1 Samuel 5:5
Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֡ן
H3651
כֵּ֡ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִדְרְכוּ֩
tread
H1869
יִדְרְכוּ֩
tread
Strong's:
H1869
Word #:
4 of 17
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
כֹֽהֲנֵ֨י
Therefore neither the priests
H3548
כֹֽהֲנֵ֨י
Therefore neither the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
5 of 17
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְכָֽל
H3605
וְכָֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבָּאִ֧ים
nor any that come
H935
הַבָּאִ֧ים
nor any that come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
8 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֵּית
house
H1004
בֵּית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
9 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
15 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
Threshold rituals appear in various ancient cultures. Zephaniah 1:9 may reference this practice. The permanent incorporation of this rite into Dagon worship demonstrates the lasting impact of Yahweh's demonstration. What the Philistines tried to explain away became embedded in their practice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this enduring practice serve as perpetual testimony to Yahweh's power?
- What practices might inadvertently memorialize defeats or contradictions in our own lives?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
A cultic practice emerges: 'neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold...unto this day.' The threshold where Dagon's mutilated parts lay becomes taboo. This practice, persisting 'unto this day,' memorializes Dagon's defeat in every subsequent temple visit. Every worshipper who steps over the threshold enacts remembrance of their god's humiliation. The Philistines cannot erase what happened; they can only incorporate it into ritual practice.