Lexical Summary dimyon: Likeness, imagination, resemblance Original Word: דִּמְיוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance like From damah; resemblance -- X like. see HEBREW damah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom damah Definition likeness NASB Translation like (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [דִּמְיֹן] noun [masculine] likeness, דִּמְיֹנוֺ כְּאַרְיֵה Psalm 17:12 his likeness is as a lion, i.e. he is like a lion. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope דִּמְיוֹן denotes a mental picture set alongside reality—a likeness, resemblance, or imaginative portrayal. Rather than describing a physical object, it frames perception itself, inviting the hearer to see an event or character as though it were something else. The term highlights how Scripture employs vivid comparison to press spiritual truth upon the heart. Scriptural Occurrence Psalm 17:12 offers the single canonical example: “They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush”. Here דִּמְיוֹן (“like”) introduces a double simile, sharpening the psalmist’s depiction of ruthless opponents. Literary Background and Poetic Function 1. Simile and Metaphor: Hebrew poetry often juxtaposes concrete images with spiritual realities. דִּמְיוֹן functions as a bridge between realm of thought and realm of sight. Theological Themes 1. The Contrast of Appearance and Ultimate Reality: Enemies may look invincible, yet their power is a mere likeness next to the LORD’s sovereignty. Historical Setting Psalm 17 is traditionally linked to David’s years of persecution, possibly under Saul or during Absalom’s rebellion. The lion simile reflects the wilderness context where David would have observed actual predators stalking prey. Ancient Near Eastern literature likewise compares tyrants to lions, underscoring the psalm’s resonance with its cultural milieu. Ministry Application • Prayer Language: Encourage believers to employ concrete imagery in intercession. Detailed pictures, rooted in Scripture, help articulate both danger and trust. Christological and Eschatological Perspective David’s cry prefigures the Messiah’s experience of opposition (John 10:10; Acts 4:25–28). Though adversaries approached Jesus “like a lion,” the Resurrection revealed their ferocity to be temporary. In eschatological hope, every misleading likeness of power will give way to the unveiled glory of the true King (Philippians 2:9–11). Practical Considerations for Teaching and Preaching 1. Illustrate with Natural Observation: Show images or video of a lion stalking prey to parallel the verse, bringing ancient metaphor to contemporary minds. Summary דִּמְיוֹן showcases Scripture’s power to shape perception through sanctified imagination. Though appearing only once, it exemplifies a broader biblical pattern: vivid likenesses that move the heart to fear the LORD rather than the fiercest earthly threat. Forms and Transliterations דִּמְיֹנ֗וֹ דמינו dim·yō·nōw dimyoNo dimyōnōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 17:12 HEB: דִּמְיֹנ֗וֹ כְּ֭אַרְיֵה יִכְס֣וֹף NAS: He is like a lion that is eager KJV: Like as a lion [that] is greedy INT: is like A lion is eager 1 Occurrence |
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