דְּבֵק (de.vaq)
de.vaq
to cleave
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb de.vaq means to cling or stick fast, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Daniel 2:43. It serves as the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew dabaq (H1692), carrying the same sense of firm attachment. In this single occurrence, it describes the interaction between iron and clay in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, illustrating a relationship that cannot hold together despite apparent contact.
Its root implies a physical or relational bond so tight that separation is impossible. While Hebrew uses dabaq for covenant loyalty or physical grasping, this Aramaic form appears exclusively in the official correspondence of Daniel. The word highlights the futility of trying to merge incompatible elements, as seen in the failed union of iron and clay.
Translators typically render it "cleave" or "adhere," preserving the image of stubborn attachment. The rarity of the term underscores its specific function in describing structural failure rather than spiritual devotion. It reminds readers that not all connections are sustainable, even when they appear strong on the surface.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we look at Daniel 2:43, we see a striking image of iron mixed with clay that simply refuses to hold together. The word here describes a bond that looks possible but fails completely because the materials are fundamentally different. This reminds us that not every connection in life is meant to last, no matter how much effort we put into it.
It can be comforting to know that some struggles come from incompatibility rather than personal failure. When relationships or situations feel like they are falling apart despite our best efforts, this passage suggests that the issue may lie in the nature of the union itself. We are not called to force together things that God has designed to remain separate.
Instead of striving for impossible unity, we can find peace in accepting boundaries. This understanding helps us release guilt over broken connections and trust that God’s wisdom exceeds our own designs. It invites us to seek harmony where it is truly possible, rather than exhausting ourselves on what cannot be sustained.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- clinging1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דָּבְקִ֖ין1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 2:43
Whereas you saw the iron mixed with miry clay, they will mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they won’t cling to one another, even as iron does not mix with clay.
This verse uses the word to describe the structural failure of iron and clay, showing that incompatible elements cannot maintain a bond despite apparent contact.