דָּהַר
𐤃𐤄𐤓
dâhar
H1725 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To move swiftly, particularly with a sense of leaping, bounding, or charging forward as in the motion of a horse; the word conveys the idea of rapid, energetic, and sometimes erratic movement, typically applied to equestrian or chariot imagery. It suggests vigorous and forceful motion, whether in battle or ceremonial display, emphasizing speed and dynamic action rather than precise direction.
Semantic Range
to leap, to surge forward, to charge (especially of horses), to move forcefully or energetically, to gallop, to bound
Root / Etymology
Root: דהר. The root meaning is 'to move swiftly' or 'to rush.' The verb form reflects the act of charging or dashing, especially in reference to a horse or chariot in motion. The lexical meaning, however, develops specifically toward the action of surging forward energetically, rather than a generic sense of movement.
Historical & Contextual Notes
דָּהַר occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible, notably in Nahum 3:2 in poetic description of horses, where it captures the charging, pounding action of hooves—an image of martial vigor and terror. The root does not carry the generic sense of 'to pause' as sometimes found in older lexica; modern scholarship recognizes its primary association with swift, forceful motion, particularly of mounted animals. The term is distinct from רוץ ('to run') in that it focuses on a more dynamic, impressive, or powerful movement, often related to battle or ceremonial procession. English translations often render it as 'charging,' 'galloping,' or 'leaping,' but the nuance of energetic, leaping advance (rather than steady, directional movement) should be noted. It does not occur in postbiblical Hebrew; in biblical poetry, it is employed for vivid, kinetic effect.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to curvet or move irregularly; pause.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
דהר (d-h-r) — to move swiftly, to rush, to leap forward
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1725-01 |
דֹּהֵ֔ר | doher | HVqrmsa |
galloping | charging one | charging one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1725-01 |
Nahum 3:2 | דֹּהֵ֔ר | doher | HVqrmsa |
galloping | charging one | charging one |