The meaning of “דָּבָר”
Understanding dâbâr reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phr...
דָּבָר
act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. - a word - by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing - adverbially, a cause 1) speech, word, speaking, thing 1a) speech 1b) saying, utterance 1c) word, words 1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 30:34 | “And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word.” Word: דָּבָר (dâbâr) | |
| Judges 11:37 | “And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows.” Word: דָּבָר (dâbâr) | |
| 1 Chronicles 21:6 | “But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king’s word was abominable to Joab.” Word: דָּבָר (dâbâr) | |
| Psalms 109:3 | “They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.” Word: דָּבָר (dâbâr) | |
| Daniel 10:1 | “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.” Word: דָּבָר (dâbâr) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Promise
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Word, promise
Hebrew uses davar (דָּבָר) for both word and promise—God's word is His promise. 'Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you' (Joshua 23:14).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Promise, pledge
The Greek epangelia (ἐπαγγελία) means promise—a divine pledge. Abraham 'staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief' (Romans 4:20). Believers are 'heirs according to the promise' (Galatians 3:29).