from an unused root (meaning to push over); a stumbling-block; slanderest.
Transliteration:dophîy
Pronunciation:dof'-ee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma דׇּפִי (dophîy, `{{H1848}}`) originates from an unused root that conveys the sense of "pushing over" or "overthrowing." This foundational meaning informs its primary semantic range, which encompasses concepts of a "stumbling-block" or "offense." It denotes something that causes one to trip, fall, or deviate from a righteous path. A significant secondary meaning extends to "slander" or "reproach." This extension arises from the idea of pushing someone down or causing them to stumble through verbal assault, defaming their character, or creating an obstacle to their reputation. Thus, dophîy can refer to both a physical or moral impediment and a verbal act of defamation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word dophîy (`{{H1848}}`) appears exclusively twice in the Masoretic Text, both within the book of Job, which allows for a focused contextual analysis of its usage.
* In [[Job 6:30]], Job laments, "Is there unrighteousness on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamities?" Here, dophîy is often translated as "perverseness," "calamity," or "wickedness," depending on the version. The Septuagint renders it as "falsehood" (ψευδές). The context is Job defending the integrity of his speech against the accusations of his friends. He denies that his tongue utters dophîy, asserting that his words are not a source of stumbling or perverse utterance.
* In [[Job 11:3]], Zophar, in his sharp rebuke of Job, asks, "Should your boastings make men silent? And when you mock, should no one shame you?" Here, dophîy is translated as "boastings" or "mockings." Zophar accuses Job of speaking dophîy, implying that Job's words are a source of offense, causing others to stumble or be silenced by his perceived arrogance. It carries the nuance of offensive, potentially slanderous, or at least highly inappropriate speech.
In both instances, the word is intimately connected with speech and its impact, describing words that are either morally corrupt, deceitful, or cause offense and stumbling.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of a "stumbling-block" is frequently conveyed by other Hebrew terms. For instance, mikshol (`{{H4384}}`) directly means "stumbling-block" or "occasion of falling," often used in a moral or spiritual sense (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:14]], [[Isaiah 8:14]]). While dophîy can imply a stumbling-block, mikshol is a more direct and common term for it. For the sense of "slander" or "reproach," dophîy aligns with words like dibbah (`{{H1681}}`, "evil report," "slander," e.g., [[Numbers 13:32]]), cherpah (`{{H2781}}`, "reproach," "disgrace," e.g., [[Psalm 69:7]]), and the broader concept of lashon ra'ah (literally "evil tongue"), which is prevalent in wisdom literature. The underlying root meaning of "pushing over" connects it conceptually to actions that lead to downfall or ruin, whether through physical means or, as seen in Job, through destructive speech. In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent skandalon (`{{G4625}}`) captures the essence of a "stumbling-block" or "offense," often referring to anything that causes one to sin or fall away from faith (e.g., [[Matthew 18:7]], [[Romans 14:13]]).
### Theological Significance
Though rare in its occurrence, the theological significance of dophîy (`{{H1848}}`) is profound, particularly in its association with speech. The book of Job, in which it exclusively appears, is deeply concerned with the nature of human suffering, divine justice, and the integrity of human discourse in the face of adversity. The use of dophîy highlights the destructive power of words. Both Job and Zophar, in their respective uses of the term, acknowledge that speech can be a "stumbling-block"—either through its inherent perversity (Job's denial) or its offensive arrogance (Zophar's accusation). This resonates with broader biblical wisdom, which frequently warns against the dangers of the tongue (e.g., [[Proverbs 18:21]], [[James 3:5-8]]). Words can build up or tear down, bring life or death, offer truth or spread dophîy. The concept of dophîy underscores the ethical responsibility of speech before God. Whether it is "slander" that pushes someone down or "perverse utterance" that deviates from truth, such speech is an affront to divine order and human flourishing. It points to the need for speech that is pure, truthful, and edifying, rather than that which causes others to stumble or be defamed.
### Summary
The Hebrew term dophîy (`{{H1848}}`), derived from an unused root meaning "to push over," carries a dual semantic weight: "stumbling-block" and "slander." Its limited but significant appearances in the book of Job (at [[Job 6:30]] and [[Job 11:3]]) consistently tie it to the nature and impact of human speech. In [[Job 6:30]], Job denies his words contain dophîy, implying they are not perverse or a source of offense. Conversely, in [[Job 11:3]], Zophar accuses Job of speaking dophîy, referring to offensive or boastful utterances. Theologically, dophîy serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive potential of the tongue, emphasizing the biblical call for righteous and truthful communication, free from anything that would cause others to stumble or be defamed. It highlights the profound ethical and spiritual implications of our words.
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