from דּוּשׁ; the leaper, i.e. an antelope; pygarg.
Transliteration:dîyshôn
Pronunciation:dee-shone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1788}}` (dîyshôn), transliterated as "dîyshôn," denotes a specific animal. Its base definition, "from דּוּשׁ; the leaper, i.e. an antelope; pygarg," provides significant insight into its core meaning. The derivation from the root `{{H1758}}` (dûsh), meaning "to tread, tramp, or thresh," strongly suggests an animal characterized by its vigorous or bounding movements. Thus, "the leaper" is a fitting descriptor, emphasizing its agility and distinctive gait. The identification as "an antelope" or specifically a "pygarg" further refines its semantic range. "Pygarg" (from Greek *pygargos*) refers to a white-rumped antelope, often identified with species like the addax or a similar desert antelope known for its striking appearance and swift movement. This precise identification indicates that `{{H1788}}` refers to a particular, recognizable species within the broader category of antelopes, rather than a generic term.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H1788}}` (dîyshôn) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Deuteronomy. Its sole occurrence is found in [[Deuteronomy 14:5]]. In this passage, it is listed among the animals that the Israelites were permitted to eat, following the dietary laws established by God. The verse reads: "These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep." Here, `{{H1788}}` is translated as "the antelope" (ESV) or "the pygarg" (KJV).
The contextual placement of `{{H1788}}` within this list of clean animals is crucial. It is enumerated alongside other well-known ruminants native to the Near East, all of which possess cloven hooves and chew the cud, characteristics of animals deemed clean according to Mosaic law (cf. [[Leviticus 11:3]]). The inclusion of the dîyshôn in this specific list underscores its status as a permissible food source, distinguishing it from animals deemed unclean and forbidden for consumption. This highlights the meticulous nature of the divine instructions concerning diet and the practical application of the covenant requirements for the people of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which `{{H1788}}` (dîyshôn) is derived: `{{H1758}}` (dûsh). This root signifies "to tread, tramp, or thresh," reinforcing the idea of powerful, rhythmic movement that characterizes the "leaper." This etymological connection provides a vivid image of the animal's physical attributes.
Conceptually, `{{H1788}}` is intrinsically linked to the broader categories of:
* **Clean and Unclean Animals:** The dietary laws (kashrut) in the Pentateuch, particularly in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, define the boundaries of permissible and forbidden foods. The dîyshôn falls squarely within the category of clean animals, emphasizing the divine distinction between what is acceptable and what is not for the covenant community.
* **Biblical Taxonomy:** The listing of specific animal species (deer, gazelle, ibex, wild goat, etc.) alongside the dîyshôn in [[Deuteronomy 14:5]] demonstrates a form of biblical classification of fauna, reflecting an awareness of distinct animal types within the natural world. This classification is not merely zoological but is imbued with theological significance as part of God's revealed will.
* **Divine Provision:** The permission to eat certain animals, including the dîyshôn, speaks to God's gracious provision for the physical sustenance of His people in the land He gives them.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1788}}` (dîyshôn) is primarily derived from its inclusion in the list of clean animals in [[Deuteronomy 14:5]]. This inclusion points to several key theological themes:
1. **Divine Order and Authority:** God, as the Creator, establishes order in His creation and exercises His authority by distinguishing between what is permissible and what is not for His people. The specific naming of animals like the dîyshôn demonstrates the meticulousness of divine instruction and the comprehensive nature of God's law.
2. **Holiness and Separation:** The dietary laws were a crucial component of Israel's call to holiness and separation from the surrounding pagan nations. By adhering to these divinely prescribed distinctions, Israel physically manifested their unique identity as God's covenant people. Eating the dîyshôn was not merely a dietary choice but an act of obedience that reinforced their distinctiveness and commitment to a holy lifestyle.
3. **Covenant Relationship:** The permission to consume certain animals, including the dîyshôn, was part of the covenant stipulations between God and Israel. Obedience to these laws was a sign of faithfulness and an expression of their covenant relationship, demonstrating trust in God's wisdom and provision.
4. **Creation and Stewardship:** While not directly a command for stewardship, the detailed categorization of animals within the Law implicitly acknowledges God's intricate design in creation. The ability to identify and name specific creatures like the dîyshôn reflects humanity's role in discerning and living within the divinely ordered world.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H1788}}` (dîyshôn), transliterated as "dîyshôn," refers to a specific agile animal, likely an antelope or pygarg, characterized by its leaping motion, deriving from the root `{{H1758}}` "to tread." Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Deuteronomy 14:5]], where it is explicitly listed among the animals permissible for consumption by the Israelites according to the Mosaic dietary laws. This inclusion underscores God's meticulous provision for His people, His establishment of order in creation, and the call to holiness and separation that was foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with Him. The dîyshôn, therefore, serves as a tangible example of the precision and theological depth embedded within the biblical instructions for life.
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