### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דֶּמַע (demaʻ, `{{H1831}}`) derives from the root דָּמַע (damaʻ, `{{H1830}}`), meaning "to weep" or "to shed tears." Its primary, literal meaning is therefore "a tear," the liquid exuded from the eye. However, the semantic range of דֶּמַע extends figuratively to denote "juice" or "liquor." This metaphorical extension is based on the concept of something flowing or exuding, much like tears. Just as tears are a natural outflow from the body, so too can the valuable liquid yield of agricultural produce be conceived as an "outflow" or "juice." This dual meaning highlights the word's capacity to represent both human sorrow and the bounty of the earth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word דֶּמַע (demaʻ, `{{H1831}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Exodus 22:29]]. The verse reads: "You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the overflow of your presses. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me." In this context, דֶּמַע is translated in various English versions as "liquors" (KJV), "juice" (NIV), or "overflow" (ESV), referring specifically to the liquid produce of the winepress and olive press—wine and oil. The command is part of a broader set of laws concerning Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing the dedication of the first and best of their produce to the Lord. The use of דֶּמַע here underscores the abundance and richness of the harvest, representing the valuable liquid that flows forth from the agricultural labor, which is to be set apart as an offering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root דָּמַע (damaʻ, `{{H1830}}`), which means "to weep," "to shed tears," or "to distill." This etymological connection firmly grounds דֶּמַע in the concept of liquid outflow. Conceptually, in its sole biblical occurrence, דֶּמַע is linked to terms related to offerings and firstfruits, such as רֵאשִׁית (reshit, `{{H7225}}`, "firstfruits") and תְּרוּמָה (terumah, `{{H8641}}`, "heave offering" or "contribution"). While not synonymous, these words collectively articulate the principle of dedicating the initial and finest produce to God. The word also implicitly connects to the broader theme of God's provision and the land's fruitfulness.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of דֶּמַע (demaʻ, `{{H1831}}`) in [[Exodus 22:29]] is profound. It represents the *bounty* and *blessing* that God bestows upon His people through the land. The "overflow of your presses" signifies a harvest so abundant that the presses yield a generous flow of wine and oil. The command to offer this "liquor" or "juice" to Yahweh is a fundamental expression of Israel's covenantal obligation and worship. It teaches:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Provision:** God is the ultimate source of all sustenance and prosperity. The "overflow" is His gift.
2. **Gratitude and Obedience:** The act of offering the first and best is an act of thanksgiving and obedience, acknowledging God's ownership and faithfulness.
3. **Sanctity of the Firstfruits:** Dedicating the initial produce sets it apart as holy, a tangible recognition of God's prior claim on all things.
4. **Trust:** By giving the first, Israel demonstrates trust that God will continue to provide for their needs.
Thus, דֶּמַע, though rooted in the idea of tears, paradoxically symbolizes the joyous abundance of God's provision and the reverent response of a grateful people.
### Summary
דֶּמַע (demaʻ, `{{H1831}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root "to weep," primarily meaning "a tear," but extending figuratively to "juice" or "liquor." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Exodus 22:29]] refers to the "overflow" or "liquor" from the winepresses and olive presses, representing the abundant liquid yield of the harvest. Theologically, this usage underscores God's generous provision for His people and their corresponding obligation to offer the first and best of His blessings back to Him in gratitude and worship. It serves as a potent symbol of divine bounty and human devotion within the covenant relationship.
TRV