דָּחַק (da.chaq)
da.chaq
to crowd
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb daḥaq describes the physical act of pushing or crowding into a space. In its basic sense, it conveys the pressure of bodies pressing against one another, often with a forceful or aggressive quality. This meaning extends naturally to social and economic contexts, where it signifies oppressing or crushing those who are vulnerable by exerting undue pressure on them.
In Scripture, this word appears in only two verses, yet both carry significant weight. In Judges 10:7, the Ammonites and Amalekites "crushed" (daḥaq) Israel, illustrating how military aggression functions as a form of violent crowding that leaves no room for freedom or relief. Similarly, Joel 3:4 uses the term to describe nations who have sold people into slavery, framing exploitation as a literal squeezing out of human dignity and autonomy.
Translators typically render daḥaq as "oppress," "crush," or "crowd" depending on the context. The underlying imagery remains consistent: it is not merely disagreement or conflict, but an active, forceful imposition that restricts movement or freedom. Whether describing physical combat or systemic injustice, the word highlights the impact of power used to dominate and constrain others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word daḥaq paints a vivid picture of pressure—whether it is the physical crush of bodies in a crowd or the heavy burden placed on someone by those with more power. In Judges, we see this force used as a weapon, where enemies 'crushed' Israel, leaving them no room to breathe or stand free. It reminds us that oppression is not just an idea; it is a violent squeezing out of dignity and freedom.
Yet, the biblical narrative does not leave us in that darkness. Judges 2:18 tells us that when God’s people groaned under this weight, He heard them. He raised up deliverers to save them from the hands of their oppressors. This shows that God sees the injustice done to the vulnerable and acts with compassion. You are never alone when facing overwhelming pressure.
In our own lives, we may feel crowded by circumstances or treated unfairly by others. This word invites us to bring those heavy burdens to God. He is aware of every instance where power is used to crush rather than build up. His response is always one of rescue and restoration for those who cry out to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they crowd/ !1×
- and/ [those who] oppressed/ them1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִדְחָק֔וּ/ן1×
- וְ/דֹחֲקֵי/הֶֽם\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 2:18
When Yahweh raised up judges for them, then Yahweh was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for it grieved Yahweh because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and troubled them.
This verse connects the groaning of Israel under oppression directly to Yahweh’s grief and His subsequent action to save them through judges.
-
Joel 2:8
One doesn’t jostle another. They each march in their own path. They burst through the defenses and don’t break ranks.
Here the word describes soldiers who do not jostle or crowd each other, highlighting disciplined unity rather than chaotic pressure.