דָּבַק (da.vaq)
da.vaq
to cleave
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 42 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb daḇaq describes a physical or relational bond so tight that two things stick together as if glued. Its core sense is to cling, adhere, or stay close. In Ruth 2:8 and 2:14, it depicts Ruth’s determined choice to remain with Naomi, illustrating a loyalty that refuses separation. This same word appears in Genesis 2:24 to describe the profound union between husband and wife, suggesting a connection that is inseparable by nature.
Beyond relationships, daḇaq captures intense physical states. In Psalm 102:5 and Psalm 137:6, it describes a tongue sticking to the roof of the mouth due to extreme thirst or grief. The verb also carries a sense of pursuit, as seen when enemies "cleave hard" after someone in Judges 20:42, implying they are following so closely they seem to touch. This duality highlights how the word bridges intimate attachment and relentless pressure.
Its theological weight lies in its use for covenant loyalty. Deuteronomy 10:20 commands Israel to "cleave" to the Lord, framing devotion not as a distant respect but as an active, clinging adherence. Translators often render this as "hold fast" or "follow," yet the Hebrew imagery remains one of unbreakable contact. The word reminds readers that true faithfulness involves remaining attached to God despite external circumstances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word daḇaq describes a bond so tight that two things stick together as if glued. It is not merely staying near someone; it is an active, clinging adherence. In Deuteronomy 10:20, God commands Israel to cleave to Him. This framing shows that devotion is not distant respect but unbreakable contact. When life feels unstable, this image offers a solid ground for your faith.
We see this loyalty in Ruth, who chose to stay close to Naomi despite the hardship ahead. Her decision was not passive; it was a deliberate choice to remain attached. Similarly, Genesis 2:24 uses this concept for marriage, showing that true union involves leaving behind old ties to form a new, inseparable connection. This word reminds us that faithfulness requires effort and presence.
Even in moments of grief or thirst, the image of sticking together remains powerful. It suggests that when we are weak, we can still hold fast to what matters most. Whether you are facing personal loss or seeking deeper intimacy with God, daḇaq invites you to stay close. It is a promise that attachment brings strength and that clinging to the divine leads to life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 42 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they pursued closely4×
- it clings3×
- you will stay/ !2×
- they will hold2×
- it will cling2×
- and/ to/ cleave2×
- and/ it cleaved2×
- you will cling1×
- you will cleave1×
- they overtook/ him1×
- they clung1×
- they are joined together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/לְ/דָבְקָה\־3×
- וַ/יַּדְבְּק֣וּ2×
- תִּדְבָּקַ֥/נִי1×
- תִּדְבָּקִ֔י/ן1×
- תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ1×
- תִּדְבַּ֥ק\־1×
- תִּֽדְבַּק\־1×
- תִדְבָּקִ֖י/ן1×
- תִדְבָּ֔ק1×
- יַדְבֵּ֧ק1×
- יִדְבַּ֨ק1×
- יִדְבַּ֧ק1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 10:20
You shall fear Yahweh your God. You shall serve him. You shall cling to him, and you shall swear by his name.
This verse commands Israel to cleave to God, defining devotion as active adherence rather than distant reverence.
-
Ruth 1:14
They lifted up their voices and wept again; then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth stayed with her.
Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi illustrates the word's sense of loyal attachment in the face of separation.
-
Genesis 2:24
Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.
The text uses this concept to describe the profound, inseparable union between husband and wife as one flesh.
-
Deuteronomy 30:20
to love Yahweh your God, to obey his voice, and to cling to him; for he is your life, and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Clinging to God is linked directly to finding life and length of days in the promised land.
-
Joshua 23:8
but hold fast to Yahweh your God, as you have done to this day.
The command to hold fast to Yahweh serves as a reminder of past faithfulness and future stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does daḇaq mean in simple terms?
How is daḇaq different from other words for love?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Why is clinging to God important in this context?
Every Occurrence (42 verses across 15 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.
Genesis 19:19See now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your loving kindness, which you have shown…
Genesis 31:23He took his relatives with him, and pursued him seven days’ journey. He overtook him in the mountain of Gilead.
Genesis 34:3His soul joined to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young lady, and spoke kindly to the young lady.