from דִּין; judge; Dan, one of the sons of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in Palestine colonized by them; Daniel
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Dân**, represented by `{{H1835}}`, is derived from a root meaning **judge** `{{H1777}}`. It appears 71 times across 64 unique verses in the Bible. The name refers to Dan, one of the twelve sons of Jacob [[Genesis 35:25]], the tribe descended from him [[Numbers 1:38]], and its territory [[Joshua 19:40]], including a city they colonized in northern Palestine [[Judges 18:29]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1835}}` is introduced when Rachel names her handmaid's son **Dan**, stating, "God hath judged me" [[Genesis 30:6]], linking the name to the act of judgment. As a tribe, **Dan** is listed in the censuses of Israel [[Numbers 1:38]] and is the recipient of a prophetic blessing from Jacob [[Genesis 49:16]]. Geographically, the name **Dan** often marks the northernmost boundary of Israel in the recurring phrase "from **Dan** even to Beersheba" ([[Judges 20:1]], [[1 Samuel 3:20]], [[1 Kings 4:25]]), signifying the entire expanse of the nation. However, the city of **Dan** also becomes a center for idolatry. The tribe sets up a graven image there [[Judges 18:30]], and it is later chosen by King Jeroboam as one of the sites for his golden calves, which caused Israel to sin [[1 Kings 12:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the identity and role of Dan:
* `{{H1777}}` **dîyn** (a straight course, i.e. sail direct): This is the root of Dan's name. It is contextually used to mean "judge," as seen in Rachel's declaration "God hath **judged** me" [[Genesis 30:6]] and in Jacob's prophecy, "**Dan** shall **judge** his people" [[Genesis 49:16]].
* `{{H7626}}` **shêbeṭ** (tribe): This word is essential for understanding Dan's identity as one of the twelve clans of Israel, as in "the **tribes** of Israel" [[Genesis 49:16]] and the specific "tribe of **Dan**" [[Judges 18:30]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This term establishes Dan's lineage as a **son** of Jacob through Bilhah [[Genesis 35:25]], and is also used to refer to his descendants, the "children of **Dan**" [[Judges 18:2]].
* `{{H3919}}` **Layish** (Laish): This was the original name of the city conquered by the tribe of Dan, which they subsequently renamed **Dan** after their father [[Judges 18:29]].
* `{{H5175}}` **nâchâsh** (serpent): In his final blessing, Jacob prophesies that "**Dan** shall be a **serpent** by the way" [[Genesis 49:17]], providing a key symbolic image for the tribe's character.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1835}}` is significant, touching on themes of lineage, prophecy, and apostasy.
* **Patriarchal Lineage:** As one of the twelve sons of Jacob, **Dan** represents a foundational family line within the nation of Israel, with his descendants forming a distinct tribe with a promised inheritance ([[Genesis 35:25]], [[Joshua 19:48]]).
* **Prophetic Role of Judgment:** The name **Dan** means "judge," and this role is prophesied by Jacob [[Genesis 49:16]]. The prophecy also uses the imagery of a serpent that "biteth the horse heels" [[Genesis 49:17]], suggesting a cunning and tactical nature that brings down mightier foes.
* **Apostasy and Idolatry:** The city of **Dan** becomes a notorious center for idolatry. It is where the Danites set up a graven image [[Judges 18:30]], and later, it housed one of Jeroboam's golden calves, becoming a major source of sin for the northern kingdom ([[1 Kings 12:29-30]], [[Amos 8:14]]).
* **National Boundary:** The expression "from **Dan** to Beersheba" is not merely geographical but also theological, defining the full extent of the covenant land promised to Israel under the Lord's authority [[2 Samuel 24:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1835}}` is more than just a name. It represents a person, a people, and a place, each carrying significant weight in the biblical account. From its origins in an act of divine judgment for Rachel [[Genesis 30:6]], to its prophetic destiny as a tribe that would judge [[Genesis 49:16]], **Dan** embodies a complex identity. While an integral part of Israel's promised inheritance [[Ezekiel 48:1]], the tribe and its namesake city are also associated with strategic cunning [[Genesis 49:17]] and serve as a warning against idolatry and apostasy [[1 Kings 12:29]]. It illustrates how a single name can trace the arc of a people's history, from their patriarchal roots to their role within the nation and their ultimate spiritual standing before God.