דָּן (dan)
dan
Dan
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 58 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Dan, derived from the Hebrew verb for judging or vindicating, literally means "a judge." It first appears in Genesis as the fifth son of Jacob and Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid. When Rachel names him, she expresses hope that God has vindicated her after years of barrenness, linking the personal identity of the patriarch to a theme of divine justice.
As the ancestor of one of Israel’s twelve tribes, Dan is frequently mentioned in census lists and tribal allotments, particularly in Numbers and Joshua. The tribe eventually settled in the far north, establishing a city that became known as Dan. This location marked the northernmost boundary of the land, serving as a geographical landmark from Dan to Beersheba, a phrase used throughout Scripture to describe the full extent of Israel.
The name carries theological weight beyond its etymology. In Judges 5:17, the Song of Deborah notes that Dan did not remain in his territory, highlighting a moment of tribal hesitation or failure during Israel’s early conquests. Later, the northern city of Dan became associated with idolatry when Jeroboam set up a golden calf there (1 Kings 12:29), turning a place named for justice into a center of false worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Dan carries a quiet weight of vindication and justice. When Rachel named her son, she saw God’s hand in answering years of silence. This word reminds us that God sees our struggles and acts with fairness, even when the path forward feels unclear. It is a promise that justice belongs to Him, not just as a legal concept, but as a personal comfort for those who wait.
Throughout Scripture, this name marks both hope and warning. It appears in census lists and tribal boundaries, showing God’s care for every individual and community. Yet it also reminds us that human institutions can drift from their purpose. The phrase 'from Dan to Beersheba' describes the fullness of Israel’s land, inviting us to consider how far God’s reach extends in our own lives.
We find encouragement in this duality. God is just, and He is near. Whether we are counting blessings or facing uncertainty, His character remains steady. This word invites trust in a God who judges rightly and cares deeply for the details of our days.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 58 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Dan49×
- from/ Dan7×
- for/ Dan2×
- in/ Dan1×
- and/ of/ Dan1×
- and/ Dan1×
- [were] in/ Dan1×
- O Dan1×
- Dan/ towards1×
- <to>/ from/ Dan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דָ֖ן9×
- דָ֔ן9×
- דָּ֔ן6×
- דָּֽן\׃4×
- דָּ֖ן4×
- דָֽן\׃4×
- מִ/דָּן֙3×
- דָּ֥ן3×
- מִ/דָּ֖ן2×
- לְ/דָ֕ן2×
- דָן֙2×
- דָ֑ן2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 30:6
Rachel said, “God has judged me, and has also heard my voice, and has given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan.
This verse establishes the core meaning of vindication, linking the name directly to Rachel’s experience of God hearing her prayer.
-
Genesis 49:16
“Dan will judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.
Jacob’s blessing projects the theme of justice onto the future tribe, suggesting that Dan will serve as a protector and judge for his people.
-
Deuteronomy 33:22
About Dan he said, “Dan is a lion’s cub that leaps out of Bashan.”
Moses describes Dan as a lion’s cub, shifting the imagery from legal judgment to fierce strength and territorial power.
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Numbers 10:25
The standard of the camp of the children of Dan, which was the rear guard of all the camps, set forward according to their armies. Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai was over his army.
This passage highlights Dan’s role as the rear guard, showing how the tribe protected the community during Israel’s journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Dan mean?
Why is Dan mentioned in the phrase 'from Dan to Beersheba'?
Is Dan associated with idolatry in the Bible?
What role did the tribe of Dan play in Israel’s camp?
Every Occurrence (58 verses across 15 books)
Genesis 6 verses
When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led out his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his…
Genesis 30:6Rachel said, “God has judged me, and has also heard my voice, and has given me a son.” Therefore she called his name…
Genesis 35:25The sons of Bilhah (Rachel’s servant): Dan and Naphtali.
Genesis 46:23The son of Dan: Hushim.
Genesis 49:16“Dan will judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.
Genesis 49:17Dan will be a serpent on the trail, an adder in the path, that bites the horse’s heels, so that his rider falls…