דַּכָּא (dak.ka)
dak.ka
contrite; dust
H:A / H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A / H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective dakka carries two distinct but related meanings: "dust" and "contrite." In its literal sense, it refers to fine, pulverized particles, evoking the imagery of something ground down into insignificance. This physical description naturally extends into a metaphorical one, describing a person who is crushed in spirit or humbled before God.
Its most notable appearance is in Psalm 90:3, where God turns human beings back to dust (dakka), emphasizing the fragility of mortal life against the backdrop of divine eternity. The word captures both the physical reality of decay and the spiritual posture of humility. It suggests a state of being broken not by defeat, but by an honest recognition of one's place before the Creator.
Translators often render dakka as "dust" when describing human mortality and as "contrite" or "crushed" when describing the heart. This dual usage highlights a key biblical theme: true humility begins with acknowledging our finite nature. The word serves as a reminder that spiritual strength often emerges from this grounded, realistic self-awareness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word dakka paints a vivid picture of two connected realities: fine dust and a broken spirit. In Psalm 90, it reminds us that our physical bodies return to dust, highlighting how brief and fragile human life is compared to God’s eternal nature. This isn’t meant to discourage us, but to ground us in the truth of who we are.
Isaiah 57:15 takes this imagery further by showing where God chooses to dwell. He lives not only in the high and holy places but also with those whose spirits are crushed like dust before Him. This contrite state isn’t a sign of defeat, but of honest humility. When we acknowledge our limitations and dependence on God, we open ourselves to His refreshing presence and strength.
Recognizing our finitude can bring peace rather than fear. It invites us to rest in the One who sustains all things, finding comfort in the fact that He draws near to the humble heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- crushed matter1×
- a [person] contrite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דַּכָּא֙1×
- דַּכָּ֑א1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 90:3
You turn man to destruction, saying, “Return, you children of men.”
This verse uses dakka to describe the physical return of humans to dust, emphasizing human mortality against God's eternity.
-
Isaiah 57:15
For the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Here dakka describes a contrite spirit, showing that God dwells with those who are humbled before Him.