דּוּד

a pot (for boiling); also (by resemblance of shape) a basket

Definition

The Hebrew noun דּוּד (dûwd) primarily refers to a pot or cauldron used for boiling, often for cooking sacrificial meat or other food (1 Samuel 2:14, 2 Chronicles 35:13). By extension, due to a resemblance in shape, it can also denote a basket, specifically one used for carrying figs, as seen in Jeremiah 24:2. In poetic contexts, it can describe the seething, boiling breath of the Leviathan (Job 41:20). Thus, its core meaning is a rounded, container-like vessel, with the specific function determined by context.

Biblical Usage

The word is used six times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, poetic, and prophetic books. In historical contexts, it describes pots for boiling sacrificial offerings (1 Samuel 2:14, 2 Chronicles 35:13) and for a grisly display of heads (2 Kings 10:7). In poetry, it metaphorically describes boiling breath (Job 41:20) and is used in Psalm 81:6, where God says, 'I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots (דּוּד).' In prophecy, it specifically refers to the two baskets of figs in Jeremiah 24:1-2, symbolizing the exiled and the remaining people of Judah.

Etymology

The word דּוּד (dûwd) is derived from the same root as דּוֹד (dôwd, H1730), which means 'to boil' or 'to love.' The connection to boiling is primary for this noun, clearly relating to its function as a cooking pot. The semantic extension to 'basket' is based on a visual similarity in the rounded, container-like shape of both objects.

Semantic Range

While primarily a common object, דּוּד gains theological significance in its symbolic use. In Jeremiah 24, the two baskets of figs (דּוּד) become a powerful metaphor from God for the fate of His people—the good figs representing the exiles in Babylon whom God will preserve and restore, and the bad figs representing King Zedekiah and those who remain in Jerusalem under judgment. This illustrates God's sovereign evaluation and separation of His people based on their spiritual condition.

In ancient Israel, the דּוּד as a pot was a common household and cultic item, typically made of clay or metal, used for boiling meat, often from sacrifices. The reference in 2 Kings 10:7 to placing heads in 'two heaps' (translated as 'baskets' or 'pots') highlights its use as a general container. The basket for figs would have been a familiar agricultural item for transport and storage. The dual meaning reflects the practical, shape-based categorization of objects in Hebrew thought.

סִיר (sîyr, H5518) — a more general term for pot, pan, or hook, often for cooking. כְּלִי (kᵊlî, H3627) — a very broad term for any kind of vessel, utensil, or weapon. סַל (sal, H5536) — a specific term for a basket, often for bread or produce, without the connotation of boiling.

Word Details

Scripture References