Lexical Summary dorbown: Goad Original Word: דָּרְבוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance goad (also dor-bawn'); of uncertain derivation; a goad -- goad. Brown-Driver-Briggs דָּרְבָן noun [masculine] goad (Late Hebrew id.), לְהַצִּיב הַדָּרְבָ֑ן 1 Samuel 13:21 (on form compare Ol§ 215 b. 3 and others Dr). [דָּֽרְבֹנָה] noun [feminine] goad, only absolute plural, in simile דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים כַּדָּ֣רְבֹנוֺת Ecclesiastes 12:11 (compare DeKoh 434). דרג (√ of following compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Biblical Usage The Hebrew term דָּרְבוֹן appears only twice in the Old Testament, designating the pointed implement commonly called a “goad.” In 1 Samuel 13:21 it is listed among farming tools taken to Philistine smiths for sharpening, while Ecclesiastes 12:11 employs it figuratively to describe the penetrating force of wise instruction: “The words of the wise are like goads, and the collected sayings are firmly embedded nails, given by one Shepherd”. Agricultural and Historical Setting A goad was a sturdy wooden rod tipped with iron, used by farmers to prod oxen pulling plows or carts. Its mention in 1 Samuel occurs during a period of Philistine domination when Israel lacked local blacksmiths. The inclusion of the goad in the sharpening tariff highlights both the agrarian simplicity of Israelite life and the oppressive tactics of the Philistines, who attempted to curtail Israel’s ability to wage war by monopolizing metalwork (1 Samuel 13:19-22). Thus, the goad stands at the intersection of subsistence farming and national struggle—a humble tool symbolizing Israel’s dependence on God amid foreign restriction. Metaphorical Force in Wisdom Literature Ecclesiastes elevates the goad from a farm implement to a literary symbol. Just as an ox would stubbornly resist forward movement without the quick sting of the goad, so hearers resist wisdom without incisive counsel. The metaphor underscores that genuine wisdom not only informs but also motivates. The pairing with “firmly embedded nails” suggests permanence alongside prodding, portraying divinely inspired teaching as both directing and anchoring the soul. Theological Significance 1. Divine Initiative: The passage in Ecclesiastes credits “one Shepherd” with granting these goads, subtly identifying God as the ultimate source of piercing truth that guides His people. Ministry and Preaching Applications • Expository preaching that avoids cutting application dulls the edge of God’s Word. Like a well-sharpened goad, biblical proclamation should lovingly press hearers toward obedience. Christological Perspective The “one Shepherd” of Ecclesiastes 12:11 finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). His words carry both comfort and challenge; they “prod” disciples toward holiness while securing them in truth. The cross itself—sharper than any earthly goad—demonstrates that God’s ultimate nudge toward salvation came through sacrificial love. Practical Reflection • Evaluate: Where has complacency settled into the furrows of life? Forms and Transliterations הַדָּרְבָֽן׃ הדרבן׃ כַּדָּ֣רְבֹנ֔וֹת כדרבנות had·dā·rə·ḇān haddārəḇān haddareVan kad·dā·rə·ḇō·nō·wṯ kaddārəḇōnōwṯ kadDarevoNotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 13:21 HEB: וּלְהַקַּרְדֻּמִּ֑ים וּלְהַצִּ֖יב הַדָּרְבָֽן׃ NAS: and the axes, and to fix the hoes. KJV: and to sharpen the goads. INT: and the axes fix the hoes Ecclesiastes 12:11 2 Occurrences |
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go on foot, step by step, walk, 
rise in grade, rank; Late Hebrew דרג Hiph`il raise, make high; Ethiopic 
is be connected; Aramaic 
(verb denominative according to PS); also Assyrian darâgu, be high, lift, LyonSargontexte 80, durgu, daragu, path, way (of steep mountain paths) COTGloss (compare also דרך); Arabic 
a step, stair, Aramaic דַּרְגָּא, 
, 
, id.)