from דָּמַם (compare אָדַם); blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. drops of blood); blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâm**, represented by `{{H1818}}`, is the primary term for **blood**. It appears **361 times** across **295 unique verses**, indicating its profound significance. The word refers to the literal blood of a man or animal, but it extends figuratively to encompass concepts of bloodshed, guilt, and the very essence of life itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical text, `{{H1818}}` is central to several key areas. It is the required element for making **atonement** `{{H3722}}` upon the altar, as the **life** `{{H5315}}` of the flesh is in the **blood** [[Leviticus 17:11]]. It is also the seal of the divine **covenant** `{{H1285}}`, as demonstrated when Moses sprinkled the **blood** on the people [[Exodus 24:8]]. The concept of **bloodguiltiness** is a major theme, where the shedding of innocent **blood** cries out from the ground [[Genesis 4:10]] and is required by God from the hand of the perpetrator [[Ezekiel 3:18]]. Consequently, scripture forbids eating **blood**, as it contains the life ([[Genesis 9:4]]; [[Leviticus 3:17]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the function and meaning of **blood**:
* `{{H5315}}` **nephesh** (life, soul): This word is fundamentally linked to **dâm**, establishing that the **life** of a creature is in its **blood** [[Leviticus 17:11]].
* `{{H8210}}` **shâphak** (to shed): This is the primary verb used to describe the violent pouring out of **blood**, often in the context of murder or guilt [[Genesis 9:6]].
* `{{H5355}}` **nâqîy** (innocent): This adjective frequently modifies **blood**, creating the legal and moral category of "innocent **blood**" whose shedding brings severe consequences [[Jeremiah 22:3]].
* `{{H3722}}` **kâphar** (to make an atonement): This term defines the primary ritual purpose of **blood**, which is to cover sin and make reconciliation for the soul upon the altar [[Leviticus 17:11]].
* `{{H1285}}` **bᵉrîyth** (covenant): **Blood** serves as the sacred seal of a **covenant**, ratifying the agreement between God and His people [[Exodus 24:8]].
* `{{H1245}}` **bâqash** (to require, seek): This verb describes God's action of seeking or demanding justice for shed **blood**, holding individuals accountable for their actions [[Ezekiel 3:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1818}}` is immense, touching on core doctrines of life, sin, and redemption.
* **The Sanctity of Life:** "The **life** `{{H5315}}` of the **flesh** `{{H1320}}` is in the **blood** `{{H1818}}`" [[Leviticus 17:11]]. This principle elevates blood beyond a mere physical substance to the sacred carrier of life, which is why it is forbidden to be eaten [[Genesis 9:4]].
* **Atonement and Redemption:** God designated **blood** as the agent of atonement upon the **altar** `{{H4196}}` to cover sin. Its power comes from His own provision [[Leviticus 17:11]], and through it, reconciliation can be made [[Leviticus 8:15]].
* **Justice and Culpability:** The first murder resulted in a brother's **blood** crying out from the **ground** `{{H127}}` for justice [[Genesis 4:10]]. The shedding of innocent **blood** defiles the land [[Isaiah 59:3]] and brings guilt upon a city or person [[Ezekiel 22:4]]. God holds people accountable, requiring the **blood** of the slain from the hand of the guilty [[Genesis 9:5-6]].
* **Covenant Ratification:** **Blood** is used to inaugurate and seal the most solemn agreements with God. Moses ratified the covenant by sprinkling the **blood** on the people of Israel [[Exodus 24:8]], and this "blood of the covenant" is the basis for deliverance [[Zechariah 9:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1818}}` carries a profound dual meaning throughout scripture. It represents the sacredness of **life** `{{H5315}}`, a gift from God [[Leviticus 17:11]], and simultaneously, the gravity of death and the demand for justice when it is wrongfully shed [[Genesis 9:6]]. From the **blood** of sacrifices that purifies the altar [[Leviticus 8:15]] to the innocent **blood** that pollutes a land [[Ezekiel 9:9]], **dâm** is a central element in the biblical framework of life, death, sin, and redemption.
TRV