Lexical Summary deror: swallow Original Word: דְּרוֹר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance swallow The same as drowr, applied to a bird; the swift, a kind of swallow -- swallow. see HEBREW drowr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as deror Definition swallow (a kind of bird) NASB Translation swallow (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. דְּרוֺר noun femininePsalm 84:4 swallow Psalm 84:4 ("" צִמּוֺר), Che (q. v.) makes simile of quiet, peace, security, and supplies ellipsis; in simile, Proverbs 26:2 כַּצִמּוֺר לָנוּד כַּדְּרוֺר לָעוּף (of groundless curse, which does not alight, i.e. is not fulfilled). Topical Lexicon Overview דְּרוֹר designates a small, free-flying bird that English versions render “sparrow.” Though mentioned only twice, the term gathers rich layers of biblical imagery: humble creatures receive shelter at God’s sanctuary (Psalm 84:3) and serve as a proverb for the ineffectual flight of an unmerited curse (Proverbs 26:2). Occurrences in Scripture • Psalm 84:3 – “Even a sparrow finds a home, and a swallow a nest for herself where she places her young—near Your altars, O LORD of Hosts, my King and my God!” Symbolism and Theological Themes 1. Shelter in God’s Presence. In Psalm 84 the sparrow is portrayed as secure at the very altar of the LORD. The psalmist draws a contrast: if such fragile life may dwell so near the holiness that consumes sin, how much more may the covenant worshiper anticipate welcome. The image prepares the ground for later temple and priesthood motifs fulfilled in Christ, where access to God becomes a gift of grace (Hebrews 10:19–22). 2. Freedom and Restlessness. The bird’s swift, unpredictable flight in Proverbs illustrates the groundlessness of a baseless malediction. Divine justice governs even words spoken in anger; they cannot arbitrarily “land” upon the innocent. Believers reading the proverb discern a call to trust the sovereign restraint of God over hostile speech (Romans 8:33). 3. Smallness yet Value. Sparrows were inexpensive for sacrifice or food (cf. Luke 12:6). By mentioning them in connection with sacred space and providential care, Scripture highlights the LORD’s regard for the seemingly insignificant—a persistent theme that culminates in the Gospel witness to God’s detailed knowledge of His children (Matthew 10:29–31). Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East sparrows nested in temple crevices, rooftops, and olive groves. Their ubiquity made them a ready metaphor in poetry and wisdom literature. The Hebrew root associated with liberty (Strong’s 1865) lies behind the noun, enhancing the play on “free flight” and reinforcing the psalmist’s picture of unhindered approach to the altar. New Testament Echoes Jesus’ teaching that “not one of them is forgotten by God” (Luke 12:6) resonates with Psalm 84:3’s sanctuary sparrow. Where the psalmist observed God’s hospitality in architecture, the Gospel reveals it in Incarnation—God comes to dwell with those who cannot reach Him on their own. The proverb’s logic surfaces in 1 Peter 3:13–16, assuring believers that slander and cursing are ultimately powerless when one’s conscience is clear before God. Practical Ministry Applications • Worship. Psalm 84 invites congregations to consider whether their gathering affords “sparrow-like” safety for the weak, echoing the Lord’s heart for inclusion and protection. Cross-References for Further Study Leviticus 14:4–7; 1 Samuel 26:20; Job 29:18; Matthew 10:29–31; Luke 12:6–7; Hebrews 10:19–22. Forms and Transliterations וּדְר֤וֹר ׀ ודרור כַּדְּר֣וֹר כדרור kad·də·rō·wr kaddeRor kaddərōwr ū·ḏə·rō·wr udeRor ūḏərōwrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 84:3 HEB: מָ֪צְאָה בַ֡יִת וּדְר֤וֹר ׀ קֵ֥ן לָהּ֮ NAS: a house, And the swallow a nest KJV: an house, and the swallow a nest INT: has found A house and the swallow A nest where Proverbs 26:2 2 Occurrences |
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