דְּבַשׁ

“Honey” in Hebrew is Devash (דְּבַשׁ), pronounced “de-VASH.” Devash is an ancient Semitic word found across multiple languages. In the Bible, it refers to both bee honey and date honey (a thick syrup made from dates). The 'honey' of 'milk and honey' likely refers to date honey, as beekeeping was not common in early Israel.

Devash (דְּבַשׁ) means “Honey, sweetness” in Biblical Hebrew. Devash appears 54 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes the Promised Land's abundance (Exodus 3:8), God's Word (Psalm 19:10, 119:103), Samson's riddle (Judges 14:8-9), and one of the seven species' products (Deuteronomy 8:8). Jonathan was revived by eating honey (1 Samuel 14:27).

Devash is pronounced “de-VASH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ד-ב-שׁ.

This phrase describes extraordinary agricultural fertility. 'Milk' indicates abundant livestock and pasture; 'honey' (devash) indicates abundant fruit trees (especially date palms) or wild bee colonies. Together they paint a picture of a land so fertile it literally overflows with God's provision — the fulfillment of His covenant promise.

Psalm 19:10 says God's judgments are 'sweeter than honey.' Psalm 119:103 says God's words are 'sweeter than honey to my mouth.' In a world with few sweeteners, honey was the ultimate pleasure for the palate. Comparing God's Word to honey means Scripture is not just nourishing but delightful — the sweetest thing a human soul can taste.

Both. The Hebrew devash can refer to bee honey (Judges 14:8-9, Samson's riddle) or date honey — a thick, sweet syrup made from dates. The 'land of milk and honey' likely refers primarily to date honey, as dates were one of the seven species. Both types represent God's abundant provision.