דְּאָגָה (de.a.gah)
de.a.gah
anxiety
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun de‘āgah refers to a state of deep worry or anxious care. It appears in only three verses of the Hebrew Bible, primarily within Proverbs and Jeremiah. The term captures the heavy burden of concern that weighs on a person’s heart, often arising from uncertainty or the pressure of difficult circumstances.
In Proverbs 12:25, the word describes the anxiety that sits heavily upon a human heart. The text contrasts this with the comfort provided by a good word, suggesting that de‘āgah is a temporary state that can be alleviated through encouragement and honest communication. It is not merely fleeting nervousness but a significant emotional load that affects one’s well-being.
Similarly, Jeremiah 4:19 uses de‘āgah to describe the prophet’s intense distress over the coming judgment on Judah. Here, the word conveys a visceral pain and agitation caused by impending disaster. The sources indicate that this anxiety is not passive; it actively troubles the inner being, reflecting a deep engagement with the gravity of the situation at hand.
The rarity of this term highlights its specific weight. It does not describe general stress but a focused, penetrating worry. Translators often render it as "anxiety" or "care," emphasizing the emotional toll rather than just intellectual thought. The biblical usage shows that such concern is a recognized human experience, one that finds relief in community support and divine perspective.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When worry settles in, it feels like a physical weight pressing down on your chest. The Hebrew word de‘agah captures this exact sensation—a heavy burden of care that makes the heart sink. It is not just a passing thought but a deep emotional load that affects how you feel and function. Recognizing this heaviness is the first step toward finding relief.
Scripture acknowledges this struggle honestly, showing that anxiety is a real part of the human experience. Yet it also points to a gentle remedy: the comfort of a kind word or supportive community. You do not have to carry these burdens alone. Sharing your concerns with trusted friends can lighten the load, allowing hope to return.
In times of uncertainty, remember that you are held by a God who cares for every detail of your life. His peace is available to you, even when circumstances feel overwhelming. Rest in the assurance that He provides strength and comfort, turning heavy hearts into glad ones through His presence and the support of those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- anxiety2×
- from/ anxiety1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/דְּאָגָה֙1×
- דְּאָגָ֣ה1×
- דְּאָגָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
This verse directly names the weight of anxiety in the heart and offers the specific remedy of a kind word to bring gladness.
-
Jeremiah 49:23
Of Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are confounded, for they have heard evil news. They have melted away. There is sorrow on the sea. It can’t be quiet.
Here the term describes the visceral agitation and inability to find peace when facing impending disaster or bad news.
-
Joshua 22:24
“If we have not out of concern done this, and for a reason, saying, ‘In time to come your children might speak to our children, saying, “What have you to do with Yahweh, the God of Israel?
The word is used to explain a proactive concern for future generations, showing anxiety can sometimes stem from a desire for faithfulness rather than just fear.