דָּגַל
to flaunt, i.e. raise a flag; figuratively, to be conspicuous
Definition
The verb דָּגַל (dâgal) primarily means 'to set up a banner' or 'to display a flag,' a literal action of raising a standard for visibility and rallying. Figuratively, it means to be conspicuous, prominent, or distinguished, often describing someone who stands out in an excellent or commanding way. In Psalm 20:5, the sense is celebratory and militaristic: 'we will set up our banners,' expressing triumph. In the Song of Solomon, it describes the beloved as 'chiefest among ten thousand' (Song of Solomon 5:10) and 'terrible as an army with banners' (Song of Solomon 6:4, 10), emphasizing his awe-inspiring, distinguished, and preeminent quality.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only four times in the Old Testament, appearing in poetic and metaphorical contexts. Its usage splits between a literal, communal act of raising banners in a military or celebratory setting (Psalm 20:5) and a figurative use describing an individual's supreme excellence and awe-inspiring presence. All three figurative uses are found in the Song of Solomon (5:10; 6:4, 10), where they poetically exalt the male beloved as uniquely distinguished and majestic.
Etymology
Derived from a primitive root, דָּגַל is related to the noun 'degel' (H1714), meaning 'banner,' 'standard,' or 'flag.' The core concept is making something visibly prominent, like a flag on a pole. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to seeing or looking, reinforcing the idea of conspicuousness.
Semantic Range
This word enriches the understanding of God's saving power and the majesty of Christ. In Psalm 20:5, 'banners' symbolize trust in God's victory, connecting to the theme of God as our rallying point in battle. In the Song of Solomon, its application to the beloved provides a powerful metaphor for the preeminent, awe-inspiring beauty of Christ as celebrated in Christian typology. Understanding this Hebrew term deepens the imagery of Christ as the conspicuous, victorious standard-bearer and the uniquely glorious bridegroom of the Church.
In ancient Near Eastern warfare and gatherings, a banner or standard was crucial for organizing troops, signaling identity, and rallying people to a common cause. It was a visible focal point in the chaos. To 'set up a banner' was an act of claiming victory, gathering a community, or making a public declaration. The figurative use to describe a person as 'an army with banners' (Song of Solomon 6:4, 10) draws on this cultural understanding of awe-inspiring, organized, and formidable power.
נָשָׂא (nâsâ', H5375) — to lift, carry, or bear; can involve raising a standard but is a much broader term for lifting anything. סָמַךְ (sâmak, H5564) — to lean, lay, or set upon; implies support or establishment, not necessarily for public display. קָדַשׁ (qâdash, H6942) — to be set apart or consecrated; denotes sacred distinction rather than visual prominence.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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