dwôrf : The rendering in English Versions of the Bible of the Hebrew word דּק , daḳ , "thin," "small," in Leviticus 21:20 , where a list is given of physical failings which forbade man of the seed of Aaron to officiate at the altar, though he might partake of the sacrificial gifts. The precise meaning of the Hebrew word here is uncertain; elsewhere it is used of the lean kine (Genesis 41:3 ) and blasted ears (Leviticus 21:23 ) of Pharaoh's dream; of the grains of manna (Exodus 16:14 ), of the still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12 ), of dust (Isaiah 29:5 ), etc. Septuagint and Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible , 390-405 ad) suggest defective eyes; but "withered" would perhaps best express the meaning. See PRIESTS AND LEVITES .
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
Read More