דָּחָה (da.chah)
da.chah
to thrust
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb da.chah describes a forceful physical action, meaning to push, thrust, or drive away with violence. It appears in only four verses across the Old Testament, primarily within Psalms and Jeremiah. The word conveys a sense of aggressive movement, whether it is actively shoving someone out or being forcibly cast down.
In its active form, the term suggests pushing violently or chasing something out. When used in the passive voice, it describes the result of that force: being thrust down, tottering, or becoming an outcast. This duality captures both the agent of rejection and the experience of those who are displaced.
The imagery is stark and physical. In Jeremiah 23:12, the prophet uses this verb to describe how false prophets will be "thrust down" during judgment. Similarly, in Psalms, it illustrates God’s power to cast enemies away or support the righteous against being pushed over. The word emphasizes the finality of divine action and the tangible reality of being removed from a place.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This Hebrew word paints a vivid picture of forceful movement. It describes being pushed back or thrust down with significant pressure. In our lives, we may feel like we are facing overwhelming opposition that threatens to knock us off our feet. The imagery is stark and physical, capturing the reality of struggle and displacement.
Yet, the biblical context offers a crucial counterpoint. When we read about being pushed hard, we also see divine intervention. God does not leave us in the fall. He steps in to help those who are thrust down by circumstances or enemies. This assurance grounds our faith in His active support rather than our own strength.
Whether you are facing sudden rejection or a slow decline, this word reminds us that God sees the force applied against you. He is the one who steadies the tottering and provides refuge when all seems lost. We can trust that His help is real and present in the midst of pressure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you pushed/ me1×
- they will be pushed down1×
- pushing1×
- he is pushed down1×
- certainly <to push>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִדָּחֶ֣ה1×
- יִדַּ֖חוּ1×
- דּוֹחֶֽה\׃1×
- דַּחֹ֣ה1×
- דְחִיתַ֣/נִי1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 118:13
You pushed me back hard, to make me fall, but Yahweh helped me.
This verse captures the personal experience of being pushed back hard, highlighting how divine help intervenes when human strength fails.
-
Jeremiah 23:12
Therefore their way will be to them as slippery places in the darkness. They will be driven on, and fall therein; for I will bring evil on them, even the year of their visitation,” says Yahweh.
Here the word describes the inevitable result of false prophecy, showing that those who lead others astray will be thrust down into judgment.
-
Psalms 35:5
Let them be as chaff before the wind, Yahweh’s angel driving them on.
The imagery of chaff driven by an angel illustrates how God actively removes enemies from the path of the righteous with decisive force.