### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâlag**, represented by `{{H1801}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to spring; leap**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. This word conveys a dynamic action of sudden, energetic movement, often over an obstacle or across a landscape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1801}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It expresses supernatural strength and victory, as when David declares that by God's power he can **leap over** a wall ([[Psalms 18:29]]; [[2 Samuel 22:30]]). It is also used prophetically to illustrate the joy of divine restoration, where the **lame** man will **leap** like a hart [[Isaiah 35:6]]. In a more romantic context, it depicts the eager arrival of the beloved, who comes **leaping** upon the mountains [[Song of Solomon 2:8]]. Conversely, the word carries a negative connotation in Zephaniah, where God vows to punish those who **leap** on the threshold in a manner associated with violence and deceit [[Zephaniah 1:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of **dâlag**:
* `{{H7323}}` **rûwts** (to run): This action is paired with `{{H1801}}` to describe an extraordinary feat of strength enabled by God, where the psalmist can **run** through a troop and **leap** over a wall [[Psalms 18:29]].
* `{{H6455}}` **piççêach** (lame): This term describes the person who is miraculously healed. The promise is that the **lame** man, previously unable to walk properly, will be restored to the point of being able to **leap** [[Isaiah 35:6]].
* `{{H354}}` **ʼayâl** (hart): This word for a stag or male deer serves as a simile for the restored man's leap. The leap will not be clumsy but as agile and energetic as that of a **hart** [[Isaiah 35:6]].
* `{{H7092}}` **qâphats** (to leap; skip; shut): Used in parallel with `{{H1801}}`, this word, translated as "skipping," enhances the imagery of joyful and uninhibited movement over the landscape [[Song of Solomon 2:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1801}}` is demonstrated in its varied applications:
* **Divine Empowerment:** The act of leaping over a wall serves as a powerful metaphor for God enabling a person to overcome otherwise insurmountable obstacles. It is a declaration of faith in God's power, not human ability ([[Psalms 18:29]]; [[2 Samuel 22:30]]).
* **Prophetic Restoration:** The promise that the lame will leap is a key image of messianic hope. It points to a future time of complete healing and restoration, where infirmity and sorrow are replaced with vibrant joy [[Isaiah 35:6]].
* **Judgment on Sinful Ritual:** The act of leaping on the threshold is condemned as a practice subject to God's punishment. This highlights that a physical action can represent a deeper spiritual state of corruption tied to violence and deceit [[Zephaniah 1:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1801}}` is a potent verb that moves beyond a simple physical description. It captures a range of profound spiritual realities, from the triumphant leap of faith over adversity to the joyful leap of a body made whole by divine intervention. At the same time, it can describe a forbidden action that incurs judgment. The usage of **dâlag** shows how a single word can illustrate themes of God's empowering strength, His promise of future restoration, and His condemnation of sin.
TRV