Lexical Summary deleph: Dripping, Leak Original Word: דֶּלֶף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dropping From dalaph; a dripping -- dropping. see HEBREW dalaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dalaph Definition a dropping NASB Translation dripping (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs דֶּ֫לֶף noun masculine a dropping (of rain, compare WetzstZPV xiv. 1891, 5), figurative דֶּלֶף טֹרֵד מִדְיְנֵי אִשָּׁה Proverbs 19:13 etc.; טוֺרֵד בְּיוֺם סַגְרִ֑יר וְאֵשֶׁת מִדְוָ֯נִים נִשְׁתָּֽוָהּ׃ ׳ד Proverbs 27:15. Topical Lexicon Meaning and imagery דֶּלֶף (delef) denotes the steady, rhythmic dripping of water—never a sudden torrent but a persistent patter that wears away surfaces and frays nerves. The term evokes both the physical annoyance of an incessant leak and the subtle power of repetition to erode what seems solid. Occurrences in Scripture • Proverbs 19:13 – “A foolish son is destruction to his father, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.” Both sayings use domestic imagery to expose relational folly. The wise are alerted that unchecked strife in the home can become as trying—and as damaging—as a roof that never stops leaking. Historical and cultural background Ancient Israelite dwellings typically featured flat roofs formed from timber, reeds, and packed mud. Such roofs required annual maintenance after the rainy season (Deuteronomy 22:8). Neglect led to fissures through which water “dripped” into the living quarters. Unlike the noise of a thunderstorm, this leak offered no grandeur—just enough moisture and sound to unsettle daily life. Solomon harnesses that universal irritation to illustrate the cumulative burden of contentious speech within marriage. Theological themes 1. The power of the tongue: Recurrent irritation mirrors James 3:5–6, where small sparks ignite great forests. Practical ministry applications • Marital counseling: The imagery encourages spouses to confront patterns of contention early, valuing confession and reconciliation (Ephesians 4:26). Intertextual echoes and further study • Proverbs 27:16 extends the metaphor, likening attempts to restrain strife to grasping wind or oil—impossible without transformation of the heart. Reflecting on דֶּלֶף invites believers to guard both their roofs and their relationships, ensuring that small but steady forces do not erode the foundations God intends to keep secure. Forms and Transliterations דֶּ֣לֶף דלף וְדֶ֥לֶף ודלף de·lep̄ Delef delep̄ veDelef wə·ḏe·lep̄ wəḏelep̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 19:13 HEB: בֵּ֣ן כְּסִ֑יל וְדֶ֥לֶף טֹ֝רֵ֗ד מִדְיְנֵ֥י NAS: of a wife are a constant dripping. KJV: of a wife [are] a continual dropping. INT: son A foolish dripping constant and the contentions Proverbs 27:15 2 Occurrences |
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