The Hebrew word dâbab, represented by H1680, is a primitive root meaning to move slowly, i.e. glide; cause to speak. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its single usage highly specific and illustrative. The term encapsulates the idea of gently eliciting speech, particularly from a state of rest or unresponsiveness.
The sole appearance of H1680 is found in the poetic imagery of the Song of Solomon. It describes the effect of a lover's affection, which is compared to fine wine. This love is so potent that it is said to be "causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak" Song of Solomon 7:9. In this context, the word does not imply a forceful command but a gentle, almost unconscious response, as if stirring someone from a dream into utterance.
Several related words from its context help illuminate its meaning:
- H3463 yâshên (sleepy; asleep): This word defines the state of the one who is caused to speak. The action of H1680 is remarkable because it affects those who are asleep, highlighting the powerful influence of the beloved's love Song of Solomon 7:9. This state is also mentioned when the speaker says, "I sleep, but my heart waketh" Song of Solomon 5:2.
- H3196 yayin (wine): This is the agent that causes the speech. The "best wine" is the metaphor for the lover's intoxicating and delightful words or presence Song of Solomon 7:9. Wine is often associated with joy and celebration in scripture Ecclesiastes 9:7.
- H8193 sâphâh (lip): This refers to the part of the body that is moved to speak. The verse specifies that the lips of the sleeper are moved, emphasizing a physical and verbal response Song of Solomon 7:9. Lips are frequently associated with speech and testimony, such as when Isaiah laments being a "man of unclean lips" Isaiah 6:5.
- H1730 dôwd ((well-)beloved): This identifies the recipient of the "wine" and the subject of the book's affections. The entire action is for the sake of the beloved, situating H1680 within a deep, personal relationship Song of Solomon 7:9.
The conceptual weight of H1680 is tied to its unique poetic context.
- Evoked Speech: The core idea is of speech that is drawn out or prompted, not volitionally initiated. It is a response to the powerful stimulus of love, compared to wine that "goeth down sweetly" Song of Solomon 7:9.
- Intimate Influence: The word highlights the profound influence one person can have on another within a loving relationship. This influence is so deep it can stir a person from a state of rest (yâshên) and cause them to speak.
- Gentle Movement: The base definition, "to move slowly, i.e. glide," suggests that the resulting speech is not abrupt but gentle and flowing. It aligns with the wine that moves "sweetly" (mêyshâr), creating a soft and tender image of love's expression Song of Solomon 7:9.
In summary, H1680 is a highly specialized term that vividly portrays a response born from deep affection. While its root suggests slow, gliding movement, its solitary biblical application transforms this into a metaphor for speech gently drawn from a person, even from sleep. Its use in Song of Solomon firmly anchors its meaning within the context of intimate love, demonstrating how affection can be so profound as to stir the silent to speak.
TRV