from דָּלַף; dripping; Dalphon, a son of Haman; Dalphon.
Transliteration:Dalphôwn
Pronunciation:dal-fone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word Dalphon (דַּלְפוֹן, `{{H1813}}`) is a proper noun derived from the root דָּלַף (dalaph, `{{H1811}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to drip," "to drop," or "to leak." As a personal name, Dalphon literally translates to "dripping" or "one who drips." While the etymology might evoke imagery of a slow, persistent flow, or perhaps even a gradual weakening or decay, its primary function in the biblical text is as an identifier for a specific individual. The semantic range of `{{H1813}}` is narrow, confined almost exclusively to its use as a proper name, though its root meaning can offer subtle, perhaps ironic, undertones when considering the character's ultimate fate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Dalphon (דַּלְפוֹן, `{{H1813}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Esther: [[Esther 9:7]]. In this passage, Dalphon is listed as one of the ten sons of Haman, the Agagite, who was the chief antagonist in the narrative. The full list of Haman's sons enumerated for execution includes Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha.
The context of this verse is crucial. It details the execution of Haman's sons by the Jews in Susa, following the king's decree that allowed the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. The precise naming of each son underscores the thoroughness of the judgment meted out against Haman's household. This act was not merely a general victory but a complete and specific eradication of Haman's lineage, preventing any future attempts at revenge or resurgence of his malicious plans against the Jewish people. The inclusion of Dalphon's name, alongside his brothers, serves to highlight the comprehensive nature of the deliverance God provided for His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to Dalphon (דַּלְפוֹן, `{{H1813}}`) is its verbal root, דָּלַף (dalaph, `{{H1811}}`), meaning "to drip," "to leak," or "to drop." This root appears in other biblical contexts, often metaphorically. For example, [[Proverbs 19:13]] compares "a contentious wife" to "a continual dripping," and [[Proverbs 27:15]] likens "a quarrelsome wife" to "the constant dripping of a leaky roof." [[Ecclesiastes 10:18]] uses the verb to describe a decaying house that "leaks."
While the connection between "dripping" and a personal name like Dalphon might not be immediately obvious or universally agreed upon, one could speculate on symbolic links:
* **Persistent Trouble:** "Dripping" can signify a slow, persistent, and potentially destructive annoyance, much like Haman's insidious plot against the Jews.
* **Gradual Demise:** It could also subtly foreshadow the slow, inevitable unraveling of Haman's power and the eventual demise of his household, culminating in the sudden execution.
* **Sorrow/Tears:** "Dripping" can also refer to tears, perhaps ironically pointing to the sorrow and judgment that would ultimately befall Haman's family.
Beyond its root, Dalphon is conceptually linked to the other nine sons of Haman listed in [[Esther 9:7-9]]. Their collective fate represents the complete reversal of Haman's fortunes and the comprehensive nature of the divine judgment and deliverance.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Dalphon among Haman's executed sons carries significant theological weight. While the book of Esther does not explicitly mention God, His hidden hand of providence is clearly evident throughout the narrative. The fate of Dalphon and his brothers serves as a powerful demonstration of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
The comprehensive destruction of Haman's lineage, including Dalphon, underscores the principle that those who plot evil against God's chosen people will ultimately be ensnared by their own devices ([[Psalm 7:15-16]], [[Psalm 9:15-16]]). This event highlights God's unwavering commitment to protect His covenant people and ensure their survival for His redemptive purposes. The meticulous naming of each son emphasizes the thoroughness of this judgment, ensuring that the threat from Haman's line is completely eradicated.
The narrative involving Dalphon contributes to the overarching theme of God's sovereign control over history, even in seemingly secular contexts. It demonstrates that no human plot, however powerful or well-conceived, can ultimately thwart God's plans for His people. The execution of Haman's sons ensures the continuity of the Jewish line, through which the Messiah would eventually come, thus preserving the lineage essential for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
Dalphon (דַּלְפוֹן, `{{H1813}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "dripping," derived from the root דָּלְף (dalaph, `{{H1811}}`). His sole appearance in the Bible is in [[Esther 9:7]], where he is identified as one of the ten sons of Haman, the antagonist who sought to annihilate the Jewish people. Dalphon's inclusion in the list of executed sons underscores the complete and decisive victory achieved by the Jews, signifying the utter defeat of Haman's wicked plot. The naming of each son, including Dalphon, emphasizes the thoroughness of the judgment and the comprehensive nature of the deliverance God orchestrated for His people. Theologically, Dalphon's fate stands as a testament to divine providence, God's justice, and His unwavering protection of His covenant people against those who seek their destruction, ensuring the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately appear.
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