### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dᵉrôwr**, represented by `{{H1866}}`, is used to identify a **swallow**, a type of swift bird. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, yet in each instance, it serves as a powerful symbol. The word is used to illustrate principles of both divine justice and divine refuge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H1866}}` is used metaphorically. In Proverbs, its flight is compared to a baseless curse, stating that just as a **swallow** by flying (`{{H5774}}`), a causeless (`{{H2600}}`) curse (`{{H7045}}`) will not land or "come" (`{{H935}}`) [[Proverbs 26:2]]. In Psalms, the word portrays a sense of profound security, as the psalmist observes that the **swallow** has found a nest (`{{H7064}}`) for herself and her young (`{{H667}}`) in the safety of God's altars (`{{H4196}}`) [[Psalms 84:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meaning of **dᵉrôwr**:
* `{{H6833}}` **tsippôwr** (a little bird): This word appears in both verses alongside **swallow**, used as a parallel to describe a bird wandering (`{{H5110}}`) [[Proverbs 26:2]] and a sparrow finding a house (`{{H1004}}`) [[Psalms 84:3]].
* `{{H7064}}` **qên** (a nest): This is the secure dwelling the **swallow** finds for her young, highlighting the theme of refuge and home within God's courts [[Psalms 84:3]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (an altar): The location where the **swallow** makes her nest is at the altars of the LORD (`{{H3068}}`) of hosts (`{{H6635}}`), signifying that even the most sacred place can be a sanctuary [[Psalms 84:3]].
* `{{H2600}}` **chinnâm** (without a cause): This word is key to understanding the proverb where the **swallow** is mentioned. The flight of the bird illustrates that a curse uttered "without a cause" is ultimately ineffective [[Proverbs 26:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1866}}` is conveyed through its symbolic use in these two distinct contexts:
* **Principle of Causality:** The image of the **swallow** in flight is used to teach a moral truth. A curse without a just reason is powerless and will not find a target, just as a bird flies without settling [[Proverbs 26:2]].
* **Sanctuary in God's Presence:** The **swallow** finding a home at God's altars demonstrates the depth of His care. It shows that the courts of the LORD (`{{H3068}}`) offer a safe and welcoming refuge even for the smallest of creatures, providing a place to lay her young (`{{H667}}`) [[Psalms 84:3]].
### Summary
In summary, though rare, `{{H1866}}` provides rich spiritual imagery. As the **swallow**, it illustrates both the impotence of an unjust curse and the profound security offered within God's sacred dwelling. It demonstrates how observations from the natural world are used in Scripture to reveal truths about God's character, His moral law, and the peace found in His presence.
TRV