### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma דָּשָׁא (dâshâʼ), Strong's `{{H1876}}`, is identified as a primitive root with the core meaning "to sprout" or "to put forth grass." Its semantic range extends to "bring forth" and "spring," encapsulating the initial emergence and rapid growth of vegetation. This root specifically denotes the act of the earth producing new, green life, often in response to an external stimulus or command. It speaks to the generative capacity of the ground, but always in the context of an initiating force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root דָּשָׁא (dâshâʼ) is remarkably rare, appearing only once in the entire Hebrew Bible. This singular occurrence is found in the creation account:
* **[[Genesis 1:11]]**: "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."
* Here, the verb appears in the Hiphil imperfect, third person feminine singular, תַּדְשֵׁא (taḏšêʾ), meaning "let it cause to sprout" or "let it bring forth." The subject is "the earth" (הָאָרֶץ), commanded by God to produce vegetation.
* The context is the third day of creation, where God's spoken word directly initiates the emergence of plant life. This is not a passive process but an active, divinely-mandated act of generation. The earth is depicted as an obedient agent, responding immediately and effectively to the Creator's command. The Hiphil stem emphasizes the causative aspect: God causes the earth to sprout.
The rarity of this verb underscores its specific and profound significance within the foundational narrative of creation. It is the very first verb used to describe the earth's production of life, setting the stage for all subsequent biological existence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct derivative of דָּשָׁא (dâshâʼ) is the noun דֶּשֶׁא (desheʼ), Strong's `{{H1877}}`, which means "grass," "green herb," or "tender grass." This noun appears multiple times in the Old Testament (e.g., [[Genesis 1:12]], [[Deuteronomy 32:2]], [[Psalm 23:2]], [[Isaiah 66:14]]), consistently referring to the green, burgeoning vegetation that covers the earth. The verb דָּשָׁא is the *action* that brings forth this דֶּשֶׁא.
Other related concepts include:
* **Creation and Formation:** Verbs such as בָּרָא (bārāʼ, `{{H1254}}`, "to create") and עָשָׂה (ʿāśâ, `{{H6213}}`, "to make" or "to do") are broader terms for divine activity. דָּשָׁא specifies a particular *type* of creative act related to botanical life.
* **Bringing Forth/Producing:** The verb יָצָא (yāṣāʼ, `{{H3318}}`, "to go out, bring forth") is used in [[Genesis 1:12]] to describe the earth *bringing forth* grass, herbs, and trees, completing the command given in [[Genesis 1:11]] using דָּשָׁא. This indicates דָּשָׁא describes the initial *sprouting* or *causing to sprout*, while יָצָא describes the full *production* or *coming forth* of the vegetation.
* **Fertility and Growth:** The concept of the earth's fertility and its capacity for growth is central to this word, highlighting the divine enablement necessary for such productivity.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of דָּשָׁא (dâshâʼ) in [[Genesis 1:11]] carries immense theological weight:
1. **Divine Fiat and Efficacy:** The word powerfully illustrates the immediate and effective nature of God's creative word. God speaks, and the earth responds by "sprouting." There is no delay or resistance; the divine command is inherently efficacious. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation.
2. **Order and Provision in Creation:** The creation of vegetation on the third day, before the sun, moon, and stars (day four) and before animal life (days five and six), emphasizes God's meticulous ordering of the cosmos. The דָּשָׁא of the earth provides the foundational sustenance necessary for all subsequent forms of life, demonstrating God's foresight and benevolent provision for His creatures.
3. **Earth's Responsiveness as a Created Entity:** The earth is not an autonomous entity but is portrayed as a responsive agent under God's command. Its ability to "sprout" is not inherent apart from divine enablement. This highlights the createdness of the earth and its subservience to the Creator's will.
4. **God as the Source of Life:** Even the simplest forms of life, like grass, are depicted as originating directly from God's creative power. This sets a theological precedent that all life, from the smallest blade of grass to humanity, ultimately derives its existence from the Creator. It is a testament to God's continuous role as the sustainer of life, not just its originator.
### Summary
The Hebrew root דָּשָׁא (dâshâʼ), Strong's `{{H1876}}`, is a primitive root meaning "to sprout," "to bring forth," or "to cause to grow green." Its singular occurrence in [[Genesis 1:11]] is profoundly significant, describing God's direct command for the earth to produce vegetation on the third day of creation. This word, which directly relates to the noun דֶּשֶׁא (grass, `{{H1877}}`), underscores the immediate efficacy of God's creative word, His meticulous ordering of creation for the provision of life, and the earth's responsive nature as a created entity. Theologically, דָּשָׁא serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His role as the ultimate source and sustainer of all life.
TRV