feminine from the same as דֹּמֶן; a dung-heap; Dimnah, a place in Palestine; Dimnah.
Transliteration:Dimnâh
Pronunciation:dim-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma דִּמְנָה (Dimnâh), Strong's `{{H1829}}`, is a feminine noun derived from the same root as דֹּמֶן (dômen), Strong's `{{H1828}}`, which denotes "dung" or "dung-heap." The base meaning of "Dimnâh" therefore points to "a place of dung" or "a dung-heap." However, in its biblical usage, it functions exclusively as a proper noun, referring to a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. While its etymology suggests a humble or even unsavory origin for the place name, perhaps indicating a site used for refuse disposal or a particularly fertile, manured area, its semantic range is restricted to this singular geographical identification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Dimnâh appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 21:35]]: "and out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with its pasture lands, Nahalal with its pasture lands, Dimnah with its pasture lands, and Nahalal with its pasture lands—four cities."
In this sole occurrence, Dimnâh is listed among the cities allocated to the Merarite clan of the Levites. These cities, along with their pasture lands, were granted to the Levites from the territory of the tribe of Zebulun. The context is purely geographical and administrative, detailing the meticulous distribution of the promised land among the Israelite tribes and the specific provision for the priestly tribe of Levi, who received no tribal inheritance of land but rather cities scattered throughout the other tribes. The mention of "pasture lands" (מִגְרָשִׁים, migrâshîm) alongside Dimnâh reinforces its identity as a functional, habitable settlement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to דִּמְנָה (Dimnâh) is its root word, דֹּמֶן (dômen), Strong's `{{H1828}}`, which means "dung" or "manure." This connection is significant as it provides insight into the likely physical characteristics or historical function of the place that gave it its name. Other related concepts include:
* **Levitical Cities:** Dimnâh is explicitly identified as one of the cities given to the Levites, highlighting the divine provision for the tribe dedicated to priestly service. This connects it to the broader theme of the structured settlement of Israel and the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levites' sustenance.
* **Tribal Allocations:** Its placement within the territory of Zebulun underscores the systematic division of the land among the twelve tribes, a central theme in the book of Joshua.
* **Toponymy:** As a place name derived from a common noun describing a physical feature or function, Dimnâh falls into the category of toponyms that reflect the ancient world's practice of naming locations based on their characteristics.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun referring to a specific location, Dimnâh does not carry direct theological significance in the way that terms for God's attributes or commands might. Its importance is primarily historical and administrative within the biblical narrative. However, its inclusion in the detailed list of Levitical cities in [[Joshua 21]] contributes to a broader theological understanding:
* **Divine Order and Provision:** The meticulous listing of cities like Dimnâh demonstrates God's precise and orderly fulfillment of His covenant promises, specifically regarding the land inheritance and the provision for the Levites. Even a city with a humble name like "dung-heap" is part of God's grand design for His people.
* **Holiness in the Mundane:** The fact that a city potentially named after a "dung-heap" could be designated as a residence for the Levites, who were responsible for maintaining ritual purity and sacred service, subtly illustrates that God's presence and holy purposes can extend to and sanctify even the most ordinary or seemingly undignified aspects of human existence. It underscores the pervasive nature of God's sovereignty over all aspects of the land and life.
### Summary
דִּמְנָה (Dimnâh), Strong's `{{H1829}}`, is a proper noun meaning "dung-heap," derived from `{{H1828}}`. It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Joshua 21:35]], where it is identified as one of the cities from the tribe of Zebulun designated for the Merarite Levites. While its etymology is humble, its biblical significance lies in its role as part of the detailed record of Israel's land distribution and the divine provision for the Levites. It serves as a testament to God's meticulous order, faithful provision, and the extension of His sacred purposes even to places with ordinary, earthy names.
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