(Aramaic) corresponding to דָּבַק; to stick to; cleave.
Transliteration:dᵉbaq
Pronunciation:deb-ak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H1693 (דְּבַק) carries the core meaning of "to stick to" or "to cleave." It denotes a strong, intimate, and often permanent attachment or adherence. As explicitly stated in its definition, it directly corresponds to the Hebrew verb H1692 (דָּבַק), sharing its fundamental semantic range. This range encompasses both physical adhesion—where one object adheres to another—and relational or emotional bonding, indicating loyalty, devotion, or intimate union. The essence of H1693 is the formation of a tenacious bond, whether literal or figurative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Given its Aramaic origin, H1693 (דְּבַק) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament. Its most notable occurrence is found in the book of Daniel. In [[Daniel 2:43]], describing the prophetic statue, it states: "And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay." Here, the verb dᵉbaq is used in the negative ("shall not cleave"), highlighting the inherent inability of the iron and clay—symbolizing disparate political powers—to form a lasting, unified bond. This context underscores the word's meaning of intrinsic cohesion and its absence, signifying a fundamental weakness or disunity. The inability to "cleave" points to a lack of true integration, preventing the formation of a stable, enduring entity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew cognate, H1692 (דָּבַק), which vastly expands the conceptual depth of H1693. While H1693's biblical usage is limited, H1692 is frequently employed across the Hebrew Bible, revealing the full spectrum of "cleaving." H1692 is used to describe:
* **Physical Adherence:** As when a skin "cleaves" to bones in emaciation ([[Lamentations 4:8]]).
* **Marital Union:** Most profoundly in [[Genesis 2:24]], where a man is commanded to "cleave" (דָּבַק) to his wife, becoming "one flesh." This signifies a holistic, indissoluble bond.
* **Spiritual Devotion and Loyalty:** Israel is repeatedly exhorted to "cleave to the Lord your God" ([[Deuteronomy 10:20]], [[Joshua 23:8]]). This usage implies unwavering faithfulness, intimate fellowship, and steadfast obedience, distinguishing true devotion from idolatry.
* **Persistent Pursuit:** To "stick to" or "follow closely" in a determined manner ([[Ruth 2:8]]).
The Aramaic H1693 thus participates in this rich semantic field, even if its direct biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 2:43]] focuses on the negative aspect of disunity. Concepts such as unity, adhesion, loyalty, intimacy, and permanence are intrinsically linked to dᵉbaq and its Hebrew counterpart.
### Theological Significance
Although H1693 appears in a context of political fragmentation in Daniel, its profound theological significance emerges primarily through its direct correspondence with H1692. The concept of "cleaving" is foundational to biblical understanding of relationship and covenant.
In the divine design for humanity, the command to "cleave" to one's spouse in [[Genesis 2:24]] (using H1692) establishes the sacred, exclusive, and enduring nature of marriage as a reflection of unity and intimacy. This is not merely physical proximity but a deep, spiritual, and emotional bond.
Furthermore, the repeated admonition for Israel to "cleave to the Lord" (H1692) encapsulates the essence of covenant faithfulness. It speaks to a commitment of the entire being—heart, soul, and strength—to God alone. This "cleaving" implies an unreserved dependence, unwavering loyalty, and a deliberate choice to remain intimately connected to the Divine, rejecting all competing allegiances. It is the antithesis of spiritual idolatry or apostasy.
In [[Daniel 2:43]], the *inability* of the iron and clay to dᵉbaq serves as a theological commentary on the inherent fragility and eventual failure of human kingdoms that lack divine cohesion. Without a unifying principle—which, in biblical thought, ultimately derives from God—even seemingly powerful entities are prone to internal division and dissolution. The absence of true "cleaving" foreshadows ultimate collapse. Thus, both in its presence (via H1692) and its absence (H1693), the word underscores the critical importance of deep, intrinsic, and divinely-sanctioned bonds for true and lasting unity.
### Summary
H1693 (דְּבַק) is an Aramaic verb meaning "to stick to" or "to cleave," directly corresponding to the Hebrew H1692 (דָּבַק). Its primary biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 2:43]] describes the inability of disparate elements (iron and clay) to form a lasting bond, illustrating the inherent disunity and weakness of a prophetic kingdom. Through its Hebrew cognate, dᵉbaq encompasses a rich semantic range, signifying physical adhesion, the profound covenantal union of marriage ([[Genesis 2:24]]), and, most significantly, the spiritual devotion and unwavering loyalty required to "cleave to the Lord" ([[Deuteronomy 10:20]]). The word, therefore, highlights the critical importance of deep, intrinsic adherence and steadfast commitment, whether in human relationships or in one's relationship with the Divine, underscoring the ideal of profound, lasting unity and the fragility of bonds that lack true cohesion.
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