### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dᵉrôwr**, represented by `{{H1865}}`, carries the meaning of **liberty** and **freedom**. It appears 8 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from a root meaning "to move rapidly," its definition includes "freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear; liberty, pure." This encompasses both the concept of release from bondage and the quality of purity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H1865}}` is applied in distinct contexts. It is central to the law of the Year of Jubilee, where the Israelites are commanded to "proclaim **liberty** throughout all the land" [[Leviticus 25:10]]. This concept of a national, periodic release is later referenced by Ezekiel, who calls this time "the year of **liberty**" [[Ezekiel 46:17]]. The word also takes on a dual meaning in Jeremiah, where the people of Jerusalem make a covenant to proclaim **liberty** [[Jeremiah 34:8]], but their failure to do so results in God proclaiming a grim **liberty** for them to the sword, pestilence, and famine [[Jeremiah 34:17]]. In a different context, the word describes the "pure" myrrh used as a principal spice for the holy anointing oil [[Exodus 30:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of **dᵉrôwr**:
* `{{H3104}}` **yôwbêl** (jubile, ram's horn, trumpet): This term is intrinsically linked to `dᵉrôwr`, as the **jubile** is the specific festival during which liberty is to be proclaimed to all inhabitants of the land [[Leviticus 25:10]].
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call out to... proclaim): This is the action associated with `dᵉrôwr`. It signifies a formal, public declaration, whether it is the command to **proclaim** liberty to captives [[Isaiah 61:1]] or the covenant made to **proclaim** freedom to servants [[Jeremiah 34:15]].
* `{{H7617}}` **shâbâh** ((to take) captive): This word describes the state of being a **captive**, which is the direct condition that `dᵉrôwr` remedies. The promise in [[Isaiah 61:1]] is to proclaim liberty specifically "to the **captives**."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1865}}` is significant, moving from law to prophecy.
* **Covenant and Social Justice:** The passages in Jeremiah 34 establish the granting of **liberty** as a covenantal responsibility. The failure of the people to honor this release of their servants leads to divine judgment, demonstrating that `dᵉrôwr` is a matter of justice and faithfulness to God [[Jeremiah 34:17]].
* **Messianic Proclamation:** [[Isaiah 61:1]] elevates the concept to a key element of messianic work. The one anointed by the Spirit `{{H7307}}` of the Lord is sent specifically "to proclaim **liberty** to the captives" and announce the "opening of the prison" `{{H6495}}`, framing salvation as a divine act of liberation.
* **Holiness and Purity:** The use of `dᵉrôwr` to mean "pure" in the recipe for holy anointing oil links freedom with sanctification. This suggests that true liberty has a quality of untaintedness, being set apart for a holy purpose [[Exodus 30:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1865}}` is a powerful and layered term. It represents far more than a simple absence of restraint, encompassing legal manumission, ritual purity, and profound spiritual redemption. From its application in the Year of Jubilee to its role in messianic prophecy, **dᵉrôwr** illustrates the biblical connection between freedom, justice, and the restorative work of God.
TRV