דַּלָּה
properly, something dangling, i.e. a loose thread or hair; figuratively, indigent
Definition
The Hebrew noun דַּלָּה (dallâh) primarily means 'something dangling' or 'a loose thread,' as seen in Song of Solomon 7:5 where it poetically describes flowing hair. From this concrete sense, it developed a figurative meaning of 'the poor' or 'indigent'—those who are 'dangling' or hanging by a thread in society, with minimal security. This figurative usage is prominent in historical narratives like 2 Kings 24:14 and Jeremiah 52:15-16, where it refers to the poorest classes of people left in the land after exile. In a unique medical context in Isaiah 38:12, it metaphorically describes a 'pining sickness' or a life that is fraying and coming loose like a thread.
Biblical Usage
דַּלָּה is used 8 times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, prophetic, and poetic books. Its literal sense of a 'dangling thread' or 'hair' is found only in the poetic imagery of Song of Solomon 7:5. Its dominant figurative use for 'the poorest of the poor' occurs in the historical accounts of the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 24:14, 2 Kings 25:12, Jeremiah 40:7, Jeremiah 52:15-16) and in Joseph's dream narrative (Genesis 41:19), describing emaciated cattle. The prophetic book of Isaiah 38:12 uniquely applies it to Hezekiah's terminal illness, portraying life as a thread being cut.
Etymology
דַּלָּה is a feminine noun derived from the root verb דָּלָה (dālâ, H1802), which means 'to draw (water),' 'to lift up,' or, in a related sense, 'to be low, hang down.' The connection lies in the idea of something that is drawn out, suspended, or dangling—like a bucket on a rope or a loose thread. This root gives the noun its core meaning of something thin, weak, or insecure, which then extended to describe people in a vulnerable social and economic state.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects physical poverty with a state of fragility and precariousness. Understanding דַּלָּה enriches reading by highlighting God's particular concern for the most vulnerable in society—those 'hanging by a thread.' Its use in the exile narratives (e.g., Jeremiah 52:16) shows that even in judgment, God's providence sometimes spares the weakest, whom the world overlooks. The metaphor in Isaiah 38:12 also provides a profound image of human mortality and dependence on God for the sustaining of life.
In ancient Israelite culture, poverty was not just an economic condition but a state of extreme social vulnerability and powerlessness. Describing the poor as דַּלָּה—like a dangling thread—vividly communicated their lack of security, stability, and social connectedness. This differs from a modern, statistical view of poverty by emphasizing a tangible, precarious existence. The imagery of hair in Song of Solomon 7:5 reflects ancient beauty ideals, where long, flowing hair was admired.
עָנִי (ʿānî, H6041) — poor, afflicted, focusing on oppression and lowliness. אֶבְיוֹן (ʾebyôn, H34) — needy, destitute, emphasizing a need or want. רָשׁ (rāš, H7326) — poor, lacking material possessions.
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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