ד
Dalet
Door, pathway, entrance, the poor/humble
Dalet (ד) is the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and its ancient pictographic form was a door — the entrance to a tent or dwelling. Doors are powerful symbols in Scripture: they represent opportunity, transition, and access to God's presence. Jesus declared 'I am the door' (John 10:9), using imagery that resonates deeply with this Hebrew letter. Dalet also connects to the word 'dal' (דַּל), meaning 'poor' or 'humble,' teaching that the doorway to God's kingdom is through humility and dependence on Him. The shape of Dalet — a horizontal line with a vertical stroke — suggests a person bending in humility.
How to Pronounce Dalet
Dalet makes a 'D' sound, like the D in 'door' or 'day.'
“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door (dal) of my lips.”
Ancient Pictographic Form
The ancient pictographic Dalet was drawn as a simple door or tent flap. It evolved through Phoenician into the Greek Delta (Δ) and the Latin letter D.
Pictograph: A tent door or entrance flap
Spiritual Significance
Dalet represents humility, poverty of spirit, and the doorway to divine encounter. Its numerical value of 4 connects to the four directions, the four matriarchs of Israel, and the four letters of God's name (YHVH). The Talmud teaches that Dalet (the poor) should look toward Gimel (the giver), teaching mutual dependence in community.
Connection to Scripture
King David's name (דָּוִד) begins and ends with Dalet, framing his identity as a humble shepherd who became king. Jesus said 'I am the door (thura in Greek, delet in Hebrew); if anyone enters by me, he will be saved' (John 10:9).
Words That Begin with Dalet
Delet
Door
Davar
Word, thing
Derech
Way, path
David
Beloved
Da'at
Knowledge
Modern Hebrew Usage
In modern Hebrew, Dalet appears in words like דֶּלֶת (delet, door), דָּבָר (davar, word/thing), דֶּרֶךְ (derech, way/path), and דָּוִד (David). The word 'delet' (door) is one of the most commonly used words in everyday Hebrew.
People Also Ask
What does the Hebrew letter Dalet mean?
Dalet means 'door' in Hebrew. Its ancient pictograph was a tent door or entrance. Spiritually, it represents access, opportunity, humility, and the pathway to God. It also connects to 'dal' (poor/humble), teaching that humility is the door to spiritual growth.
How is Dalet connected to King David?
King David's name in Hebrew (דָּוִד) begins and ends with the letter Dalet. David was known for his humility before God — starting as a lowly shepherd boy — which perfectly embodies Dalet's meaning of humility and doorway to divine favor.
Fun Fact
King David's name in Hebrew (דָּוִד) is spelled with two Dalets — it begins and ends with the same letter. The middle letter is Vav, which means 'hook' or 'connection,' suggesting David was a door-to-door connector between God and His people.
Learn the Hebrew Alphabet Step by Step
Join 12,000+ Christians discovering the depth of Scripture through Biblical Hebrew. Daily lessons delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe Free