English · KJV
H1675

דָּאָה

dâʼâh /daw-aw'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto dart, i.e. fly rapidly
KJV usagefly.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of dâʼâh — 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 dâʼâh, represented by H1675, is a primitive root meaning to dart, i.e. fly rapidly; fly. It is a rare term, appearing only 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage consistently conveys a sense of immense speed and powerful, purposeful movement.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H1675 is primarily used in similes to describe swift and unstoppable forces. It is used to illustrate the speed of an invading nation sent by the Lord, which will come "as swift as the eagle flieth" Deuteronomy 28:49. This imagery of a predator's rapid flight is repeated in prophecies of judgment against Moab and Edom, where an aggressor "shall fly as an eagle" (Jeremiah 48:40, Jeremiah 49:22). The word is also used to depict the majesty of God Himself, who "did fly upon the wings of the wind" Psalms 18:10.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words enhance the imagery associated with this rapid flight:

  • H5404 nesher: This word for the eagle (or other large bird of prey) is paired with dâʼâh in three of its four appearances (Deuteronomy 28:49, Jeremiah 48:40, Jeremiah 49:22). The eagle serves as the quintessential symbol of swift, powerful, and often predatory action.
  • H5774 ʻûwph: Another primitive root meaning to fly, this word is used in direct parallel with dâʼâh in Psalms 18:10, where God "did fly (ʻûwph), yea, he did fly (dâʼâh)". This repetition emphasizes the supreme speed and power of God's movement.
  • H7307 rûwach: Defined as wind or spirit, this word provides the medium for the divine flight described in Psalms 18:10. God's ability to "fly upon the wings of the wind" connects His power to the untamable forces of nature.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H1675 is tied to its vivid metaphorical application.

  • Swift Divine Judgment: The word is repeatedly used to characterize the sudden and inescapable nature of God's judgment executed through invading armies. The image of a rapidly flying eagle ensures the hearer understands the speed and terror of the coming punishment (Deuteronomy 28:49, Jeremiah 49:22).
  • Majesty and Theophany: In the Psalms, the term elevates from a metaphor for judgment to a direct description of God's glorious appearance. His flight upon the wind is a picture of His sovereign power and immediate presence in response to His servant's cry Psalms 18:10.
  • Unstoppable Force: Whether describing a conquering nation or God Himself, dâʼâh signifies an irresistible force. The rapid flight it describes is not merely fast but a movement with purpose and power that cannot be hindered.

Summary

In summary, H1675 is a potent and specific term for rapid flight. While used sparingly, it powerfully communicates concepts of speed, inevitability, and overwhelming power. It serves as a key descriptor for the swiftness of divine judgment carried out by human armies and, most profoundly, for the majestic and immediate movement of God Himself.

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 verb across 4 occurrences, inflected in 3 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.

  • יִדְאֶה
  • יִדְאֶה
  • יֵּדֶא

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H5404 נֶשֶׁר from an unused root meaning to lacerate; the eagle (or other large bird of prey); eagle. H5774 עוּף a primitive root; to cover (with wings or obscurity); hence (as denominative from עוֹף); to fly; also (by implication of H7307 רוּחַ from רוּחַ; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubs

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 4 verses across 3 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Jeremiah (2 verses); never once in the other 36.

1
Deuteronomy
1
Psalms
2
Jeremiah

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.