דַּמֶּ֫שֶׂק (dam.me.seq)
dam.me.seq
Damascus
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew name Damascus refers to the ancient capital of Syria, situated in a fertile plain east of Mount Hermon. In the Old Testament, it appears as a significant political and military power, often interacting with Israel through both conflict and alliance. The sources note its location roughly 130 miles northeast of Jerusalem, placing it at the center of regional trade and warfare during the biblical period.
Etymologically, the name is considered of foreign origin, which suggests it predates Hebrew usage in the region. One traditional interpretation links the word to a phrase meaning "silent is the sackcloth weaver," though this etymology remains speculative. The text itself does not explain the name’s origin, simply recording it as a proper noun for the city.
Scripture mentions Damascus frequently, particularly in historical books like Kings and Chronicles, where it serves as a backdrop for key events such as David’s victories or Elijah’s anointing of Hazael. Prophets like Isaiah and Amos also address the city, often pronouncing judgment against its pride. The consistent reference to Damascus across these texts highlights its enduring role as a major neighbor and rival to Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Damascus stands as a powerful symbol of distant power and foreign influence in the Old Testament. It was often Israel’s neighbor, sometimes an enemy, sometimes a rival king’s stronghold. When Abram worried about his heir being Eliezer of Damascus, he looked to a city far away for security. Yet God reminded him that his true inheritance came from Him alone, not from distant capitals.
The prophets used Damascus to show how pride leads to fall. Isaiah declared that even the head of Syria would be cut down. When kings like Ahaz tried to ally with Assyria or worship Damascus’ gods, they found only ruin. The city reminds us that human strength is fleeting and that trusting in political power or foreign alliances cannot save us.
For your faith, this word points to the danger of looking elsewhere for help. Whether in ancient wars or modern anxieties, we are called to trust Yahweh alone. His promises are more reliable than any fortress or treaty. Rest in the One who holds history in His hands, and let no distant power steal your peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Damascus24×
- in/ Damascus4×
- from/ Damascus4×
- of/ Damascus2×
- like/ Damascus1×
- and/ Damascus1×
- [was] in/ Damascus1×
- [is] Damascus1×
- <to>/ Damascus1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק6×
- דַּרְמֶ֔שֶׂק2×
- דַּמָּ֑שֶׂק2×
- דַּמֶּ֗שֶׂק2×
- דַמֶּ֙שֶׂק֙2×
- מִ/דַּמָּֽשֶׂק\׃1×
- מִ/דַּמֶּ֗שֶׂק1×
- מִ/דַּמֶּ֖שֶׂק1×
- מִ/דַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק1×
- לְ/דַמָּֽשֶׂק\׃1×
- לְ/דַמָּ֑שֶׂק1×
- לְ/דַמֶּ֗שֶׂק1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 15:2
Abram said, “Lord Yahweh, what will you give me, since I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”
Abram’s concern about Eliezer of Damascus highlights how even patriarchs could look to foreign households for security, needing God’s direct promise to redirect his hope.
-
I Kings 19:15
Yahweh said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.
God commands Elijah to go to Damascus to anoint Hazael, showing that sovereign authority over nations rests with Him, not with the city’s power.
-
II Kings 5:12
Aren’t Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.
Naaman’s question about the rivers of Damascus reveals his pride and misunderstanding of God’s power, contrasting local customs with divine cleansing.
-
Isaiah 7:8
For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim shall be broken in pieces, so that it shall not be a people.
Isaiah identifies Damascus as the head of Syria to assure Ahaz that this alliance is fragile and will soon be broken by God’s timing.