דִּבְיוֹן

probably some cheap vegetable, perhaps a bulbous root

Definition

The Hebrew word דִּבְיוֹן (dibyôwn) is a term of uncertain meaning that appears only in the plural form in 2 Kings 6:25. It is traditionally understood as a reference to a cheap, edible substance, likely a type of vegetable or bulbous root, consumed during a severe famine. The King James Version famously translates it as 'dove's dung,' which may be a literal interpretation or an idiom for a specific plant or food source of last resort. Given the context of extreme scarcity and desperation in the siege of Samaria, it denotes a low-quality, inexpensive food item that people resorted to for survival.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Kings 6:25, within the narrative of the siege of Samaria by the Arameans. It describes the dire conditions of the famine, where a measure of this substance was sold for an exorbitant price. The usage is strictly contextual, highlighting the severity of the siege and the desperation of the people, with no other biblical occurrences to compare.

Etymology

The etymology of דִּבְיוֹן (dibyôwn) is uncertain. It appears in the plural form only, and some textual notes suggest a possible variant reading of חֶרְיוֹן (cheryôwn), but both are of obscure derivation. There are no clear root words or cognates in biblical Hebrew, making its origin and precise meaning a subject of scholarly conjecture based solely on the context in 2 Kings.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is not theologically rich, its single usage in 2 Kings 6:25 serves a profound narrative purpose. It vividly illustrates the consequences of covenant disobedience and siege, as described in Deuteronomy 28:53-57, showcasing human desperation and the severity of God's judgment. Understanding this term enriches reading by emphasizing the tangible horrors of famine, which sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention and provision in the following chapters, highlighting themes of judgment, suffering, and divine deliverance.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, famines during sieges led to the consumption of any available sustenance, including unconventional plants or animal byproducts. The reference to 'dove's dung' in the KJV may not be literal excrement but could refer to a common, inexpensive plant or seed known by that nickname, such as the edible root of the Star-of-Bethlehem or a similar bulb. This reflects the cultural reality of using all possible resources for survival in extreme hardship, differing from modern understandings where such terms might be taken purely literally.

leḥem (H3899) — The common word for 'bread' or 'food,' contrasting with dibyôwn as a staple versus a desperation food. ʾokel (H400) — A general term for 'food' or 'victuals,' whereas dibyôwn specifies a particular, inferior type.

Word Details