דָּלַג
to spring
Definition
The Hebrew verb דָּלַג (dâlag) means to spring, leap, or skip. It describes a swift, bounding motion, often of a person or animal moving energetically or joyfully. In Song of Solomon 2:8, it depicts the lover leaping over mountains and hills, conveying eager, rapid movement. In a different context, it describes the miraculous leaping of the lame in Isaiah 35:6, symbolizing God's restorative power. In military imagery, it is used metaphorically for scaling a wall or overcoming an obstacle with God's help, as in Psalm 18:29 and 2 Samuel 22:30.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used five times in the Old Testament, primarily in poetic and prophetic books. It appears in two main contexts: first, for literal, joyful leaping, as in the romantic imagery of Song of Solomon 2:8. Second, it is used in metaphorical descriptions of divine empowerment, where God enables someone to 'leap over a wall' in battle (Psalm 18:29, 2 Samuel 22:30) or enables the lame to leap (Isaiah 35:6). The final use in Zephaniah 1:9 is unique, describing those who 'leap over the threshold,' possibly referencing a pagan ritual practice.
Etymology
דָּלַג (dâlag) is a primitive root in Hebrew. Its core meaning relates to springing or leaping. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, support meanings of skipping or leaping, indicating the root's ancient association with quick, jumping movement.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it often illustrates God's supernatural enabling. In the royal psalms (Psalm 18:29) and Samuel's song (2 Samuel 22:30), leaping over a wall symbolizes divine victory in battle, highlighting God as the source of strength for the king. In Isaiah 35:6, the leaping of the lame is a key sign of the messianic age and God's ultimate restoration of creation, pointing forward to the kingdom of God where all brokenness is healed.
The reference in Zephaniah 1:9 to those who 'leap over the threshold' likely criticizes a pagan Philistine custom adopted in Judah, where priests would avoid stepping on a temple threshold to not disturb a household deity believed to reside there. This cultural detail condemns syncretism and idolatry, contrasting sharply with the faithful leaping empowered by Yahweh in other passages.
פָּזַז (pāzaz, H6339) — to leap or skip, but often with a sense of being agile or lively. קָפַץ (qāp̄aṣ, H6339 in some forms) — to draw together, leap, or spring; can imply a gathering of force before leaping. רָקַד (rāqad, H7540) — to dance or skip, emphasizing rhythmic, celebratory movement rather than a single bound.
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.
Full methodology & sources →