a primitive root; to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; trans. to destroy; cease, be cut down (off), destroy, be brought to silence, be undone, [idiom] utterly.
Transliteration:dâmâh
Pronunciation:daw-mam'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb dâmâh (`{{H1820}}`) is a primitive root, carrying a rich and multifaceted semantic range that extends from a state of quietude to absolute cessation and destruction. Its foundational meaning is "to be dumb or silent," implying a complete cessation of sound, speech, or activity. From this core, the word branches into significant derived meanings. It can signify "to fail" or "to perish," indicating the cessation of life or existence, often in a context of decline or demise. Transitive uses of dâmâh convey the active sense of "to destroy" or "to bring to silence," highlighting the agency behind such cessation. The various nuances include "to cease," "to be cut down (off)," "to be undone," and the idiomatic "utterly," all pointing to a conclusive end or obliteration. Thus, dâmâh encompasses both a passive state of being brought to an end and an active process of bringing something to an end, often with a sense of finality and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of dâmâh in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications:
* **Cessation of Life/Perishing:** In [[Psalm 49:12]] (and [[Psalm 49:20]]), the psalmist laments, "Man, though in honor, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish (dâmâh)." Here, dâmâh vividly portrays the mortality and transience of human life, equating it to the inevitable end of animals, emphasizing the finality of death.
* **Destruction due to Lack of Knowledge:** A poignant use appears in [[Hosea 4:6]]: "My people are destroyed (dâmâh) for lack of knowledge." This verse powerfully connects the spiritual and intellectual deficiency of Israel with their impending destruction, indicating a divine judgment leading to their cessation as a flourishing people. The destruction is not merely physical but a systemic failure leading to the end of their covenantal well-being.
* **Utter Silence/Desolation:** In prophetic contexts, dâmâh often describes the desolation of cities or nations. [[Jeremiah 48:2]] declares concerning Moab, "In Heshbon they plotted evil against her: 'Come, let us cut her off (dâmâh) from being a nation.' You also, O Madmen, shall be brought to silence (dâmâh); the sword shall pursue you." Here, the word signifies the complete eradication and silencing of a people and their land, a consequence of divine judgment.
* **Being Undone/Cut Off:** The prophet Isaiah cries out, "Woe is me! For I am undone (dâmâh), for I am a man of unclean lips..." in [[Isaiah 6:5]]. In this vision of God's holiness, Isaiah's use of dâmâh expresses a profound sense of being utterly ruined, cut off, or brought to an end in the face of divine purity and majesty. It conveys an existential crisis, a feeling of complete incapacitation or annihilation.
* **Cessation of Activity/Lament:** In [[Lamentations 3:49]], the prophet laments, "My eyes flow and do not cease (dâmâh), without intermission." Here, dâmâh describes the continuous, unending nature of weeping, where the tears do not stop or become silent. This highlights the intense and persistent grief experienced.
### Related Words & Concepts
Dâmâh (`{{H1820}}`) shares semantic space with several other Hebrew words, yet maintains its distinct nuances:
* **Silence/Stillness:** It is closely related to dāmām (`{{H1826}}`), which means "to be silent, still, or motionless." While dāmām often implies a state of quietude or waiting (e.g., [[Psalm 37:7]]), dâmâh leans more towards a cessation that results in an end, whether of life, activity, or existence. The silence of dâmâh is often the silence of death or desolation, whereas dāmām can be a temporary, expectant stillness.
* **Perish/Destroy:** Dâmâh overlaps with ’ābād (`{{H6}}`, "to perish, destroy"), šāḥaṯ (`{{H7722}}`, "to mar, destroy, corrupt"), and kārath (`{{H3772}}`, "to cut off, cut down, make a covenant"). While all these words convey destruction, dâmâh often emphasizes the *result* of destruction as a state of being silenced or brought to an end. It carries a strong connotation of the *finality* of cessation, whether through natural processes (perishing) or divine judgment (being cut off). Unlike kārath, which can also denote covenant-making, dâmâh is exclusively associated with cessation and destruction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dâmâh is profound, touching upon divine judgment, human mortality, and the consequences of disobedience.
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** God is often depicted as the one who "brings to silence" or "destroys" nations, cities, or individuals who oppose His will or reject His covenant. This demonstrates His absolute sovereignty and justice. The cessation brought about by dâmâh in these contexts is not random but a deliberate act of divine judgment, signifying the end of a rebellious entity's power, influence, or very existence ([[Jeremiah 48:2]]).
* **Human Frailty and Mortality:** The use of dâmâh to describe humans "perishing" ([[Psalm 49:12]]) underscores the transient and fragile nature of human life. It serves as a stark reminder of humanity's dependence on God and the inevitable reality of death, contrasting the fleeting human existence with God's eternal nature.
* **Consequences of Sin and Lack of Knowledge:** The powerful statement in [[Hosea 4:6]] highlights a critical theological principle: spiritual ignorance and disobedience lead to destruction. When God's people abandon His knowledge and law, they effectively "cut themselves off" or are "brought to silence" by divine consequence, losing their unique identity and standing before God. This is a severe warning against spiritual apathy and apostasy.
* **The Silence of Death and Desolation:** Dâmâh often evokes the imagery of the grave and desolate landscapes, where all activity and sound have ceased. This silence is not peaceful but the haunting quietude of ruin and absence, a powerful symbol of the ultimate end for those under judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb dâmâh (`{{H1820}}`) is a potent term signifying cessation in its various forms: to be silent, to fail, to perish, or to be destroyed. Its semantic range extends from a passive state of being brought to an end to an active process of causing an end. Biblically, dâmâh frequently illustrates the consequences of divine judgment, leading to the destruction and silencing of nations or individuals due to their sin or lack of knowledge. It also powerfully conveys the inherent mortality and frailty of humanity, emphasizing the finality of death and the transient nature of life apart from God. The word's imagery of complete cessation, whether of sound, life, or existence, underscores the solemn themes of divine sovereignty, justice, and the ultimate end of all that opposes God's will.
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