דָּבָר

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

Definition

The Hebrew noun דָּבָר (dâbâr) fundamentally means 'a word' or 'a thing spoken,' but its semantic range is vast, covering anything that is spoken about or that results from speech. Primarily, it denotes a spoken word, such as God's creative command (Genesis 1:3) or a human message (Genesis 11:1). By extension, it refers to the matter, affair, or event that is the subject of speech, as in a legal case (Genesis 18:25) or a specific incident (Genesis 12:17). In some contexts, it can even mean a 'thing' or physical object, especially when paired with a demonstrative (e.g., 'this thing'). Adverbially, it can mean 'on account of' or 'because of' a matter.

Biblical Usage

דָּבָר is used over 1,200 times across all genres of the Old Testament, making it one of the most common nouns. In narrative and legal texts (e.g., Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy), it often refers to commands, affairs, or specific incidents. In the prophetic books, it frequently denotes the 'word of the LORD'—a divine message or oracle delivered to a prophet (e.g., Jeremiah 1:4). In wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), it often pertains to spoken words, advice, or matters of discourse. Its meaning is heavily dependent on context, shifting seamlessly from a single utterance to an entire event or situation.

Etymology

Derived from the root ד־ב־ר (d-b-r, H1696), meaning 'to speak,' 'to arrange,' or 'to lead.' This root conveys the idea of bringing things to pass through orderly speech. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic *dbr* ('to lead') and Akkadian *dabābu* ('to speak'). The noun דָּבָר thus encapsulates the concept that speech is powerful and creative, leading to tangible outcomes and ordered reality.

Semantic Range

דָּבָר is profoundly theological, central to the biblical concept of God's active, creative, and revelatory speech. God's 'word' (דָּבָר) is efficacious, performing what it declares, as seen in creation (Psalm 33:6) and prophecy (Isaiah 55:11). The 'word of the LORD' is a key vehicle of divine self-revelation and covenant interaction. This concept finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament's identification of Jesus Christ as the incarnate 'Word' (Logos, John 1:1), fulfilling the Hebrew understanding of דָּבָר as God's powerful, personified communication and action in the world.

In ancient Israelite culture, a 'word' (דָּבָר) was not merely a sound or abstract idea but was understood to have substance and power. A spoken word, especially a blessing, curse, or command, was seen as an active force that set events in motion. This contrasts with a modern, more passive view of language. The term's broad application to matters, affairs, and things reflects a holistic worldview where speech, thought, and the tangible event were deeply interconnected.

אֹמֶר (ʾōmer, H561) — a speech, utterance, or promise, often poetic; more focused on the spoken declaration itself. מִלָּה (millâ, H4405) — a word, saying, or discourse; common in Aramaic portions and poetic parallelism. עִנְיָן (ʿinyān, H6045) — affair, business, or pursuit; used in Ecclesiastes for 'matter' or 'task.' דָּבָר itself is the most comprehensive and frequently used term.

Word Details

Scripture References