or דֳּלִי; from דָּלָה; a pail or jar (for drawing water); bucket.
Transliteration:dᵉlîy
Pronunciation:del-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word dᵉlîy (`{{H1805}}`) refers primarily to a "pail" or "bucket," specifically a vessel designed for drawing water. Its etymology traces back to the verb dâlâh (`{{H1802}}`), meaning "to draw up" or "to draw water." This etymological connection is crucial, as it immediately establishes the functional purpose of the dᵉlîy: it is an instrument of labor, essential for accessing and transporting water from a well, cistern, or spring. Thus, its core meaning encompasses not just the physical object but also its utility in sustaining life and facilitating daily activities in an agrarian society dependent on water sources. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing exclusively on this specific type of water-drawing vessel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term dᵉlîy (`{{H1805}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, yet each instance is highly significant and rich in theological implication.
1. **Numbers 24:7**: In Balaam's final oracle concerning Israel, he prophesies, "Water will flow from his buckets; his seed will have abundant water." [[Numbers 24:7]] Here, the "buckets" (דְּלָיָו, plural of dᵉlîy) are a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and fertility. The imagery of water flowing *from* the buckets, rather than into them, suggests an overflowing source, indicative of a nation blessed with an inexhaustible supply of life-giving resources. This speaks to the strength, fruitfulness, and enduring power of Israel, whose king will be exalted above Agag, and whose kingdom will be supreme. It is a powerful metaphor for divine provision and national flourishing.
2. **Isaiah 40:15**: In a majestic declaration of God's incomparable greatness, the prophet Isaiah proclaims, "Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales." [[Isaiah 40:15]] In this context, the dᵉlîy (דְּלִי) serves as a stark metaphor for insignificance. The nations, with all their power and multitude, are not even a full bucket, but merely a "drop *from* a bucket" (כְּמַר מִדְּלִי), implying something so minuscule that it barely registers. This emphasizes the absolute sovereignty and transcendence of Yahweh, before whom all human endeavors, empires, and populations are utterly negligible. It underscores the vast chasm between the Creator and His creation, highlighting divine omnipotence and human frailty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb dâlâh (`{{H1802}}`), which means "to draw up" or "to draw water." The dᵉlîy (`{{H1805}}`) is precisely the instrument used for this action. This connection highlights the functional aspect of the word.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical synonyms, include:
* mayim (`{{H4325}}`): "water," the essential element that the dᵉlîy contains and transports.
* bᵉ'êr (`{{H875}}`): "well," the source from which water is drawn by the dᵉlîy.
* bôr (`{{H953}}`): "cistern," another common water source.
* kᵉlî (`{{H3627}}`): A general term for "vessel" or "implement," under which dᵉlîy would be categorized as a specific type of vessel.
The concept of "drawing water" itself is often associated with labor, sustenance, and the provision of life, whether physical or spiritual (e.g., "living water").
### Theological Significance
The dᵉlîy (`{{H1805}}`), despite its simple and mundane nature, carries profound theological weight in its two biblical appearances.
1. **Divine Provision and Blessing:** In Numbers 24:7, the "overflowing buckets" symbolize God's abundant blessing upon Israel. This imagery points to Yahweh as the ultimate source of life, prosperity, and national strength. It signifies a covenantal faithfulness where God ensures the flourishing of His people, providing all necessary resources for their sustenance and growth. This concept resonates with the broader biblical theme of God as the provider who satisfies the needs of His creation.
2. **God's Transcendence and Human Insignificance:** Isaiah 40:15 uses the dᵉlîy to illustrate the immeasurable gap between the infinite God and finite humanity, particularly the nations. The "drop from a bucket" metaphor serves to humble human pride and underscore the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh. It is a powerful affirmation of God's unique majesty, before whom all earthly powers, achievements, and populations are utterly inconsequential. This passage calls humanity to recognize God's unparalleled greatness and to place their trust not in human strength or political might, but in the Creator who holds the universe in His hand.
Thus, the dᵉlîy functions as a dual symbol: on one hand, signifying the overflowing bounty of God's blessing; on the other, serving as a stark reminder of humanity's utter insignificance in comparison to His infinite power and majesty.
### Summary
The Hebrew word dᵉlîy (`{{H1805}}`) denotes a "bucket" or "pail" used for drawing water, derived from the verb dâlâh (`{{H1802}}`) "to draw up." Though appearing only twice in Scripture, its contextual usage imparts significant theological meaning. In [[Numbers 24:7]], the imagery of "overflowing buckets" symbolizes divine blessing, abundant provision, and the flourishing strength of Israel. Conversely, in [[Isaiah 40:15]], the dᵉlîy serves as a powerful metaphor for the utter insignificance of the nations, depicted as a mere "drop from a bucket" before the incomparable majesty and sovereignty of God. Therefore, dᵉlîy encapsulates both the theme of God's bountiful provision for His people and the profound contrast between His infinite power and the finite nature of all creation.
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