דָּרַשׁ (da.rash)
da.rash
to seek
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 123 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb darash carries the foundational image of treading a path to reach a destination, which expands into seeking with purposeful intent. In the Old Testament, it describes more than casual searching; it implies a diligent effort to find something or someone important. This active pursuit appears when Israel is commanded to seek God at the place He chooses (Deuteronomy 12:5), highlighting that true seeking involves going to the right location and engaging with care.
A key distinction in its usage lies in the object of the search. While people might seek answers from necromancers or foreign gods, the text often contrasts this with seeking Yahweh through proper worship and inquiry. The sources note that God alone is described in the passive form as one who allows Himself to be consulted, emphasizing His unique role as the source of truth. This verb also covers practical matters, such as investigating a crime or demanding justice, showing its broad application from spiritual devotion to legal accountability.
The word’s theological weight rests on this combination of physical movement and mental focus. It is not enough to simply want an answer; one must actively pursue it through established channels like prayer or study. Translators often render darash as "inquire," "seek," or "require," depending on whether the context emphasizes spiritual devotion, factual investigation, or legal obligation. Its frequent appearance in Chronicles and Psalms underscores its importance in defining faithful obedience to God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word darash carries the image of treading a path with purpose. It is more than a casual wish for an answer; it is a diligent effort to find what matters most. When Scripture calls us to seek God, it invites active movement and focused attention, not just passive hope.
This pursuit often involves going to the right place or using established channels of faith. In Deuteronomy 4:29, we are promised that seeking Yahweh with all our heart and soul leads to finding Him. The word reminds us that true connection requires intentionality. We do not just wait for truth; we walk toward it through prayer and obedience.
Whether investigating a legal matter or inquiring of a prophet, darash shows that God values our earnest effort. It encourages us to bring our questions directly to Him rather than turning to empty sources. This active faith grounds our lives in reality and trust, knowing that He is the source of all truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 123 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ seek13×
- to/ consult12×
- seek10×
- he sought5×
- consult4×
- you will seek/ him3×
- I will seek3×
- you will seek2×
- to/ study2×
- they have sought2×
- so/ we may enquire2×
- and/ seek2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לִ/דְר֣וֹשׁ4×
- לִ/דְרֹ֥שׁ3×
- לִ/דְרֹ֣שׁ3×
- לִ/דְרֹ֕שׁ3×
- דִּרְשׁ֥וּ3×
- דְּרָשׁ\־3×
- לִ/דְרֹשׁ֩2×
- לִ/דְרֹ֖שׁ2×
- לִ/דְר֛וֹשׁ2×
- לִ/דְר֖וֹשׁ2×
- לִ/דְר֕וֹשׁ2×
- יִדְרֹ֑שׁוּ2×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you shall seek Yahweh your God, and you will find him when you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
This verse links the diligent seeking of God with the promise of finding Him, showing that wholehearted pursuit yields spiritual discovery.
-
Deuteronomy 12:5
But to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put his name there, you shall seek his habitation, and you shall come there.
Here the word specifies seeking God's habitation at the place He chooses, highlighting that true worship involves going to where God has placed His name.
-
I Kings 22:5
Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for Yahweh’s word.”
Jehoshaphat’s request to inquire first for Yahweh’s word demonstrates prioritizing divine guidance over human counsel in matters of state.
-
Genesis 25:22
The children struggled together within her. She said, “If it is like this, why do I live?” She went to inquire of Yahweh.
Rebecca’s decision to inquire of Yahweh when facing uncertainty shows that seeking God is the proper response to life's difficult struggles.
-
II Kings 1:3
But Yahweh’s angel said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and tell them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you go to inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron?
The angel challenges the king for inquiring of Baal Zebub, contrasting false seeking with the exclusive right of Israel’s God to be consulted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word darash mean?
How is seeking God different from just asking questions?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Can darash refer to seeking false gods?
Every Occurrence (123 verses across 24 books)
Genesis 3 verses
I will surely require accounting for your life’s blood. At the hand of every animal I will require it. At the hand of…
Genesis 25:22The children struggled together within her. She said, “If it is like this, why do I live?” She went to inquire of…
Genesis 42:22Reuben answered them, saying, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘Don’t sin against the child,’ and you wouldn’t listen?…