Who was Dagon?

Philistine fish god

The story of Dagon

Dagon - Philistine god of agriculture and fertility
Dagon - Philistine god of agriculture and fertility
Philistine god of agriculture and fertility

Dagon was a Philistine god of fertility and grain, and was one of the most important gods in the ancient Near East. He was the son of El, the chief god of the Philistines, and was the brother of Baal and Anat. He was also the father of Baal-Hadad, the storm god. Dagon was best known for his role in the story of Samson, where he was worshipped by the Philistines in the temple of Dagon. According to the Bible, Samson destroyed the temple of Dagon by pushing down the two pillars that supported it. Dagon was also associated with the sea, and was sometimes referred to as the "Fish-God". He was often depicted as a man with the head and torso of a fish. He was also associated with fertility and agriculture, and was sometimes depicted with a cornucopia or a sheaf of wheat. Dagon was an important figure in the ancient Near East, and was worshipped by the Philistines for centuries. He was best known for his role in the story of Samson, and for his association with the sea and fertility.

Name meaning

The name "Dagon" means "grain" or "fish."

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Philistine god of agriculture and fertility

First mention

Joshua 15:41

Appearances in the Bible

9 mentions

Dagon in the Bible

Explore all 3 chapters where Dagon appears

Judges

Chapter 16

Samson's Destructive Triumph:

Samson falls in love with Delilah, who betrays him and causes him to lose his strength.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 5

The Ark in Philistine Hands

The Philistines experience various plagues and misfortunes after capturing the Ark, so they return it to the Israelites.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 10

Saul's Death and the Philistines' Triumph

The account of Saul's defeat by the Philistines and his death.

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