### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Dîynâh**, represented by `{{H1783}}`, is defined as **justice** and is the proper name of the daughter of Jacob. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible, with all occurrences found in the book of Genesis. The name identifies a key female figure within a significant and tragic narrative in Israel's patriarchal history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative first introduces **Dîynâh** at her birth to Leah and Jacob [[Genesis 30:21]] and later includes her in a genealogical record of Jacob's children [[Genesis 46:15]]. Her story is central to the events of Genesis 34, which begins when **Dîynâh** "went out to see the daughters of the land" [[Genesis 34:1]]. The narrative recounts how she was defiled ([[Genesis 34:5]], [[Genesis 34:13]]), an act that provokes a violent and deceitful response from her brothers. Two of them, Simeon and Levi, subsequently slew all the males of Shechem's city and took **Dîynâh** from his house [[Genesis 34:25-26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context of Dinah's story:
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): This word is consistently used to identify Dinah's relationship to Jacob and Leah ([[Genesis 34:1]], [[Genesis 34:3]]). It defines her place within the patriarchal family structure.
* `{{H269}}` **ʼâchôwth** (a sister): The narrative emphasizes this relationship, noting that Jacob's sons acted because Shechem "had defiled Dinah their **sister**" [[Genesis 34:13]]. This highlights the familial bond that motivated the subsequent events.
* `{{H2930}}` **ṭâmêʼ** (to be foul... defile): This verb is central to the tragedy of Dinah's story, used to describe the violation she suffered [[Genesis 34:5]]. The word carries a strong sense of moral and ceremonial contamination.
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent... slay): This verb describes the violent retribution carried out by Dinah's brothers, who **slew** Hamor and his son Shechem as a result of the defilement [[Genesis 34:26]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative surrounding `{{H1783}}` carries significant weight, touching on several key themes.
* **Justice and Retribution:** Though the name **Dîynâh** means justice, her story unfolds as a grim narrative of injustice and violent retribution. The defilement [[Genesis 34:13]] is met with a brutal slaughter by her brothers, raising complex questions about the nature of justice.
* **Family Honor:** The events are driven by Dinah's identity as a **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of Jacob and **sister** `{{H269}}` to his sons. The response of Simeon and Levi is explicitly framed as a reaction to the violation of their sister ([[Genesis 34:13]], [[Genesis 34:25]]).
* **The Consequence of Defilement:** The word used to describe the violation, **ṭâmêʼ** `{{H2930}}`, signifies a deep moral and ceremonial pollution [[Genesis 34:5]]. This concept of defilement is a significant biblical theme, with God elsewhere warning Israel not to **defile** themselves or His sanctuary ([[Leviticus 11:44]], [[Ezekiel 5:11]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1783}}` **Dîynâh** is more than just a proper name; it is the anchor of a pivotal and tragic event in Genesis. While appearing only a few times, her story explores profound themes of justice, family honor, and the devastating consequences of defilement. The narrative surrounding Dinah serves as a stark illustration of conflict and retribution within the early history of the Israelite people.
TRV