דַּד (dad)
dad
breast
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun dad refers to a breast, though its primary sense is more specific: the nipple or teat. With only one occurrence in the biblical text, it appears in Proverbs 30:19 as part of a series of wonders that defy simple explanation. Here, it describes the path of a male goat with a male, highlighting a biological oddity rather than offering moral instruction.
Its meaning aligns closely with terms for nursing or feeding, emphasizing the physical source of sustenance. Unlike words for the general chest area, dad points to the functional organ itself. This precise usage underscores the writer’s focus on observable natural phenomena that challenge human understanding, inviting reflection on the complexity of creation.
The rarity of this word makes its single appearance in Proverbs particularly striking. It serves as a concrete example of the "three things... four" structure used throughout the chapter to list mysterious aspects of the natural world. The term grounds abstract wonder in tangible reality, reminding readers that even small details of anatomy reflect a deeper order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dad points to the specific source of nourishment, the nipple or teat, rather than the general chest. In Scripture, it appears only once in Proverbs 30:19 as part of a list of natural wonders that defy simple explanation. This rare usage highlights the intricate design found in even the smallest details of creation.
While its single occurrence focuses on biological observation, the concept of the breast carries deep meaning elsewhere in the Bible. It often symbolizes comfort, sustenance, and the intimate care provided by a mother. This imagery reminds us of God’s tender provision for His people, offering both physical life and spiritual comfort.
When we encounter mysteries in nature or in our own lives, we can trust that there is an underlying order. The complexity of creation invites reflection on the wisdom behind it all. We are encouraged to look closely at the world around us with wonder and gratitude.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- breasts/ her1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דַּ֭דֶּי/הָ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 5:19
A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love.
This verse uses the term to describe the physical source of satisfaction in marital love, grounding the metaphor in tangible reality.