Original Word: דָּגָה
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: dagah
Pronunciation: dah-GAH
Phonetic Spelling: (daw-gaw')
KJV: grow
NASB: grow
Word Origin: [a primitive root, to move rapidly; used only as a denominative from H1709 (דָּג דָּאגּ - fish)]

1. to spawn, i.e. become numerous

grow

A primitive root; to move rapidly; used only as a denominative from dag; to spawn, i.e. Become numerous -- grow.

see HEBREW dag

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to multiply, increase
NASB Translation
grow (1).

[דָּגָה] verb multiply, increase (intransitive); —

Qal Imperfect3masculine plural וְיִדְגּוּ לָרֹב בקרב הארץ Genesis 48:16 (E).

Root Idea of Abundant Increase

דָּגָה portrays the picture of life multiplying as swiftly and plentifully as a school of fish. The word’s imagery moves beyond mere numerical growth to emphasize God-given vitality, resilience, and the overflowing of blessing that cannot be contained.

Single Old Testament Occurrence

Genesis 48:16 records Jacob’s patriarchal blessing over Ephraim and Manasseh: “the Angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys… and may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth” (Berean Standard Bible). In that prayer Jacob invokes the covenant promises first spoken to Abraham (Genesis 12:2; Genesis 17:5-6), asking that Joseph’s sons would burgeon so abundantly that their presence would be as evident and widespread as fish filling the waters.

Covenant Context

1. The blessing is pronounced in Egypt, a land of foreign dominion, yet it anchors the boys’ identity in the lineage of Abraham and Isaac.
2. Jacob’s choice of the fish-like metaphor underscores continuity with earlier divine assurances of fruitfulness (Genesis 28:3) and anticipates Israel’s explosive population growth recorded in Exodus 1:7.
3. By adopting Ephraim and Manasseh as his own, Jacob bestows on them the full tribal heritage, ensuring that Joseph receives a double portion (Genesis 48:5-6, 22).

Biblical Theology of Fruitfulness

Scripture repeatedly pairs divine presence with multiplication. God blessed mankind to “be fruitful and multiply” in Genesis 1:28, reiterated the charge to Noah in Genesis 9:1, and wove the promise through the patriarchs (Genesis 15:5; Genesis 22:17). דָּגָה functions as a thematic link in that chain, illustrating that covenant fruitfulness is not self-generated but flows from God’s redemptive blessing.

Symbolism of Fish and Multiplication

1. In the Hebrew mind fish epitomize concealed yet teeming life beneath the surface. To increase “like fish” implies proliferation that is both rapid and largely unhindered by external threat.
2. Prophetic visions pick up similar motifs: Ezekiel 47:9 envisions the river from the temple bringing “swarms of living creatures” so that “there will be very many fish,” portraying eschatological renewal.
3. The New Testament amplifies the image when Jesus calls His disciples to become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19) and twice multiplies fish to feed multitudes (Matthew 14:17-21; John 6:9-13), displaying the same covenant principle now turned toward evangelistic harvest.

Jewish and Christian Liturgical Echoes

“Vayidgu la-rov” (“may they proliferate abundantly”) remains part of the traditional Sabbath-evening blessing that parents speak over sons, perpetuating Jacob’s prayer as a weekly reminder of covenant continuity and divine favor.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Family discipleship: Parents can confidently pray Genesis 48:16 over their children, trusting God to produce spiritual and relational fruit that transcends circumstances.
• Mission: Churches are encouraged to look beyond maintenance toward multiplication, expecting that the gospel, when faithfully sown, yields exponential growth (Acts 6:7; Colossians 1:6).
• Hope in exile: Like Ephraim and Manasseh in Egypt, believers may live in cultures not their own, yet God’s blessing equips them to thrive and extend influence (Jeremiah 29:4-7; 1 Peter 2:9-12).

Summary

דָּגָה encapsulates God’s promise to transform His people into a flourishing multitude. The lone occurrence in Genesis 48:16 integrates patriarchal history, covenant theology, and future hope, reminding every generation that divine redemption naturally issues in abundant, reproducible life—both physical and spiritual.

וְיִדְגּ֥וּ וידגו veyidGu wə·yiḏ·gū wəyiḏgūInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts