דָּלַג (da.lag)
da.lag
to leap
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb dalag describes the physical act of leaping or jumping. It appears in just four verses across the Old Testament, offering a vivid snapshot of movement. In Song of Solomon 6:4, it captures the energy of a lover’s approach, while Zephaniah 3:19 uses it to depict God gathering His people with dynamic purpose.
This word is not used for walking or running; it specifically denotes a bound or jump. The sources note two forms: the Qal, meaning simply to leap, and the Piel, which can imply leaping over an obstacle. This distinction adds precision to the imagery, whether describing playful movement or decisive action.
Its rarity makes each occurrence stand out. Translators often render it as "leap" or "jump," preserving the physicality of the original. The word reminds readers that biblical language can be surprisingly concrete, using bodily motion to convey spiritual realities or emotional intensity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for leaping appears in Scripture to show God’s power breaking through barriers. In Zephaniah, it warns against those who rush into sin by crossing moral lines without fear. This reminds us that our actions have weight and consequence before the Lord.
Yet the same verb celebrates healing and joy. Isaiah promises that even the lame will leap like deer when God restores them. It is a picture of freedom from limitation, showing how divine grace turns weakness into strength.
We can trust that God sees both our struggles and our celebrations. Whether we face walls to overcome or hills to cross, His presence gives us the energy to move forward with hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will leap1×
- [is] leaping1×
- I leap over1×
- <the>/ [one who] leaps1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְדַלֵּג֙1×
- יְדַלֵּ֤ג1×
- הַ/דּוֹלֵ֛ג1×
- אֲדַלֶּג\־1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 22:30
For by you, I run against a troop. By my God, I leap over a wall.
David uses this verb to describe God-given strength that allows him to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles like a wall.
-
Isaiah 35:6
Then the lame man will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing; for waters will break out in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.
This verse links the physical act of leaping directly to miraculous healing, showing restoration as dynamic and joyful.
-
Zephaniah 1:9
In that day, I will punish all those who leap over the threshold, who fill their master’s house with violence and deceit.
Here the word describes a deliberate crossing of a threshold, symbolizing a breach of trust and household integrity.