Persons of the Bible: Letter D

Nov 9

Bible Persons Glossary D — As we begin the letter D, we encounter people whose lives reveal God’s power, guidance, and grace in remarkable ways. David stands out as the shepherd-king whose faith and failures teach us about God’s mercy. Deborah shows the courage that comes from listening to God’s voice. Even lesser-known names—leaders, prophets, servants, and families—play their part in the unfolding story. Together, these individuals remind us that God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes, always pointing our hearts toward the coming of Christ.

Dabbesheth

Dabbesheth appears in genealogical listings connected to the territory of Zebulun.
Scripture: Joshua 19:11

Dalaiah

Dalaiah was one of the officials present when the scroll of Jeremiah’s prophecies was read before King Jehoiakim.
Scripture: Jeremiah 36:12, 25

Damaris

Damaris was a woman in Athens who believed Paul’s message after his sermon at Mars Hill.
Scripture: Acts 17:34

Dan

Dan was the fifth son of Jacob, born to Bilhah, Rachel’s servant, and the founder of the tribe of Dan.
Scripture: Genesis 30:6

Daniel

Daniel was a faithful prophet who served in Babylon after being taken captive as a youth. His unwavering devotion to God, even in the face of persecution, showed the power of prayer and trust. God revealed visions to Daniel that pointed to future kingdoms and the coming Messiah. His life reminds believers to stand firm in God's truth in every circumstance.
Scripture: Daniel 1–6; Daniel 7–12; Matthew 24:15; Hebrews 11:33

Darius

Darius was the name of several Persian rulers. One confirmed Cyrus’s decree allowing the Jews to rebuild the Temple, showing God’s sovereignty over world leaders. Another Darius appears in Daniel, associated with the lion’s den.
Scripture: Ezra 6:1–12; Daniel 6

Darkon

Darkon was the ancestor of a group of temple servants who returned from the Babylonian exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:56; Nehemiah 7:58

Dathan

Dathan, along with Korah and Abiram, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. His judgment served as a warning to Israel against resisting God’s appointed leaders.
Scripture: Numbers 16:1–35

Dedan

Dedan was a descendant of Cush listed in the genealogies after the flood.
Scripture: Genesis 10:7

Dekar

Dekar was one of Solomon’s district governors, responsible for providing food for the king’s household.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:9

Delaiah

Delaiah appears both as a supportive official during the reading of Jeremiah’s scroll and as a returning priestly descendant after the exile.
Scripture: Jeremiah 36:12; Ezra 2:60

Delilah

Delilah was the woman who betrayed Samson by revealing his secret strength. Her actions led to Samson’s capture but ultimately to God’s victory over the Philistines through Samson’s final act.
Scripture: Judges 16

Demas

Demas was a coworker of Paul who later abandoned him because he loved the comforts of the present world. His story serves as a sober reminder to remain faithful to Christ.
Scripture: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:10

Demetrius

Demetrius was a Christian believer commended by the apostle John for his excellent testimony and faithfulness to the truth.
Scripture: 3 John 12

Demetrius the Silversmith

Demetrius was a silversmith in Ephesus who stirred up a riot against Paul because the gospel threatened the idol-making trade.
Scripture: Acts 19:23–41

Deniah

Deniah was listed among the priestly and Levitical families who returned from the Babylonian exile.
Scripture: Nehemiah 12:3

Deuel

Deuel was the father of Eliasaph, a leader of the tribe of Gad during Israel’s wilderness journey.
Scripture: Numbers 1:14

Devora (variant of Deborah)

A Hebrew variant spelling of Deborah, the prophetess and judge of Israel.
Scripture: Variant of Judges 4–5

Diblaim

Diblaim was the father of Gomer, the wife of the prophet Hosea.
Scripture: Hosea 1:3

Dibri

Dibri was the father of the man judged for blasphemy during Israel’s wilderness period.
Scripture: Leviticus 24:11

Dinah

Dinah was the daughter of Jacob and Leah. Her story reveals the pain of injustice and the challenges faced by Jacob’s family in a difficult moment in their history.
Scripture: Genesis 30:21; Genesis 34

Dionysius

Dionysius was a member of the Areopagus in Athens who believed Paul’s message after hearing his sermon at Mars Hill.
Scripture: Acts 17:34

Diotrephes

Diotrephes was a church leader who rejected apostolic authority and refused to welcome fellow believers. His actions serve as a warning against prideful leadership.
Scripture: 3 John 9–10

Dishan

Dishan was one of the sons of Seir the Horite, listed among the early chiefs of Edom.
Scripture: Genesis 36:21, 30

Dishon

Dishon was another son of Seir the Horite, appearing in Edomite family genealogies.
Scripture: Genesis 36:21, 25

Dizan

Dizan is listed among the sons of Seir, part of the ancient Edomite ancestry.
Scripture: Genesis 36:21

Dodai

Dodai was a military commander under King David who led one of the monthly divisions of Israel’s army.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 27:4

Dodavahu

Dodavahu was the father of the prophet Iddo, noted in the chronicles of Judah’s kings.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:37

Dodo

Dodo was the father of Eleazar, one of David’s mighty warriors, and another Dodo served as a judge in Israel for twenty-three years.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:9; Judges 10:1–2

Doeg

Doeg the Edomite was a servant of King Saul who informed on David and later carried out Saul’s command to kill the priests of Nob. His actions stand as a warning about the consequences of malice and disobedience to God.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 21–22

Dorcas

Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, was a beloved disciple in Joppa known for her compassion and good works. When she died, the believers called for Peter, who prayed and raised her back to life. Her story highlights the beauty of faithful service in Christ’s kingdom.
Scripture: Acts 9:36–42

Drusilla

Drusilla was the Jewish wife of the Roman governor Felix. She listened as Paul spoke about faith in Christ, righteousness, and judgment.
Scripture: Acts 24:24

Dumah

Dumah was one of the sons of Ishmael listed in the genealogies following Abraham’s family line.
Scripture: Genesis 25:14

Dyna (older variant spelling of Dinah)

An ancient textual variation of Dinah, daughter of Jacob and Leah.
Scripture: Variant of Genesis 34

The lives represented in the letter D highlight both the strength of those who walk with God and the consequences faced by those who resist Him. From kings and judges to faithful servants and quiet believers, each name helps us see the larger tapestry of Scripture where God’s purposes cannot be stopped.

As we continue into the letter E, we will meet people like Eli, Elijah, Elisha, and Esther—each revealing more of God’s character and drawing us deeper into the story that leads to Jesus.

Sherri Stout Faamuli

About Sherri Stout Faamuli

Sherri Stout Faamuli is the writer and artist behind The Cardinal and the Dove. With a lifelong love of both storytelling and Scripture, she brings together creativity and faith to help make the Bible clear and approachable for everyday readers.

Sherri began her career as a pioneer in digital design, founding Birthday Direct in 1996 — one of the first online party supply companies in the world. For decades she created kind, colorful illustrations that brought joy to families, always emphasizing imagination, nature, and simple delight.

Now, Sherri brings that same warmth and creativity to The Cardinal and the Dove. Through clear teaching, simple language, and relatable imagery, her writing explores the timeless truths of God’s Word while pointing everything back to Jesus. Her goal is to help people not only read the Bible but understand it, see its beauty, and apply it in daily life.

Whether through thoughtful blog posts, nature-inspired imagery, or reflections on simple Christian living, Sherri’s heart is to offer readers both hope like the cardinal and peace like the dove — drawing them closer to God through His Word.

https://www.cardinalanddove.com