דּוּץ

דּוּץ

to leap

Definition

The Hebrew verb דּוּץ (dûwts) means to leap, spring, or jump, often with a sense of energetic or forceful motion. In its single biblical occurrence, it describes the powerful, convulsive movement of the leviathan's mighty neck, which is said to be surrounded by 'terror' (Job 41:22). This suggests not a graceful leap, but a sudden, violent, and awe-inspiring motion. As a primitive root, its core meaning is focused on this single, vivid action.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the poetic book of Job. It appears in God's description of the fearsome leviathan, a mighty sea creature. The context is one of displaying divine power and the untamable nature of God's creation. The usage is: 'In his neck abides strength, and terror dances (דּוּץ) before him' (Job 41:22), where the leaping or springing is metaphorically attributed to 'terror' itself, emphasizing the creature's terrifying presence.

Etymology

דּוּץ (dûwts) is a primitive root in biblical Hebrew, meaning it is not derived from another Hebrew word. Its fundamental meaning is 'to leap.' Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, support this sense of springing or jumping. There is no significant evidence of its meaning developing into other major senses within the biblical corpus, given its single attestation.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, דּוּץ contributes to the profound theology of the book of Job. It helps paint a picture of the leviathan, a symbol of chaotic, untamable power that only God can master (Job 41). Understanding this vivid verb enriches the reader's grasp of God's rhetorical argument from creation, highlighting His supreme sovereignty over forces that inspire terror and are beyond human control. The word underscores that God's power is displayed even in the most fearsome and chaotic aspects of His creation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, leaping or springing motion could be associated with both vitality and terror. The description of terror 'leaping' before the leviathan personifies an emotion as an active, dancing force, a poetic device common in Hebrew poetry. This differs from a modern, purely literal understanding of 'leap,' as it is applied to an abstract concept (terror) to create a powerful image of overwhelming fear. קָפַץ (qāphats, H7050) — to draw together, leap; often for gathering or contracting, but can mean leap (as in Nahum 3:17). רָקַד (rāqad, H7540) — to dance, skip; implies a rhythmic, celebratory motion, not a violent spring. פָּזַז (pāzaz, H6339) — to be agile, leap; used for the leaping of a calf or mountains (Malachi 4:2, Psalm 114:4,6).

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