The Hebrew word dâgâh, represented by H1710, is the term for fish, often used in a collective sense. It appears 15 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible. Its use spans from the creation account to prophecies of judgment and restoration, establishing fish as a key element within the created order and a symbol of both divine curse and blessing.
In scripture, H1710 is used to illustrate God's complete authority over nature. In the creation narrative, God grants humanity dominion over the fish of the sea (Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:28). As an instrument of judgment, the death of fish is a sign of God's power, as when the Nile's waters were turned to blood and the fish died Exodus 7:18. This event is later recalled in the Psalms Psalms 105:29. Conversely, a great abundance of fish symbolizes divine blessing and life, as seen in Ezekiel's vision of a healing river that will sustain a "very great multitude of fish" Ezekiel 47:9. The word is also used literally, as when the Israelites remembered the fish they ate in Egypt Numbers 11:5 and when Jonah prayed from the fish's belly Jonah 2:1.
Several related words provide a broader context for the meaning of H1710:
- H1728 davvâg (a fisherman): The human agent who interacts with fish. This word appears in Ezekiel's prophecy where fishers will stand along the banks of the restored waters Ezekiel 47:10.
- H3220 yâm (a sea): The primary habitat for fish mentioned in scripture. The phrase "fish of the sea" is foundational to humanity's role of dominion given in creation Genesis 1:26.
- H7287 râdâh (to have dominion): This verb defines the relationship established between humanity and fish in the beginning. God commands mankind to "have dominion" over the fish of the sea Genesis 1:28.
- H4191 mûwth (to die): The fate of fish is often used to demonstrate the effects of a curse or judgment. In Isaiah's prophecy, fish will die for thirst as a result of God's rebuke Isaiah 50:2.
The theological significance of H1710 is demonstrated through its various roles in the biblical narrative.
- Creation and Dominion: Fish are part of the original created order, explicitly placed under human stewardship Genesis 1:26. This establishes a divinely-ordained relationship between humanity and the natural world.
- Indicator of Judgment: The state of aquatic life serves as a visible sign of God's judgment. The death of the fish in Egypt Exodus 7:21 and the prophetic image of fish stinking in dried-up rivers Isaiah 50:2 show that the consequences of sin and divine wrath extend to all of creation.
- Symbol of Restoration: Just as their death signifies judgment, the abundance of fish signifies life and restoration. Ezekiel's vision of a river bringing life to the waters and producing a great multitude of fish of many kinds Ezekiel 47:10 is a powerful metaphor for God's healing and reviving power.
In summary, H1710 carries weight far beyond its simple definition as fish. It is a fixture in the biblical narrative that illustrates the scope of God's creative power, His authority to judge nations, and His promise of future restoration. From being a food source for Israel to an element in the story of Jonah, the word dâgâh shows how God uses every part of His creation to accomplish His purposes.
TRV