the same as דְּרוֹר, applied to a bird; the swift, a kind of swallow; swallow.
Transliteration:dᵉrôwr
Pronunciation:der-ore'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1866}}` (dᵉrôwr), transliterated as "dᵉrôwr," refers specifically to a type of bird, commonly identified as the swift or swallow. Its base definition highlights its application to an avian species, distinguishing it from the homonymous `{{H1865}}` which denotes "freedom" or "liberty." The semantic range of `{{H1866}}` is narrow, focusing exclusively on this small, agile bird known for its rapid flight and often for nesting in proximity to human habitation or structures. The identification as a "swift" or "swallow" is based on ancient observations of their characteristics and behavior, particularly their swift, darting movements.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H1866}}` appears in two distinct contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its symbolic significance:
1. **[[Psalm 84:3]]**: "Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God."
In this poetic lament, the psalmist expresses a profound longing for the dwelling place of God. The swallow (`{{H1866}}`) is depicted alongside the sparrow (`{{H6833}}`) as finding a secure and welcome home, even a place to raise its young, within the sacred precincts of God's altars. This imagery underscores the security, peace, and divine provision available in God's presence. The birds' seemingly privileged access to the temple courts serves as a poignant contrast to the psalmist's own exiled state or fervent desire to be there, highlighting the blessedness of nearness to the Divine.
2. **[[Proverbs 26:2]]**: "Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land."
Here, the swallow (`{{H1866}}`) is employed in a proverb to illustrate the futility and inefficacy of an unmerited curse. Just as a swift-flying bird like the swallow darts and flutters, never settling on a target, so too an unjust curse fails to find a resting place or achieve its intended harm. The bird's erratic and uncatchable flight symbolizes the inability of a baseless malediction to take effect, emphasizing divine justice and the protection afforded to the innocent.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H1866}}` specifically denotes the swift/swallow, it exists within a broader lexical field of avian terms in Hebrew. The general term for "bird" or "fowl" is `{{H5775}}` (‘ôph), and more specifically, `{{H6833}}` (tsippor) often refers to a "sparrow" or a small bird in general, as seen in parallel with `{{H1866}}` in [[Psalm 84:3]]. Another word for swift or crane is `{{H5492}}` (sûs), which also conveys rapid movement.
Crucially, it is vital to distinguish `{{H1866}}` (the bird) from `{{H1865}}` (dᵉrôwr), which means "freedom" or "liberty," as in the Year of Jubilee ([[Leviticus 25:10]]). Though sharing the same lemma, their semantic domains are entirely distinct. The context invariably clarifies which meaning is intended. For `{{H1866}}`, the context explicitly refers to an animal. The connection between the two homonyms might subtly lie in the bird's perceived freedom of movement, though this is not explicitly stated in the biblical texts themselves.
### Theological Significance
The appearances of `{{H1866}}` carry significant theological weight:
1. **Divine Providence and Sanctuary**: In [[Psalm 84:3]], the swallow's ability to nest at God's altars speaks volumes about divine care. It illustrates God's comprehensive providence, extending even to the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures. More profoundly, it portrays the temple as a sanctuary of ultimate safety and rest, a place where even the vulnerable can find security and raise their young. This imagery invites the worshiper to recognize the profound peace and belonging available in God's immediate presence.
2. **Spiritual Longing and Intimacy**: The psalmist's yearning to be like the swallow, dwelling near God's altars, transforms the bird into a symbol of spiritual aspiration. It expresses a deep, visceral desire for intimacy with the Divine, a longing for constant communion and abiding in the sacred space where God's presence is manifest. The bird's natural inclination to nest becomes a metaphor for the soul's natural inclination towards its Creator.
3. **Justice and the Futility of Evil**: [[Proverbs 26:2]] uses the swallow's erratic flight to convey a theological truth about justice. An undeserved curse, being without divine sanction, is rendered powerless. It cannot "land" or achieve its purpose, much like a swift bird cannot be easily caught or pinned down. This highlights God's protective nature over the righteous and the ultimate impotence of malicious intent when it lacks a just foundation. It reassures believers that God upholds justice and that unmerited evil will not prevail.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H1866}}` (dᵉrôwr) refers to the swift or swallow, a small, fast-flying bird. Despite its limited occurrences in Scripture, its symbolic use is rich. In [[Psalm 84:3]], the swallow nesting at God's altars powerfully conveys themes of divine providence, the security of God's sanctuary, and the deep spiritual longing for intimacy with the Creator. In [[Proverbs 26:2]], its darting, elusive flight serves as an apt metaphor for the futility of an undeserved curse, underscoring God's justice and protection against unfounded malice. Thus, `{{H1866}}`, though simply a bird, becomes a profound vehicle for expressing theological truths about God's care, the soul's yearning, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.
TRV