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H1685 · Hebrew · Old Testament
דְּבַשׁ
debash
Noun, masculine
honey, syrup, date honey

Definition

Debash is the Hebrew word for honey — both bee honey and the thick syrup made from dates or figs. It is one of the most positive sensory images in Hebrew Scripture, associated with the promised land ('land flowing with milk and honey'), the sweetness of God's word, and divine blessing. Honey was a luxury commodity, representing abundance and satisfaction.

Usage & Theological Significance

Honey serves as a profound metaphor for the Word of God. Psalm 19:10 declares God's words to be 'sweeter than honey, sweeter than honey from the comb.' Psalm 119:103 echoes: 'How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.' Ezekiel and John were commanded to eat scrolls that were sweet as honey — divine revelation consumed, internalized. The promised land defined by milk and honey is a land where God's people live in abundance; eschatologically, heaven is the ultimate 'honey-land' where sweetness never ends.

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 19:10 The judgments of the LORD are... sweeter than honey [debash] from the honeycomb.
Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey [debash] to my mouth!
Exodus 3:8 I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians... to a land flowing with milk and honey [debash].
Ezekiel 3:3 He said to me, 'Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.' So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey [debash].
Proverbs 24:13 Eat honey [debash], my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

Related Words

External Resources

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