דִּינָה (di.nah)
di.nah
Dinah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Dinah, meaning "judgment," identifies the only daughter of Jacob and Leah mentioned in the Old Testament narrative. She appears primarily in Genesis 30:21 as a sign of fertility for her mother and later in Genesis 34 within the story of her encounter with Shechem. The sources highlight her familial connections, noting she was the full sister of Simeon and Levi, and half-sister to Joseph and Benjamin.
Her brief appearance carries significant narrative weight rather than extensive biographical detail. The account in Genesis 34 focuses on the violent retaliation of her brothers against the people of Shechem, framing Dinah as the catalyst for a major conflict between the Hebrew patriarchs and the local Canaanites. This event underscores the tensions surrounding intermarriage and tribal identity during the patriarchal period.
Although she is not recorded as speaking in the text, her name’s meaning resonates with the themes of justice and retribution that dominate the chapter. The story serves as a complex exploration of honor, violence, and family loyalty within the early history of Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Dinah means judgment, yet her story in Genesis reveals how human actions often complicate simple notions of justice. As Jacob’s only named daughter, she represents the vulnerability and dignity of women in a patriarchal society. Her brief appearance highlights that every person carries inherent worth, regardless of whether they speak or act in the narrative.
When we encounter stories of violence and family conflict, it is easy to feel unsettled. This account invites us to reflect on how broken relationships can spiral into tragedy. It reminds us that God’s redemptive plan unfolds even through messy human history, offering hope that justice ultimately belongs to Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Dinah7×
- to/ Dinah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דִּינָ֣ה2×
- דִינָה֙2×
- דִּינָֽה\׃1×
- דִּינָ֥ה1×
- דִּינָ֛ה1×
- בְּ/דִינָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 30:21
Afterwards, she bore a daughter, and named her Dinah.
This verse establishes Dinah as Leah’s daughter, marking her birth within the larger narrative of Jacob’s family growth.
-
Genesis 34:1
Dinah, the daughter of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land.
Here Dinah is described going out to see the daughters of the land, initiating the events that lead to significant tribal conflict.
-
Genesis 34:5
Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah, his daughter; and his sons were with his livestock in the field. Jacob held his peace until they came.
Jacob’s silence after hearing his daughter was defiled shows his initial restraint while his sons were away in the fields.
-
Genesis 34:26
They killed Hamor and Shechem, his son, with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went away.
This verse records the violent rescue of Dinah, highlighting the extreme measures taken by her brothers Simeon and Levi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Dinah mean?
Why is Dinah significant if she does not speak?
How many times does Dinah appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 1 books)
Genesis 8 verses
Afterwards, she bore a daughter, and named her Dinah.
Genesis 34:1Dinah, the daughter of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land.
Genesis 34:3His soul joined to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young lady, and spoke kindly to the young lady.
Genesis 34:5Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah, his daughter; and his sons were with his livestock in the field. Jacob held…
Genesis 34:13The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit when they spoke, because he had defiled Dinah their…
Genesis 34:25On the third day, when they were sore, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword,…
Genesis 34:26They killed Hamor and Shechem, his son, with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went…
Genesis 46:15These are the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram, with his daughter Dinah. All the souls of his sons…