying "strife" or "contention" that necessitates such judgment. It is fundamentally tied to the verb "to judge" (`{{H1777}}`) and is often used alongside "justice" (`{{H4941}}`) and "righteousness" (`{{H6664}}`). Theologically, dîyn profoundly shapes our understanding of God as the ultimate and righteous Judge, who not only administers perfect justice but also calls His people to reflect this attribute by ensuring dîyn for the vulnerable. It speaks to both the present reality of human conflict and the future hope of divine resolution and ultimate accountability.
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