דֹּב (dov)
dov
bear
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The word doḇ, meaning bear, appears in the Hebrew Bible only once, in Daniel 7:5. In this specific instance, it is actually the Aramaic form dōḇ used within the Aramaic section of the book. The term describes one of the four great beasts rising from the sea, depicted as a terrifying creature with wings that are later plucked and given a human mind.
Its rarity in Scripture highlights how the image functions symbolically rather than zoologically. While bears appear elsewhere in the Old Testament as symbols of raw power or sudden attack, here the animal represents a specific historical empire known for its brutal strength. The description emphasizes its unnatural state—winged yet grounded, fierce yet humanized—which underscores the theme of worldly power being subdued by divine authority.
Translators consistently render this word as "bear," preserving the visceral impact of the original vision. The choice of this animal helps convey the heavy, crushing nature of the kingdom it represents. By using a creature associated with immense physical force, the text communicates the overwhelming pressure faced by God’s people before the final judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Daniel’s vision, a bear rising from the sea represents an empire defined by crushing weight and sudden violence. The image of ribs in its mouth suggests a hunger that consumes everything in its path. This is not merely a description of an animal, but a warning about the overwhelming pressure of worldly powers that seem unstoppable.
For those facing difficult seasons, this passage offers a sobering perspective on history. It acknowledges the reality of oppression and fear without offering false comfort. The vision reminds us that such power is temporary and subject to God’s ultimate judgment.
Even when circumstances feel heavy, there is hope in the divine order. The text shows that earthly strength is subordinate to heavenly authority. This truth can bring peace to those who trust in a justice that transcends human force.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <obj.>/ a bear1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/דֹ֗ב1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:5
“Behold, there was another animal, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth. They said this to it: ‘Arise! Devour much flesh!’
This verse establishes the bear as a symbol of an empire with insatiable hunger, depicted by ribs in its mouth to emphasize its destructive nature.