a primitive root (compare דָּלַל); properly, to dangle, i.e. to let down abucket (for drawing out water); figuratively, to deliver; draw (out), [idiom] enough, lift up.
Transliteration:dâlâh
Pronunciation:daw-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H1802}}` (dâlâh) is a primitive verb, whose core meaning revolves around the act of "dangling" or "letting down," specifically in the context of drawing water. Its most literal application describes the action of lowering a bucket into a well or cistern to draw out water. This physical act of extraction from a deeper source forms the basis for its extended semantic range. Figuratively, `{{H1802}}` expands to encompass the concepts of "delivering" or "lifting up," implying a rescue or elevation from a state of lowliness, distress, or obscurity. The nuance of "drawing out" extends beyond water to encompass abstract concepts, such as wisdom or understanding. The idiomatic sense of "enough" likely derives from the completion of the drawing action, signifying sufficiency or the successful extraction of what is needed. The comparison to `{{H1800}}` (dālal), "to hang, be low, be weak, be poor," is crucial, as `{{H1802}}` often represents the active reversal or lifting out of the state described by `{{H1800}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H1802}}` in the Hebrew Bible illustrate both its literal and figurative applications:
* **Literal Drawing of Water:**
* In [[Genesis 24:13]] and [[Genesis 24:19]], the verb describes Rebekah's diligent act of drawing water from a well for Eliezer's camels. This highlights the practical, life-sustaining aspect of the action.
* Similarly, in [[Exodus 2:16]] and [[Exodus 2:19]], Moses is depicted drawing water for Reuel's daughters' flocks, demonstrating an act of provision and assistance.
* [[Isaiah 30:14]] uses `{{H1802}}` in a context of utter destruction, where not even a shard remains to draw water from a pit, emphasizing the complete desolation.
* **Figurative "Drawing Out" or "Lifting Up":**
* [[Proverbs 20:5]] employs `{{H1802}}` metaphorically: "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out." Here, the verb signifies the discerning act of extracting hidden wisdom or understanding from the depths of thought.
* [[Psalm 30:1]] (KJV, NASB, ESV, etc., translate as "lifted me up" or "drawn me up"): "I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me." This is a profound theological application, where `{{H1802}}` describes God's redemptive act of drawing the psalmist up from the pit of death, distress, or despair. The parallel with `{{H7587}}` (shāḥath - pit/corruption) or `{{H7595}}` (shaḥath - destruction) often associated with the state from which one is lifted, underscores the deliverance aspect.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H1802}}` is enriched by its relationship with several other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **`{{H1800}}` (dālal):** As noted in the base definition, `{{H1802}}` is a primitive root compared to `{{H1800}}`, which means "to hang, be low, be weak, be poor." This creates a powerful antithetical relationship: `{{H1800}}` describes a state of lowliness or abasement, while `{{H1802}}` signifies the act of *lifting out of* or *delivering from* such a state. This dynamic is central to understanding the salvific implications of `{{H1802}}`.
* **`{{H7607}}` (sha'ab):** Another verb meaning "to draw (water)," often used interchangeably or in parallel with `{{H1802}}` in literal contexts of water drawing. While both convey the same physical action, `{{H1802}}` seems to carry a stronger emphasis on the act of *lowering* to *extract* and *lift*.
* **`{{H875}}` (b'êr):** "Well" or "pit," the common source from which water (or metaphorical counsel/deliverance) is drawn.
* **Concepts:** Provision, sustenance, deliverance, rescue, elevation, wisdom, discernment, and divine intervention.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1802}}` is profound, particularly in its figurative applications. It serves as a powerful metaphor for God's redemptive work.
1. **Divine Deliverance and Salvation:** The most striking theological use is found in [[Psalm 30:1]], where God "lifts up" or "draws up" the psalmist from a state of distress or near-death. This portrays God as the one who actively intervenes to rescue His people from the depths of despair, sin, or judgment. It speaks to a divine act of pulling one out of a seemingly inescapable situation, akin to drawing water from a deep, inaccessible well. This resonates with the broader biblical theme of God delivering His people from bondage (e.g., Egypt) or from the pit of destruction.
2. **Divine Provision:** In its literal sense, `{{H1802}}` underscores God's provision of essential life-sustaining resources, such as water. It highlights the diligent effort required to obtain these provisions, often through human agency (Rebekah, Moses), yet ultimately dependent on God's gift of the well.
3. **Wisdom and Discernment:** The metaphorical use in [[Proverbs 20:5]] elevates `{{H1802}}` to the realm of spiritual and intellectual pursuit. It suggests that profound wisdom is not always readily apparent but requires careful, discerning effort – a "drawing out" from the depths of understanding, often implying divine insight granted to the wise.
4. **Contrast with Lowliness:** The implicit contrast with `{{H1800}}` (dālal) underscores a key theological principle: God does not leave His people in a state of debasement or weakness. Rather, He is the one who "draws them up," elevating them from their humble or distressed condition, demonstrating His power and compassion.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H1802}}` (dâlâh) fundamentally signifies the act of "drawing out" or "lifting up," initially from the literal context of extracting water from a well. This core meaning extends powerfully into figurative realms, describing divine deliverance, rescue from distress, and the acquisition of wisdom. Its semantic range highlights a movement from a lower, often undesirable state, to a higher, more secure one. The strong implicit contrast with `{{H1800}}` (dālal), meaning "to be low" or "weak," further emphasizes `{{H1802}}` as an action of elevation and restoration. Theologically, `{{H1802}}` beautifully illustrates God's active intervention to provide, deliver, and lift His people from the depths, showcasing His redemptive power and compassionate care.
TRV