Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the act of digging is often associated with various practical and symbolic activities, including agriculture, construction, and spiritual metaphors. The term "dig" and its derivatives appear in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating both literal and figurative meanings.Agricultural and Practical Uses Digging is frequently mentioned in the context of agriculture, reflecting the agrarian society of ancient Israel. In Genesis 26:18, Isaac reopens the wells that had been dug during the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham's death. This act of digging wells was crucial for survival, providing necessary water for crops, livestock, and people. In Deuteronomy 6:11, the Israelites are promised "houses full of every good thing that you did not fill, and wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant," highlighting the blessings and provisions from God as they enter the Promised Land. Here, digging wells is symbolic of the labor and effort required to sustain life, which God provides for His people. Construction and Defense Digging also plays a role in construction and defense. In the building of cities and fortifications, digging was necessary for laying foundations and creating defensive structures. In Isaiah 5:2, the imagery of digging is used in the parable of the vineyard: "He dug it up, cleared out its stones, and planted it with the choicest vines." This illustrates the care and preparation involved in establishing something of value. Spiritual and Metaphorical Significance The Bible uses the concept of digging metaphorically to convey spiritual truths. In Luke 6:48, Jesus describes a wise man who "is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on rock." This parable emphasizes the importance of a strong spiritual foundation, rooted in obedience to Christ's teachings. Conversely, digging can also represent the uncovering of sin or the plotting of evil. In Job 6:27, Job accuses his friends of being willing to "cast lots for the fatherless and barter away your friend," implying a betrayal that involves digging a pit for others. Similarly, in Psalm 7:15, it is said, "He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making," illustrating the self-destructive nature of wicked schemes. Judgment and Consequences The act of digging is sometimes associated with judgment and consequences. In Ezekiel 8:8, the prophet is instructed to "dig through the wall" to witness the abominations being committed by the elders of Israel. This act of digging reveals hidden sins and brings them to light, symbolizing God's judgment and the exposure of iniquity. In the New Testament, the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:18 includes a servant who "went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master's money." This act of digging, in this context, represents negligence and a failure to use God-given resources wisely, resulting in judgment upon the unfaithful servant. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the act of digging serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing both the practical aspects of life in ancient times and deeper spiritual truths. Whether in the context of providing for physical needs, constructing secure foundations, or illustrating moral and spiritual lessons, digging is a recurring theme that underscores the importance of preparation, diligence, and faithfulness in the life of believers. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To turn up, or delve in, (earth) with a spade or a hoe; to open, loosen, or break up (the soil) with a spade, or other sharp instrument; to pierce, open, or loosen, as if with a spade.2. (v. t.) To get by digging; as, to dig potatoes, or gold. 3. (v. t.) To hollow out, as a well; to form, as a ditch, by removing earth; to excavate; as, to dig a ditch or a well. 4. (v. t.) To thrust; to poke. 5. (v. i.) To work with a spade or other like implement; to do servile work; to delve. 6. (v. i.) To take ore from its bed, in distinction from making excavations in search of ore. 7. (v. i.) To work like a digger; to study ploddingly and laboriously. 8. (n.) A thrust; a punch; a poke; as, a dig in the side or the ribs. See Dig, v. t., 4. 9. (n.) A plodding and laborious student. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DIG(qur, "to dig", chathar; diorusso, "to dig through"): "I have digged (dug) and drunk strange waters" (2 Kings 19:24). In his campaigns on foreign soil, where the enemy had stopped up the watersprings, Sennacherib would at once dig fresh wells for his armies. "They dig through houses" (Job 24:16 Matthew 6:19, 20 margin). Walls of eastern houses are often made of mud or clay, and frequently have no windows; and as the threshold of a Syrian house is sacred, the thief breaks in through the wall (see Trumbull, The Threshold Covenant). Greek 3736. orusso -- to dig ... to dig. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: orusso Phonetic Spelling: (or-oos'-so) Short Definition: I dig, dig out Definition: I dig, dig out, excavate. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3736.htm - 6k 4626. skapto -- to dig 2679. kataskapto -- to dig down 1846. exorusso -- to dig out or up 1358. diorusso -- to dig through (as of breaking into a house) 3001. lachanon -- a garden herb, a vegetable Strong's Hebrew 2864. chathar -- to dig, row... 2863, 2864. chathar. 2865 . to dig, row. Transliteration: chathar Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-thar') Short Definition: dig. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/2864.htm - 5k 2658. chaphar -- to dig, search for 3738. karah -- to dig 6979. qur -- to bore, dig 1770. dig -- to fish for, catch 5365. naqar -- to bore, pick, dig 3738a. karah -- to dig 3564b. kur -- perhaps to bore, dig or hew 5823. azaq -- to dig about 2672. chatsab -- to hew, hew out, cleave Library Go and Dig My Grave Today! Whether Theft is Always a Sin? The Seventh Commandment "Love and I" --A Mystery Hindrances to Holiness. The Little Foxes. "Make this Valley Full of Ditches. " 2 Kings, iii. , 16 God's Scrutiny Longed For Concerning what is in Our Own Power, that Is, Concerning Free-Will ... Fences and Serpents Thesaurus Dig (24 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To get by digging; as, to dig potatoes, or gold. ... 8. (n.) A thrust; a punch; a poke; as, a dig in the side or the ribs. See Dig, vt, 4. ... /d/dig.htm - 14k Mine (2991 Occurrences) Mole (2 Occurrences) Grub (2 Occurrences) Dug (45 Occurrences) Digged (37 Occurrences) Dignities (3 Occurrences) Dignity (14 Occurrences) Ditch (9 Occurrences) Spoils (19 Occurrences) Resources What is the readiness of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view being “woke”? | GotQuestions.org Are there such things as aliens or UFOs? | GotQuestions.org Dig: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dig (24 Occurrences)Matthew 6:19 Matthew 6:20 Luke 13:8 Luke 16:3 Genesis 26:19 Genesis 26:21 Genesis 26:25 Exodus 21:33 Deuteronomy 6:11 Deuteronomy 8:9 Deuteronomy 23:13 Job 3:21 Job 6:27 Job 11:18 Job 24:16 Job 39:21 Psalms 57:6 Psalms 119:85 Proverbs 30:17 Jeremiah 13:7 Ezekiel 8:8 Ezekiel 12:5 Ezekiel 12:12 Amos 9:2 Subtopics Related Terms Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) |
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