דֵּעָה (de.ah)
de.ah
knowledge
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun de‘ah denotes knowledge, specifically in the context of knowing God. With only six occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, this word appears primarily within Isaiah, Psalms, and Job. Its usage suggests a focused, relational understanding rather than abstract intellectual data.
This term carries significant theological weight, particularly in passages like Isaiah 11:9 and Hosea 6:3, where it describes the earth being filled with the knowledge of the Lord. It implies an intimate awareness that transforms how one lives, distinguishing true devotion from mere ritual observance found in other biblical texts.
Translators typically render de‘ah as "knowledge," though this English word can sometimes feel cold or purely cognitive. In its biblical context, it points to a personal recognition of God’s character and will, serving as a marker for those who walk faithfully with Him.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we hear the word 'knowledge' today, it often feels like a list of facts or data points. The Hebrew word de‘ah invites us into something warmer and deeper. It is not just about knowing information; it is about intimate acquaintance with God’s character. This kind of knowledge changes how you live, moving you from empty ritual to genuine relationship.
Imagine the vision in Isaiah 11:9, where the earth is full of this knowledge as waters cover the sea. It suggests a world where everyone recognizes God’s presence and will. For you, this means your faith is not about having all the right answers, but about knowing the One who holds them. It is a relational trust that steadies your heart.
This understanding brings comfort when life feels uncertain. You are not left to figure everything out alone. Instead, you walk with a God who values your sincere seeking. Let this truth encourage you to rest in His nearness, knowing that He knows you fully and loves you deeply.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- knowledge4×
- knowledge<s>2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דֵּעוֹת֙1×
- דֵּעָה֙1×
- דֵּעָ֥ה1×
- דֵּעָ֣ה1×
- דֵּע֣וֹת1×
- דֵעָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 11:9
They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of Yahweh, as the waters cover the sea.
This verse uses the word to paint a picture of universal peace where God’s presence is as obvious and covering as the sea.
-
I Samuel 2:3
“Don’t keep talking so exceedingly proudly. Don’t let arrogance come out of your mouth, for Yahweh is a God of knowledge. By him actions are weighed.
Here it describes God as one who weighs actions, showing that true knowledge involves moral accountability rather than just intellectual ability.
-
Jeremiah 3:15
I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
The text promises leaders who will feed the people with this knowledge, linking understanding to spiritual nourishment and care.