Bible Dictionary
Dwarf
Dwarf is an older translation of a Hebrew term describing someone small, thin, or physically defective. Such a condition is mentioned among the bodily defects that prevented a descendant of Aaron from officiating at the altar, though he could eat holy food.
Definition
Dwarf is an older English rendering of a Hebrew word meaning thin, small, or withered. The precise condition intended is uncertain; it may describe a lean or emaciated person or someone with a bodily defect.
Biblical Usage
The term occurs in the list of physical conditions that prevented a descendant of Aaron from officiating at the altar, although he could eat the sacrificial gifts.
Historical Background
The underlying word is also used for lean cattle, blasted ears, small manna, a still small voice, and dust. The supplied material notes that “withered” may express its meaning better than “dwarf.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A lean or emaciated person (Lev. 21:20).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>dworf:</p><p>The rendering in English Versions of the Bible of the Hebrew word dak, "thin," "small," in Le 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 (Ge 41:3) and blasted ears (verse 23) of Pharaoh's dream; of the grains of manna (Ex 16:14), of the still, small voice (1Ki 19:12), of dust (Isa 29:5), etc. Septuagint and Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A. D.) suggest defective eyes; but "withered" would perhaps best express the meaning. See PRIESTS AND LEVITES.</p><p>F. K. Farr</p>