### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H1801 (דָּלַג, *dâlag*) is a primitive root, carrying the fundamental meaning "to spring" or "to leap." Its semantic range encompasses rapid, agile, and often sudden movement, typically involving an upward or forward bound over an obstacle or across a space. It conveys a sense of quickness, vigor, and unhindered motion. Depending on the context, *dâlag* can denote the overcoming of barriers, an expression of joy, a swift approach, or even a ritualistic action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1801 appears in the Hebrew Bible in a limited yet significant number of passages, each revealing distinct nuances:
* **Divine Empowerment and Victory:**
* [[2 Samuel 22:29]]: "For by You I can run against a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall."
* [[Psalm 18:29]]: (A near-identical parallel to 2 Samuel 22:29) "For by You I can run upon a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall."
In these parallel poetic declarations, *dâlag* describes the divinely enabled ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles (a "wall"). It signifies strength and victory that transcends human capability, directly attributed to the power of God. The "leaping" is not merely an athletic feat but a miraculous act of deliverance and triumph.
* **Passionate Pursuit and Swift Approach:**
* [[Song of Solomon 2:8]]: "The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills."
Here, *dâlag* vividly portrays the eager and swift approach of the beloved. The imagery of "leaping over the mountains" emphasizes an unhindered, fervent, and passionate movement, suggesting that no obstacle can impede his arrival. It conveys ardour and determination.
* **Miraculous Restoration and Joy:**
* [[Isaiah 35:6]]: "Then the lame man will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will shout for joy."
Within this prophetic vision of eschatological restoration, *dâlag* signifies a miraculous physical transformation. The "lame man" will not merely walk but will "leap like a deer," indicating a complete and joyful restoration of agility and freedom of movement. This is a powerful sign of God's redemptive work, bringing wholeness and exuberant joy in the Messianic age.
* **Condemnation of Superstitious Practices:**
* [[Zephaniah 1:9]]: "And on that day I will punish all who leap over the threshold, who fill their master's house with violence and fraud."
This occurrence presents *dâlag* in a negative light. "Leaping over the threshold" refers to a superstitious or pagan ritualistic practice, possibly related to avoiding evil spirits or honoring a deity associated with the doorway (cf. the Philistine priests of Dagon in [[1 Samuel 5:5]]). In this context, it is condemned as an idolatrous or syncretistic act, indicating a deviation from pure worship of Yahweh.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H1801 includes words related to movement, agility, and overcoming. While not direct synonyms, words like `{{H7323}}` (*rûts*, "to run"), `{{H6468}}` (*pâsaʿ*, "to stride" or "step"), and `{{H6469}}` (*pâsaḥ*, "to pass over" or "limp," notably used for the Passover, signifying a "leaping over" or exemption) share a conceptual link to locomotion and traversal. The concept of overcoming obstacles is also present in words like `{{H6586}}` (*pâraṣ*, "to break forth"). The theological concepts associated with *dâlag* include divine empowerment, miraculous healing, eager anticipation, and the rejection of idolatrous practices.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *dâlag* is multifaceted:
* **Divine Omnipotence and Empowerment:** The most prominent theological implication is God's ability to empower His people to achieve the impossible. The "leaping over a wall" in Psalms and Samuel is a vivid metaphor for divine intervention enabling triumph over formidable adversaries and challenges. It underscores the truth that with God, seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome.
* **Messianic Hope and Restoration:** In Isaiah, *dâlag* points to the transformative power of God's redemptive work. The lame man's leap is a powerful symbol of the complete physical and spiritual restoration that characterizes the Messianic era, signifying wholeness, joy, and freedom from the limitations of sin and its effects.
* **God's Eager Pursuit and Presence:** The imagery in Song of Solomon can be allegorically understood as God's swift and passionate approach to His people. It speaks to the unhindered nature of divine love and presence, eagerly seeking communion with humanity.
* **Purity of Worship:** The negative usage in Zephaniah highlights God's demand for exclusive and pure worship. Superstitious or syncretistic practices, even seemingly minor ones like "leaping over the threshold," are condemned because they represent a deviation from full devotion to Yahweh and a compromise with paganism. This emphasizes the importance of discerning and rejecting all forms of idolatry.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H1801 (*dâlag*), meaning "to spring" or "to leap," is a dynamic word that conveys rapid, agile, and often unhindered movement. Its biblical occurrences beautifully illustrate diverse theological truths. It signifies **divine empowerment** enabling victory over obstacles ([[2 Samuel 22:29]], [[Psalm 18:29]]), depicts the **eager and passionate approach** of a beloved ([[Song of Solomon 2:8]]), and powerfully symbolizes the **miraculous restoration and exuberant joy** of the Messianic age ([[Isaiah 35:6]]). Conversely, in [[Zephaniah 1:9]], it condemns **superstitious and idolatrous practices**, underscoring God's demand for pure worship. Thus, *dâlag* is a word that vividly portrays movement, ranging from triumphant leaps of faith to expressions of divine love and the condemnation of practices that defile true devotion.
TRV