The meaning of “Dăbrath” (H1705) — דֲּבְרַת

Root Meaning

The Hebrew word דֲּבְרַת (Dăbrath) derives from the root דָּבָר (dâbâr), which broadly encompasses concepts such as word, matter, affair, or command. While דָּבָר often signifies speech or a declared message, the form דֲּבְרַת here serves as a proper noun naming a specific location. This connection to the root meaning of 'word' or 'matter' enriches our understanding by linking the place to the idea of a significant 'word' or 'decree,' suggesting a place of importance or proclamation beyond a mere geographic label.

Usage in Scripture

The term דֲּבְרַת appears three times in Scripture, consistently referring to a Levitical city located in the territory of Issachar, identified with the modern site Debûrije at the foot of Mount Tabor. The top translations—'to Daberath,' 'Dabareh,' and 'Daberath'—all affirm its use as a proper name rather than a common noun. This consistency in translation highlights that the word's primary biblical function is geographical, marking a place of tribal and priestly significance rather than serving as a general term for 'word' or 'matter.'

Theological Significance

Understanding דֲּבְרַת as a place name rooted in the concept of 'word' or 'decree' invites reflection on the importance of location and divine communication in Scripture. As a Levitical city, Daberath was assigned to the priestly tribe, symbolizing a locus where God's word was to be taught and upheld. This connection underscores the biblical theme that God's word is not only spoken but also embodied and preserved within the community and its sacred spaces. For the Christian faith, it reminds believers that God's word is living and active, grounded in history and place, and calls for faithful stewardship and proclamation.

Reflection: Joshua 19:12

“And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,”

Joshua 19:12 describes a boundary line that 'goeth out to Daberath,' situating this city as a significant landmark in the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar. The mention of Daberath here emphasizes its role as a defined point within God's orderly distribution of the Promised Land. The word דֲּבְרַת contributes to the verse by anchoring the narrative in a concrete reality, reminding readers that God's promises are fulfilled in tangible places, which carry both historical and spiritual weight.