דֹּתָן
Dothan, a place in Palestine
Definition
Dothan is a proper noun referring to a specific location in ancient Palestine, situated in the hill country of Samaria, approximately 10 miles north of Shechem. It is best known as the place where Joseph's brothers conspired against him, throwing him into a pit before selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:17). The city also appears in the story of Elisha, where the prophet was surrounded by the Aramean army, only to be protected by God's invisible chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:13). In both narratives, Dothan serves as a strategic setting for divine intervention and the unfolding of God's providential plans.
Biblical Usage
The word 'Dothan' is used exclusively as a place name in the Old Testament, appearing only twice. It is found in two distinct historical contexts: the patriarchal narrative in Genesis and the prophetic ministry during the divided monarchy in 2 Kings. In Genesis 37:17, it is the location where Joseph finds his brothers pasturing their flocks. In 2 Kings 6:13, it is the city where the prophet Elisha resides, which the king of Aram besieges in an attempt to capture him. Both usages simply identify the geographical location without additional metaphorical meaning.
Etymology
The etymology of Dothan (דֹּתָן) is uncertain. Some scholars suggest it may derive from a root meaning 'two wells' or 'double cistern,' which would be fitting for a settlement in a semi-arid region. The alternate Aramaic dual form דֹּתַיִן (Dothayin) found in Genesis 37:17 supports this potential connection to a dual number, possibly referencing two features of the landscape. However, the exact origin remains speculative, as no clear Hebrew root is definitively identified.
Semantic Range
Dothan is theologically significant as a location where God's sovereignty and protection are dramatically displayed. In Genesis, it is the stage for the betrayal of Joseph, an event God uses to preserve Israel and fulfill His covenant promises (Genesis 50:20). In 2 Kings, it is where Elisha's servant has his eyes opened to see the heavenly army protecting them, illustrating God's unseen presence and power in the midst of earthly danger (2 Kings 6:17). Understanding Dothan enriches Bible reading by highlighting how God works through specific places to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
Dothan was a real ancient city located on a major trade route connecting the Jezreel Valley to the hill country and the coast. Its strategic position made it a site of military and economic importance. Archaeological excavations have confirmed its occupation during the Bronze and Iron Ages, uncovering fortifications and evidence of settlement. For the original audience, Dothan was not just a name but a known location, adding historical credibility to the biblical narratives. Its mention grounds the stories in a tangible geographical reality.
Shechem (Shekem, H7927) — A major city in the hill country of Ephraim, south of Dothan, also significant in patriarchal and conquest narratives. Samaria (Shomron, H8111) — The capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, the broader regional power center near which Dothan was located.
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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