Bible Dictionary
DASH
To dash means to strike or throw down violently, often with the purpose of breaking or destroying. In Psalm 91, however, it refers to accidentally striking one’s foot against a stone.
Definition
To dash usually means to throw or strike violently with the purpose of causing destruction, breaking, or crushing.
Biblical Usage
Scripture commonly uses dashing for destructive punishment or breaking to pieces. In Psalm 91 and its New Testament quotations, however, it means accidentally striking one’s foot against a stone.
Historical Background
The wording of Nahum 2:1 is uncertain and may mean “he that scatters” rather than “he that dashes in pieces.”
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>The idea of "to throw violently" or "to strike" with purpose of causing destruction is usually connected with the word "to dash." There is perhaps but one exception to this: Ps 91:12 and the quotations of this passage in the New Testament (Mt 4:6; Lu 4:11, proskopto), have the meaning "to strike against accidentally" and not intentionally. Na 2:1, "he that dasheth in pieces" is doubtful. "He that scatters" would be in better harmony with the Hebrew mephits, and the following description of destruction. In all other cases "to dash" is connected with the idea of destruction, especially the infliction of punishment which is usually expressed by raTash, "to dash to the ground" (2Ki 8:12; Isa 13:16 ff, et al., "to dash in pieces," the King James Version simply "to dash"), but also by naphats, "to break to pieces" (Ps 2:9; 137:9, et al.). See also PUNISHMENTS.</p><p>A. L. Breslich</p>