from דָּלַל; properly, dangling, i.e. (by implication) weak or thin; lean, needy, poor (man), weaker.
Transliteration:dal
Pronunciation:dal
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word dal (דַּל, `{{H1800}}`) derives from the root dalal (דָּלַל, `{{H1809}}`), which primarily signifies "to hang down," "to be low," "to be diminished," or "to languish." From this foundational meaning, dal extends its semantic range to describe a state of physical or material diminishment.
Properly, dal refers to something "dangling" or "loose," lacking substance or support. This physical sense then extends by implication to:
* **Physical Weakness/Thinness:** Describing someone or something that is "lean," "thin," or "emaciated" due to lack of nourishment or strength.
* **Economic/Social Poverty:** This is the most prevalent usage, referring to individuals who are "needy," "poor," or "destitute." It denotes a lack of financial resources, possessions, or social standing, often implying vulnerability and dependence.
* **Relative Weakness:** In some contexts, it can simply mean "weaker" or "less significant" when contrasted with a stronger or more prominent entity.
Thus, dal encompasses a spectrum from physical frailty to socio-economic marginalization, consistently pointing to a state of being diminished or lacking.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term dal appears frequently in the Old Testament, predominantly in legal, prophetic, and wisdom literature, highlighting God's concern for the vulnerable.
* **Economic Poverty and Vulnerability:** The most common usage of dal describes those who are economically disadvantaged.
* In legal contexts, dal refers to the poor person who requires special consideration and protection under the law. [[Exodus 23:3]] warns against showing partiality even to the poor in a lawsuit, while [[Exodus 23:6]] commands, "You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit." This underscores the divine mandate for equitable justice for all, regardless of economic status.
* The Law made provisions for the dal in worship, allowing for less costly sacrifices ([[Leviticus 14:21]]). This demonstrates God's compassion and desire for the poor to participate fully in the covenant community.
* Prophetic books often condemn the oppression of the dal. [[Amos 2:7]] decries those who "trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth."
* Wisdom literature emphasizes the moral obligation to care for the dal. [[Proverbs 14:31]] states, "Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." This verse directly links the treatment of the dal to one's relationship with God. [[Proverbs 28:15]] likens a wicked ruler over a dal people to a "roaring lion or a charging bear," emphasizing their extreme vulnerability.
* [[1 Samuel 2:8]] in Hannah's prayer celebrates God's power to reverse fortunes: "He raises the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap."
* **Physical Thinness/Leanness:** Less frequently, dal describes physical appearance.
* In [[Genesis 41:19]], Pharaoh's dream features "seven other cows coming up after them, poor and very thin," referring to emaciated cattle, clearly indicating a physical lack of substance.
* **Social/Numerical Weakness:** Dal can also denote a group or segment of society that is numerically or socially inferior.
* [[Jeremiah 52:15]] mentions that Nebuzaradan "carried into exile some of the poorest of the people and the rest of the people who were left in the city," distinguishing the lowest class of society from other groups.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of poverty and vulnerability in Hebrew is rich, with dal often appearing alongside or in contrast to other significant terms:
* **דָּלַל (dalal, `{{H1809}}`):** The verbal root of dal, meaning "to be low," "to be brought low," "to languish." This connection highlights the inherent state of diminishment associated with dal.
* **עָנִי (ani, `{{H6041}}`):** "Afflicted," "humble," "poor." While often used synonymously with dal, ani frequently carries a stronger connotation of suffering, oppression, or a humble, submissive disposition, whether by circumstance or choice.
* **אֶבְיוֹן (evyon, `{{H34}}`):** "Needy," "destitute." This term often emphasizes a state of desperate want, one who is utterly dependent or even a beggar. It frequently appears in contexts demanding social justice and compassion.
* **רָשׁ (rash, `{{H7326}}`):** "Poor," "indigent." Similar to dal, often emphasizing a lack of possessions or resources.
* **Justice and Righteousness (צֶדֶק, tzedeq, `{{H6664}}`):** The biblical concern for the dal is deeply embedded within the broader framework of divine justice. God's character as righteous demands that the vulnerable are protected and receive fair treatment.
* **Oppression (עָשַׁק, ashaq, `{{H6231}}`):** The dal are frequently depicted as victims of oppression, and the Scriptures vehemently condemn those who exploit their vulnerability for personal gain.
### Theological Significance
The term dal (דַּל) carries profound theological implications, revealing core aspects of God's character and the ethical demands of His covenant.
1. **God as Defender of the Vulnerable:** The consistent biblical emphasis on the dal underscores God's deep concern and active advocacy for the poor and marginalized. He is portrayed not as a distant observer but as the ultimate protector of those who lack power and resources. [[Psalm 140:12]] affirms, "I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy." This divine identification with the dal makes their oppression a direct affront to God Himself.
2. **A Litmus Test for Righteousness:** The treatment of the dal serves as a critical measure of a society's and an individual's righteousness and their fidelity to God's covenant. Exploiting the poor is condemned as contempt for the Creator ([[Proverbs 14:31]]), while acts of kindness and justice toward them are acts of worship and honor to God. This highlights that true piety is not merely ritualistic but fundamentally ethical and relational.
3. **Foundation for Social Justice:** The numerous laws and prophetic pronouncements concerning the dal establish a robust framework for social justice within the biblical worldview. Provisions for gleaning, tithes, and fair legal proceedings demonstrate that care for the poor is not optional charity but a mandatory expression of covenant faithfulness and a cornerstone of a just society.
4. **Spiritual Parallel:** Beyond the material, the concept of being dal can also resonate with a spiritual posture of humility and dependence before God. Those who recognize their spiritual "poverty" or neediness are often the ones most receptive to God's grace and provision, echoing the New Testament beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" ([[Matthew 5:3]]).
5. **Messianic Identification:** The ministry of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, profoundly embodies God's heart for the dal. His mission, as prophesied in [[Isaiah 61:1]] and quoted in [[Luke 4:18]], was to "preach good news to the poor." His life and teachings consistently demonstrated solidarity with the marginalized, affirming that God's redemptive work includes the upliftment and restoration of the dal.
### Summary
The Hebrew term dal (דַּל, `{{H1800}}`) signifies a state of being "diminished," encompassing physical thinness, weakness, and, most prominently, economic and social poverty. Throughout the Old Testament, the dal represents the vulnerable, the needy, and the marginalized within society. Biblical texts consistently underscore the divine imperative to protect and provide for the dal, often contrasting their precarious position with the power of the wealthy or wicked. Related terms such as ani (`{{H6041}}`) and evyon (`{{H34}}`) further enrich the biblical understanding of poverty and affliction. Theologically, the concept of dal is central to understanding God's character as a compassionate defender of the oppressed and forms a foundational pillar for biblical social justice. Ultimately, how one treats the dal is presented as a direct reflection of one's reverence for God, demonstrating that authentic faith is inextricably linked to practical care for the most vulnerable members of the community.
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