דָּלַף
𐤃𐤋𐤐
dâlaph
H1811 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To drip or leak, especially with reference to water or liquid gradually falling in drops; figuratively, to trickle or ooze. The verb is employed both for literal physical dripping, such as water seeping through a roof, and metaphorically for emotional expressions like weeping (tears dripping). In rarer instances, it extends to substances or qualities melting away or pouring out.
Semantic Range
to drip (of water), to leak (through a roof or surface), to weep (tears dripping), to melt (slowly pour away), to pour out (gradually), used metaphorically for persistence or emotional outpouring
Root / Etymology
The root דּ־ל־ף (dalaph) conveys the idea of 'dripping' or 'leaking,' referring to the slow and continual release of small amounts of liquid. Derived from the concrete experience of water dripping through or from a surface. The root's base meaning relates to gradual downward movement or penetration of liquid.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, דָּלַף appears primarily in wisdom and poetic contexts, often describing the nuisances or inevitabilities of slow leaks, such as a 'continual dripping' from a roof (Prov 19:13, 27:15). This image is used proverbially to evoke annoyance or persistence—dripping becoming a metaphor for persistent vexations, such as a quarrelsome person. The verb occasionally applies to the action of tears or melting (Job 16:20), where the slow movement parallels the literal sense of water. In post-biblical Hebrew, the word continues to refer to small, persistent leaks, both literal and figurative. English translations often render it as 'drip' or 'leak,' but the metaphorical and emotional extensions (weeping, melting away) are sometimes lost or softened.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to drip; by implication, to weep; drop through, melt, pour out.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
דלף (d-l-p̄) — to drip, to leak, to ooze
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1811-01 |
דָּלְפָ֣ה | dalefah | HVqp3fs |
pours out | she dripped | 2 |
H1811-02 |
יִדְלֹ֥ף | yidelof | HVqi3ms |
leaks | he drips | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1811-01 |
Psalms 119:28 | דָּלְפָ֣ה | dalefah | HVqp3fs |
weeps | she dripped |
H1811-01 |
Job 16:20 | דָּלְפָ֥ה | dalefah | HVqp3fs |
pours out | she dripped |
H1811-02 |
Ecclesiastes 10:18 | יִדְלֹ֥ף | yidelof | HVqi3ms |
leaks | he drips |