דִּלְעָן (dil.an)

dil.an

Dilean

H1810 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N--L

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N--L

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun dil’an appears only once in the entire Old Testament, serving as a proper name for a city within the territory of Judah. Its meaning is straightforward: "gourd" or "calabash." This singular occurrence places it in the list of lowland towns assigned to Judah in Joshua 15:38.

Because the word functions primarily as a place name rather than a common noun describing the plant, its theological weight is minimal. Scholars note that the exact location of this ancient settlement remains uncertain today. The term likely reflects the local landscape or vegetation at the time of its naming, offering a small glimpse into the geography of biblical Judah without carrying broader symbolic meaning.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Dilean appears in Scripture as a quiet landmark within the territory of Judah. Though its exact location is lost to history, this single mention reminds us that God’s promises were grounded in real places and real people. The name itself may hint at local vegetation, showing how everyday life shaped the landscape of ancient Israel.

For your faith, this word invites you to trust in the specificity of God’s care. He did not leave His people wandering without boundaries or inheritance; He assigned them towns like Dilean, anchoring their hope in tangible ground. Even when details fade, the reliability of His covenant remains steady.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ Dilean1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וְ/דִלְעָ֥ן1×

Key Verses

Joshua 15:38
Dilean, Mizpah, Joktheel,

This verse lists Dilean among the lowland towns assigned to Judah, marking it as part of the tangible inheritance God gave His people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dilean mean in the Bible?

Dilean is a proper name for a city in Judah, mentioned only once in Joshua 15:38. The word itself likely means 'gourd' or 'calabash,' possibly reflecting local vegetation, but it functions primarily as a place name rather than a theological term.

Where is Dilean located today?

The exact location of Dilean remains uncertain. It was part of the lowland territory assigned to Judah, but archaeologists have not definitively identified its ruins. Its precise geography is less important than its role in showing God’s specific provision for His people.

Why is this word significant?

Its significance lies in illustrating the concrete nature of God’s promises. By naming towns like Dilean, Scripture shows that God’s covenant involved real land and real communities, grounding faith in historical reality rather than abstract ideas.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Joshua 1 verse

Joshua 15:38

Dilean, Mizpah, Joktheel,