דֹּב
𐤃𐤁
dôb
H1678 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Large carnivorous mammal belonging to the bear family (Ursidae), specifically the brown bear (Ursus arctos), characterized by great physical strength. In biblical contexts, often used as a symbol of formidable danger, strength, or ferocity, and as a concrete reference to the animal itself.
Semantic Range
bear (animal); symbol of strength or danger; metaphor for a ferocious or threatening force
Root / Etymology
Root: דּב. Of uncertain origin; may be onomatopoeic, resembling the growling sound made by bears. It is a noun form denoting the bear specifically, not shared with more general animal roots. The Aramaic form is virtually identical (דֹּב), suggesting regional or dialectal continuity.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term דֹּב is a rare noun in the Hebrew Bible, most often occurring in poetic or proverbial material (e.g., 1 Samuel 17:34, 2 Kings 2:24, Proverbs 17:12). In most cases it refers directly to the animal, but in metaphorical contexts it invokes characteristics associated with bears—strength, ferocity, unpredictability, or danger. While the translation 'bear' is stable, in Israelite and First Temple period contexts, it referred to the indigenous brown bear found in the region, rather than any broader or later symbolic usage. During later biblical periods (including Aramaic passages such as Daniel 7:5), the image of the bear sometimes takes on symbolic or visionary significance, e.g., representing predatory empires in apocalyptic literature. There is little evidence for significant semantic shift over time. The term is distinct from other wild animal terms such as אַרְיֵה (lion) or כָּפִיר (young lion), which are often juxtaposed to highlight differing qualities in threat or behavior.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to דֹּב; {the bear (as slow)}; bear.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
דב (d-b) — strength, fierceness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1678-01 |
לְ/דֹ֗ב | ledov | AR/Ncmsa |
a bear | to a bear | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1678-01 |
Daniel 7:5 | לְ/דֹ֗ב | ledov | AR/Ncmsa |
a bear | to a bear |