דּוֹד (dod)
dod
beloved
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 46 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun dod refers to a beloved person or an expression of love itself. In the Song of Solomon, it appears frequently as a term of endearment between lovers, such as when the Shulammite calls her partner "my beloved" (Song 2:16). This usage highlights deep romantic affection and intimacy, often paired with imagery of drinking or feasting to describe the joy of their union.
Outside of poetry, dod carries a specific kinship meaning: paternal uncle. The biblical law uses this term precisely when discussing inheritance and family duties, as seen in Leviticus 25:49 where a relative redeems property for his "uncle." This distinction shows how the same word bridges personal affection and legal responsibility within the clan structure.
Etymologically, some sources link dod to a root meaning "to boil," suggesting that love is a heated, active force rather than a cold sentiment. Translators often render it simply as "beloved" or "uncle," but the Hebrew carries a warmth that English equivalents sometimes miss. Whether describing a lover in Song of Solomon 4:10 or a relative in 1 Samuel 10:14, the word anchors relationships in deep, binding care.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word dod anchors relationships in deep, binding care, whether describing a lover in Song of Solomon or a relative in Leviticus. It bridges personal affection and legal responsibility within the clan structure. This warmth reminds us that our connections to others are meant to be grounded in genuine love and mutual support.
In romantic contexts, dod highlights the joy of union, often paired with imagery of feasting. In kinship roles, it signifies a duty to redeem or protect family members. This dual usage shows that love is not just a feeling but an active force that sustains community and ensures no one is left behind.
Reflecting on this word can encourage you to view your relationships through a lens of faithful presence. Whether in marriage or extended family, dod invites us to be those who offer stability and warmth, reflecting the steadfast love that God shows to His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 46 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lover/ my13×
- uncle/ his6×
- [the] uncle of6×
- love<s>/ your4×
- uncle/ my3×
- lover/ your3×
- O lover/ my3×
- to/ lover/ my2×
- more than/ a lover2×
- and/ lover/ my2×
- uncles/ their1×
- uncle/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דוֹדִ/י֙4×
- דּוֹדִ/י֙3×
- מִ/דּ֔וֹד2×
- דּוֹדֵ֣/ךְ2×
- דּוֹדִ֥/י2×
- דּוֹדִ֗/י2×
- דּוֹדִ֖/י2×
- דּוֹדִ֔/י2×
- דֹּ֣ד2×
- לְ/דוֹדִ֔/י1×
- לְ/דוֹדִ֑/י1×
- לְ/דוֹדִ/י֙1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 2:16
My beloved is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies.
This verse captures the mutual belonging central to romantic intimacy, where dod signifies a secure and reciprocal bond between partners.
-
Leviticus 25:49
or his uncle, or his uncle’s son, may redeem him, or any who is a close relative to him of his family may redeem him; or if he has grown rich, he may redeem himself.
Here dod refers to an uncle who has the legal duty to redeem a relative, showing how kinship love involves tangible action and responsibility.
-
Song of Solomon 1:13
My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh, that lies between my breasts.
The beloved is compared to a sachet of myrrh, using dod to evoke the sensory pleasure and closeness of a cherished relationship.
-
I Samuel 10:14
Saul’s uncle said to him and to his servant, “Where did you go?” He said, “To seek the donkeys. When we saw that they were not found, we came to Samuel.”
Saul’s uncle uses this term in a narrative context, grounding the political rise of a king in ordinary family dynamics and personal inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dod mean in the Bible?
How is dod different from ach?
Where does dod appear most often?
Every Occurrence (46 verses across 11 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, “Draw near, carry your…
Leviticus 20:20If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered his uncle’s nakedness. They shall bear their sin. They shall die…
Leviticus 25:49or his uncle, or his uncle’s son, may redeem him, or any who is a close relative to him of his family may redeem him;…