from דָּלָה; something dangling, i.e. a bough; branch.
Transliteration:dâlîyâh
Pronunciation:daw-lee-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word dâlîyâh (`{{H1808}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verb dâlâh (`{{H1802}}`). The root verb dâlâh carries the primary meaning "to draw out" or "to lift up," but also encompasses the idea of "to hang down" or "to dangle." Consequently, dâlîyâh refers to something that hangs or dangles. Specifically, it denotes a "bough" or "branch" of a tree, emphasizing its elongated, flexible, and often drooping nature. Unlike more general terms for "branch," dâlîyâh evokes the visual image of a substantial, perhaps heavy, branch that extends downwards, suggesting lushness, growth, or even the weight of fruit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word dâlîyâh (`{{H1808}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezekiel:
* [[Ezekiel 17:6]]: "And it grew and became a spreading vine, low in stature, with its branches turned toward him, and its roots were under him. So it became a vine and produced branches and put out thick branches (דָּלִיּוֹת)."
* In this verse, dâlîyôt (the plural form) is used within a complex allegory concerning two great eagles, a vine, and a cedar. The vine represents the kingdom of Judah, which was taken from Jerusalem by the first great eagle (Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon) and planted in a fertile land. The "thick branches" (דָּלִיּוֹת) describe the luxuriant growth of this vine under Babylonian suzerainty. The imagery emphasizes the vine's flourishing and its apparent prosperity, indicating a period of growth and stability for Judah, albeit under foreign dominion. The "dangling" nature implied by the word might suggest the vine's dependence, its branches bending towards the one who planted it, or simply its vigorous, expansive growth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H1802}}` (dâlâh): The verbal root from which dâlîyâh is derived. It signifies "to draw out" (as water from a well) or "to hang down." This connection is crucial for understanding the "dangling" aspect inherent in the noun.
* Other Hebrew words for "branch" or "bough" include:
* `{{H6288}}` (ānāph): A general term for a tree branch.
* `{{H2157}}` (zāmôrâh): A vine branch or shoot, often implying a cutting or pruning.
* `{{H5342}}` (nēṣer): A shoot or sprout, notably used in messianic prophecy ([[Isaiah 11:1]]).
* `{{H3599}}` (kappâ): Refers specifically to the frond of a palm tree.
* The distinctiveness of dâlîyâh lies in its emphasis on the physical characteristic of the branch – its hanging, drooping, or extensive nature – which sets it apart from more generic terms for "branch." Its solitary occurrence in the Bible makes its specific nuance in the Ezekiel allegory particularly significant.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of dâlîyâh in [[Ezekiel 17:6]] within a prophetic allegory imbues it with profound theological significance:
* **Symbol of National Prosperity and Dependence:** The "thick branches" (דָּלִיּוֹת) of the vine represent the apparent flourishing and strength of the kingdom of Judah. However, this prosperity is contingent upon the "great eagle" (Babylon), highlighting Judah's vulnerable position and its dependence on a foreign power rather than on God's covenant faithfulness.
* **Imagery of False Security:** The lush dâlîyôt depict a period of growth that, from a divine perspective, is built on a foundation of unfaithfulness. The vine's flourishing under Babylon is a deceptive peace, ultimately leading to judgment because Judah sought help from Egypt (the second eagle) instead of trusting the Lord.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment:** Despite the human actors and their choices, the entire allegory in Ezekiel 17 underscores God's ultimate sovereignty. He is the one who "plants" and "plucks up" nations. The luxurious "dangling branches" of the vine, though seemingly robust, are ultimately subject to divine judgment, demonstrating that true security and flourishing come only from obedient reliance on God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word dâlîyâh (`{{H1808}}`) denotes a "bough" or "branch," specifically one that is long, flexible, and has a "dangling" or "hanging" quality, derived from the root `{{H1802}}` meaning "to draw out" or "to hang down." Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Ezekiel 17:6]], where it appears in the plural (dâlîyôt) to describe the "thick branches" of a vine, symbolizing the nation of Judah. In this prophetic allegory, the luxuriant dâlîyôt represent Judah's apparent flourishing and strength under the influence of Babylon. The term highlights the visual aspect of abundant, hanging foliage, which, in the broader context of Ezekiel's prophecy, speaks to both the superficial prosperity and the underlying vulnerability of a nation dependent on foreign powers rather than on God. It serves as a powerful image within the prophetic discourse on divine judgment and sovereignty over national destinies.
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