דְּרוֹר (de.ror)
de.ror
swallow
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun deror refers specifically to a swallow, a small bird known for its agile flight. In the biblical text, it appears only once, serving as a concrete example in a poetic comparison rather than a subject of zoological study.
This single occurrence is found in Proverbs 26:2, where the proverb states that a curse without cause does not alight like a swallow or sparrow. The image relies on the bird’s erratic, darting movement to illustrate how unjustified curses are fleeting and ineffective, failing to stick or take root against the innocent.
While other Hebrew words describe birds of prey or those associated with ritual purity, deror stands alone in this context as a symbol of transience. The text uses its natural behavior to reassure readers that baseless hostility lacks the power to harm those who are protected by divine justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word deror describes a swallow, a small bird known for its quick, darting flight. In Scripture, it appears only once, in Proverbs 26:2. The verse uses the bird’s erratic movement to show that a curse without cause does not stay put. It flits by and leaves no trace.
This image offers comfort when you face unfair words or hostility. Just as the swallow cannot land where it is not welcome, baseless attacks do not stick to those who are innocent. You can trust that unjust criticism lacks power over your life.
When others speak against you without reason, remember this picture. The harm they intend does not take root. Your peace remains secure because false words pass by like a bird in the wind, leaving no lasting mark on your heart or your standing before God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like <the>/ swallow1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּ/דְּר֣וֹר1×
Key Verses
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Proverbs 26:2
Like a fluttering sparrow, like a darting swallow, so the undeserved curse doesn’t come to rest.
This verse uses the swallow's darting flight to illustrate how unjustified curses fail to settle or cause lasting harm.