דַּךְ (dakh)
dakh
crushed
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective dakh describes a state of being crushed or oppressed. In the Old Testament, it appears only three times, primarily in wisdom literature and psalms. The word conveys physical fragility or social vulnerability, often referring to those who are downtrodden by circumstance or power.
Its usage highlights the condition of the weak against the strong. For instance, Proverbs 14:31 notes that oppressing the poor is an insult to their Maker, while Psalm 82:3 calls for defending the weak and fatherless. The term captures both physical exhaustion and the injustice faced by those without protection.
Translators typically render dakh as "poor," "afflicted," or "crushed." This reflects its dual sense of material lack and emotional distress. The word serves as a reminder in Scripture that God pays special attention to those who are broken or marginalized, urging the community to act with justice toward them.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dakh describes a state of being crushed, whether by heavy burdens or unjust treatment. It paints a picture of someone who is physically exhausted or socially vulnerable, lacking the strength to defend themselves against those with more power. In Scripture, this condition is not ignored; rather, it draws the attention of God, who sees the brokenness that others overlook.
When we read about the crushed in Proverbs and Psalms, we are reminded that how we treat the vulnerable reflects our heart toward their Maker. Oppressing those who cannot fight back is an insult to God Himself. This word invites us to look around with eyes of compassion, recognizing that true strength is often found in protecting those who feel weak.
God’s care for the dakh offers hope to anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s pressures. You are seen and valued, even when you feel crushed by circumstances. May we find comfort in knowing that justice belongs to the Lord, and His heart beats for those who suffer.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- crushed [people]/ its1×
- and/ [the] oppressed1×
- [the] oppressed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וָ֫/דָ֥ךְ1×
- דַּ֣ךְ1×
- דַכָּ֑י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 10:18
to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man who is of the earth may terrify no more.
This verse highlights God’s role as defender of the fatherless and oppressed, ensuring that earthly tyrants no longer cause terror.
-
Psalms 74:21
Don’t let the oppressed return ashamed. Let the poor and needy praise your name.
Here the psalmist pleads for the crushed to return not ashamed, emphasizing their dignity in praising God’s name despite their suffering.
-
Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates those it hurts; and a flattering mouth works ruin.
This proverb connects deceitful speech with harm, illustrating how words can crush those they target, aligning with the word's sense of inflicted pain.