a primitive root (compare דֹּבֶא); to move slowly, i.e. glide; cause to speak.
Transliteration:dâbab
Pronunciation:daw-bab'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H1680 (דָּבַב, *dâbab*) is a primitive root carrying a unique semantic range. Its base definition points to a dual concept: "to move slowly, i.e., glide" and "to cause to speak." This apparent duality suggests a deeper, unifying principle. The idea of "gliding" implies a smooth, gentle, or subtle movement. When applied to speech, "causing to speak" might therefore denote a gentle, flowing, or subtle prompting of utterance, rather than a forceful command. The connection to `{{H1770}}` (דֹּבֶא, *dōḇeʾ*), which signifies "sloth" or "quietness," further illuminates this. If dâbab implies slow movement, it aligns with a state of quietness. However, if it means "to cause to speak," it suggests an action that overcomes or transforms this quietness, prompting expression in a way that is perhaps as subtle and flowing as a gentle glide. The sole biblical occurrence of this root, in its causative form, strongly emphasizes the "cause to speak" aspect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H1680 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Song of Solomon 7:9]] (MT 7:10). The form used is the Hiphil participle, "דּוֹבֵב" (*dōwḇēḇ*), which carries a causative meaning: "causing to speak" or "making to speak."
The full verse reads: "And your palate like the best wine, that goes down smoothly for my beloved, making the lips of those who are asleep speak." (Translation adapted for direct rendering of dōwḇēḇ).
In this context, the beloved's "palate" (her words, her kiss, or her very presence, likened to the finest wine) possesses an irresistible and delightful quality. This "wine" is described as "going down smoothly" (לְמֵישָׁרִים, *ləmeyšārîm*, literally "for uprightness" or "smoothly, rightly"), which itself implies a gentle, unimpeded flow. The profound effect of this "wine" is that it "causes the lips of those who are asleep to speak." This is not a violent or jarring awakening, but rather a gentle, persuasive influence that elicits expression even from those who are in a state of dormancy or silence. The root's initial sense of "gliding" finds resonance here: the wine glides down, and its effect causes words to glide forth from previously silent lips. It signifies a subtle yet potent power to awaken and prompt utterance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word noted in the base definition is `{{H1770}}` (דֹּבֶא, *dōḇeʾ*), which is derived from the root `{{H1767}}` (דָּבָה, *dâḇâb*), meaning "to be silent, to pine away." The semantic connection between H1680 and H1770/H1767 is intriguing. If H1770 signifies "quietness" or "sloth," then H1680 in its causative Hiphil form ("causing to speak") represents an action that actively overcomes or transforms this state of silence or inactivity. It is not merely a breaking of silence, but a gentle, persuasive inducement to speak, where speech itself might be seen as flowing out smoothly, much like the "gliding" aspect of the root. This highlights a dynamic interplay between silence/dormancy and awakened expression, prompted by a powerful yet subtle influence. Conceptually, H1680 relates to ideas of inspiration, prompting, awakening, and the irresistible power of charm or truth to elicit a response.
### Theological Significance
Although H1680 appears only once, its rich nuance in [[Song of Solomon 7:9]] allows for profound theological reflection, especially when the Song is interpreted allegorically as depicting the relationship between God and His people, or Christ and the Church.
The "wine" that "causes the lips of those who are asleep to speak" can be understood as symbolizing divine love, the Holy Spirit, or the transformative power of God's Word and truth. The "lips of those who are asleep" can represent humanity in a state of spiritual dormancy, unresponsiveness, or sin. In this light, H1680 illuminates a key aspect of God's redemptive work:
1. **Divine Persuasion:** God does not always compel by force, but often by a gentle, irresistible, and delightful persuasion. His love and truth are so potent that they awaken even those who are spiritually "asleep" or silent.
2. **Awakening to Expression:** The divine influence prompts a response, leading to speaking. This can be interpreted as awakening to faith, praise, testimony, confession, or prophecy. It signifies the Spirit's work in drawing forth spiritual life and verbal expression from a previously unresponsive heart.
3. **Gracious Transformation:** The process is described as smooth and pleasant, underscoring the gracious nature of God's work in transforming silence into vibrant articulation of faith and love. It emphasizes that God's presence and truth are life-giving and elicit a joyful, spontaneous response.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H1680 (דָּבַב, *dâbab*) is a rare and evocative term. While its base meaning encompasses "to move slowly, glide," its sole biblical occurrence in [[Song of Solomon 7:9]] employs its causative Hiphil form, "דּוֹבֵב" (*dōwḇēḇ*), meaning "causing to speak." In this unique context, it describes the delightful and irresistible power of the beloved's "wine" to gently prompt even the silent, "asleep" lips to utter words. This points to a subtle yet profound influence that awakens and elicits expression, overcoming a state of quietness or dormancy. Theologically, H1680 beautifully illustrates the gracious and persuasive power of divine love and truth to awaken spiritual life and prompt praise, testimony, and responsive speech from those who were previously unresponsive, highlighting God's gentle yet transformative work in the human heart.
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