דָּלַג

From the study of Isaiah 35:6

Range of meaning

To leap, spring or bound. It is a rare verb (about five occurrences). The basic form means to leap over something. The intensive form used here means to bound or spring repeatedly (BDB, HALOT).

Against the English

"Leap" is accurate. What English can lose is the picture of bounding energy, a stag springing across the hills, rather than a single hop. "The lame will walk" (as in the later echo in Matthew 11:5) is a much smaller claim than what Isaiah says.

Used elsewhere in the period

2 Sam 22:30 / Ps 18:29: "by my God I can leap over a wall." Song 2:8: the beloved comes "leaping (medalleg) over the mountains," and is compared in 2:9 to a gazelle or young stag, the same deer image as here. Zeph 1:9: those who "leap over the threshold." The Greek Septuagint uses halletai ("will leap"). Luke picks up that verb in Acts 3:8, where the man lame from birth goes into the temple "walking and leaping and praising God," which is a likely deliberate echo of this verse.

From the study of Psalm 18:29

Range of meaning

To leap, spring, bound. The basic form appears in Zeph 1:9 (those who 'leap over the threshold', a ritual practice). The intensive form used here describes vigorous springing: the lame man leaping like a deer (Isa 35:6), the beloved 'leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills' (Song 2:8). Only five occurrences in all.

Against the English

KJV/ESV/NASB/WEB 'leap over'; NIV, BSB and NLT 'scale'. 'Scale' suggests climbing, maybe with ladders, which was the real siege method. 'Leap' keeps the Hebrew picture of agile, almost effortless springing, which is the point of the poetry.

Used elsewhere in the period

Every other use of the word involves a deer, gazelle or lover bounding lightly. This shows the word carries lightness and agility, not grim climbing.

From the study of Song of Songs 2:8

Range of meaning

To leap or spring. The word is used for jumping over an obstacle or for the lively springing of an animal. It appears only a handful of times.

Against the English

'Leaping' is accurate in all major versions. Older NASB editions are sometimes cited with a different verb here, which flattens the parallel with the second half of the line.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isaiah 35:6: 'then the lame will leap like a deer' (ayyal, the same animal as in Song 2:9). 2 Samuel 22:30 and Psalm 18:29: 'by my God I can leap over a wall'. Zephaniah 1:9: those who 'leap over the threshold'. The Greek Septuagint renders it pēdōn, 'leaping'.