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דָּלַג

𐤃𐤋𐤂

dâlag

H1801 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To leap, spring, or bound—referring to a sudden, forceful movement such as jumping or vaulting over an object. Also metaphorically used to describe movement that overcomes obstacles with agility or speed. In certain poetic or figurative contexts, the word can connote exuberance or energetic action.

Semantic Range

to leap, spring, bound, vault over, move nimbly, move rapidly (esp. over an obstacle), figurative exuberance or energetic action

Root / Etymology

The root דלג is a primitive Hebrew root whose core meaning is 'to leap' or 'to spring.' The verb דָּלַג directly expresses physical leaping. It is not etymologically connected with similar words for walking or running, but specifically denotes a jumping motion.

Historical & Contextual Notes

דָּלַג appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible, notably in poetic passages such as the Song of Songs (2:8; 2:9), where it describes swift and agile movement—either literal (as an animal leaping) or as a metaphor for energetic arrival or love's approach. The term is distinct from other verbs for locomotion such as רוץ ('to run') or פסע ('to stride'), emphasizing the dynamic, bounding quality of the movement. Later translations (including the Septuagint and Vulgate) typically render it as terms meaning 'leap' or 'spring,' which accurately preserves its original force. English translations often maintain the imagery of leaping to reflect both literal and metaphorical senses. Unlike verbs associated with encumbrance or plodding, דָּלַג always retains a sense of lightness and facility. There is no evidence for the term being used for ritual or cultic actions.

Translation Consistency

primary "leap" 5 occurrences

"Leap" is the most natural, succinct English verb that captures the primary sense—sudden, forceful jumping or vaulting over an obstacle—while also covering related senses like springing, bounding, and energetic movement. It matches the majority of existing renderings and works well for literal and figurative uses, ensuring consistent, readable translation.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to spring; leap.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

דלג (d-l-g) — to leap, spring, bound

Root דלג to leap, spring, bound

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H1801-01 אֲדַלֶּג adaleg HVpi1cs I can leap I will leap I will leap 2
H1801-02 הַ/דּוֹלֵ֛ג hadoleg HTd/Vqrmsa who leaps over the leaping one the leaping one 1
H1801-03 מְדַלֵּג֙ medaleg HVprmsa leaping the bounding one leaping 1
H1801-04 יְדַלֵּ֤ג yedaleg HVpi3ms will leap he will bound he will leap 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H1801-01 2 Samuel 22:30 אֲדַלֶּג adaleg HVpi1cs I can leap I will leap I will leap
H1801-04 Isaiah 35:6 יְדַלֵּ֤ג yedaleg HVpi3ms will leap he will bound he will leap
H1801-02 Zephaniah 1:9 הַ/דּוֹלֵ֛ג hadoleg HTd/Vqrmsa who leaps over the leaping one the leaping one
H1801-01 Psalms 18:30 אֲדַלֶּג adaleg HVpi1cs I scale I will leap I will leap
H1801-03 Song of Songs 2:8 מְדַלֵּג֙ medaleg HVprmsa leaping the bounding one leaping
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