Dally
An Unusual Biblical Word
The word "dally" appears in the biblical text in the Wisdom of Solomon 12:26, a deuterocanonical book included in the Septuagint and Catholic and Orthodox canons. The passage describes how God dealt with the enemies of Israel through a graduated process of punishment: "But they that would not be reformed by that correction, wherein he dallied with them, shall feel a judgment worthy of God." The Greek phrase underlying "dallied" refers to childlike or playful correction, suggesting punishments that were comparatively mild.
The Context: God's Graduated Judgment
The Wisdom of Solomon 12 discusses God's patience and justice in dealing with the Canaanites and Egyptians. The author reflects on how God did not immediately destroy these peoples with overwhelming force but instead sent progressively more severe warnings. The earlier, lighter punishments are described as "child's play" — God was "dallying" or toying with them through minor afflictions before sending the full weight of judgment. This corresponds to the biblical account of the plagues of Egypt, where the earlier plagues (water to blood, frogs, gnats) were followed by increasingly devastating ones (hail, locusts, darkness, death of the firstborn).
The Meaning of Dally
In older English usage, "dally" could mean to trifle, to play, or to deal with something in a less than serious manner. Applied to God's actions, it describes corrections that were mild enough to seem almost playful compared to the severe judgments that followed. The Greek word suggests the kind of gentle discipline a parent might use with a child before resorting to more serious measures. The author's point is that God gave every opportunity for repentance before unleashing the full consequences of rebellion.
God's Patience Before Judgment
The concept expressed by "dally" connects to a broader biblical theme: God's patience in judgment. Peter later described this same principle: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). The graduated plagues of Egypt, the warnings of the prophets before exile, and the delay of final judgment all reflect a God who gives ample opportunity for change before executing full justice.
From Playful Correction to Serious Judgment
The Wisdom of Solomon makes clear that those who ignored the lighter corrections brought more severe judgment upon themselves. The "dallying" was not weakness on God's part but mercy — a grace period during which repentance was possible. When the opportunity was rejected, judgment came in full force. This pattern recurs throughout Scripture: God's patience has limits, and persistent rejection of his warnings inevitably leads to more severe consequences.
Implications for Understanding God's Character
The image of God "dallying" with sinners through mild corrections reveals a deity who is reluctant to destroy. Rather than acting with immediate and overwhelming force, God uses measured, escalating responses designed to provoke recognition of wrongdoing. This portrayal challenges the caricature of an angry, punitive God and instead reveals a judge who prefers mercy to destruction.
Biblical Context
Dally appears in Wisdom of Solomon 12:26, within a reflection on God's justice toward the Canaanites and Egyptians. The passage connects to the plague narrative of Exodus 7-12 and to the broader biblical theme of God's patience before judgment. The graduated nature of the plagues is presented as evidence of divine mercy.
Theological Significance
The concept of God 'dallying' with sinners through light corrections illustrates the doctrine of divine patience. God's judgment is not impulsive but measured, providing opportunities for repentance. This graduated approach to justice reveals a God whose mercy tempers his wrath and whose primary desire is restoration rather than destruction.
Historical Background
The Wisdom of Solomon was likely written in Alexandria, Egypt, during the 1st century BC, in a Greek-speaking Jewish context. The author draws on the exodus traditions to explore God's character and justice. The Greek word for the 'playful correction' derives from theatrical and educational contexts, where play-acting and games were used as pedagogical tools, making the metaphor of God's lighter punishments as 'child's play' culturally resonant.