Word Study for H1861 (דׇּרְבוֹן)

dorbôwn /dor-bone'/ Ask about this word

Meaning(also dor-bawn'); of uncertain derivation; a goad

KJV usagegoad.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of dorbôwn — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word dorbôwn, represented by H1861, refers to a goad. This word appears 2 times in 2 unique verses. It is used both in a literal sense as an agricultural implement and metaphorically to describe the effect of wise words.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its two biblical appearances, H1861 is presented in distinct contexts. First, it is mentioned as a common farming tool in 1 Samuel, where the Israelites had to go to the Philistines to sharpen their mattocks, coulters, axes, and goads 1 Samuel 13:21. This verse highlights its practical, everyday use in agriculture. The second use is metaphorical, where the words of the wise are compared to goads and fastened nails, suggesting they are meant to prod and secure a person in right thinking and action Ecclesiastes 12:11.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of H1861:

H1697 dâbâr (a word): This word is directly compared to a goad in Ecclesiastes 12:11, illustrating that words can serve as tools to guide or motivate.
H2450 châkâm (wise): The words that function as goads come from the wise, emphasizing that the source of this prodding is wisdom Ecclesiastes 12:11.
H855 ʼêth (coulter, plowshare): This is another agricultural tool mentioned alongside the goad in 1 Samuel 13:21, placing H1861 firmly in the context of farming implements.
H5324 nâtsab (to station, sharpen): This verb describes the action of preparing the goads and other tools, highlighting their importance and need for maintenance 1 Samuel 13:21.

Theological Significance

The conceptual significance of H1861 lies in its dual application as both a physical object and a powerful metaphor.

Instrument of Guidance: Just as a physical goad directs an animal, the words of the wise are meant to direct people. They are given by "one shepherd," implying a single, authoritative source of wisdom Ecclesiastes 12:11.
The Power of Wise Words: The comparison of wise words to goads and fastened nails suggests they have the power to both incite action and establish firm convictions Ecclesiastes 12:11.
A Fundamental Implement: In its literal sense, the goad was an essential tool for Israel's agrarian society. The fact that they had to rely on their enemies to sharpen their goads shows a state of significant vulnerability and oppression 1 Samuel 13:21.

Summary

In summary, H1861 dorbôwn is a term that moves from the literal to the metaphorical. It represents a simple agricultural tool essential for daily life, but it is also used in Scripture to convey a profound truth about the impact of wisdom. The word illustrates how the words of the wise, given from a single shepherd, can function as a goad to prod, guide, and securely fasten truth in the hearts and minds of listeners.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

דָּרְבֹנוֹת
דָּרְבָן

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in 1 Samuel and Ecclesiastes (1 verse each); never once in the other 37.

1 Samuel

Ecclesiastes

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.