### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **debeq**, represented by `{{H1694}}`, signifies a **joint** or, by implication, **solder**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the root word דָּבַק, its meaning is focused on points of connection, whether in armor or in metalwork.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1694}}` is used in two distinct contexts. It describes a point of vulnerability in armor, as seen when the king of Israel is fatally `smitten {{H5221}}` by an arrow "between the **joints** of the harness" ([[1 Kings 22:34]], [[2 Chronicles 18:33]]). The word is also used in the context of craftsmanship, where craftsmen creating an idol declare it ready for the **sodering** `{{H1694}}`, which, along with `nails {{H4548}}`, is used to `fasten {{H2388}}` the object so it cannot be moved [[Isaiah 41:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of joining, fastening, and the contexts in which **debeq** appears:
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (to fasten upon): This root word for strengthening and fastening is used directly in the context of soldering, where an idol is **fastened** with nails [[Isaiah 41:7]]. It also carries the figurative meaning of being strong or courageous [[Joshua 1:9]].
* `{{H4548}}` **maçmêr** (nail): Used alongside **sodering** `{{H1694}}` to secure a crafted idol, a **nail** is a physical object for fastening things together [[Isaiah 41:7]]. It appears in other contexts of construction, such as David preparing iron for the **nails** for the temple doors [[1 Chronicles 22:3]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This word describes the action that exploits the vulnerability of a **joint** `{{H1694}}` in armor. The king of Israel was **smitten** by an arrow at this precise point [[1 Kings 22:34]]. The word is used broadly for striking, from Moses striking the rock [[Exodus 17:6]] to God smiting the shepherd [[Zechariah 13:7]].
### Theological Significance
The thematic weight of `{{H1694}}` is significant despite its rare usage. It illustrates key principles through its specific applications.
* **Points of Vulnerability:** The use of **debeq** to describe the **joints** in armor highlights a critical theme of vulnerability. A king, otherwise protected, is brought down by a single arrow striking a precise, weak connection point, demonstrating that even the strongest defenses can have fatal flaws [[1 Kings 22:34]].
* **The Futility of Man-Made Security:** In Isaiah, **sodering** `{{H1694}}` is part of the human effort to create and secure an idol, to make it permanent so "that it should not be moved" [[Isaiah 41:7]]. This act of joining and fastening represents a futile attempt to construct a source of stability apart from God.
* **The Nature of Connection:** **Debeq** illustrates two sides of connection. In armor, it is a necessary seam that becomes a liability. In craftsmanship, it is the substance used to unite separate pieces into a whole. This duality shows how points of joining can be sources of either weakness or intended strength.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1694}}` **debeq** is a specific and infrequently used term that carries a significant conceptual weight. Though appearing only **3 times**, it effectively illustrates the concepts of joining and connection in two contrasting ways: as a point of fatal vulnerability in armor and as a binding agent in the creation of idols. It serves as a powerful metaphor for both structural weakness and the futility of human attempts to craft and secure their own objects of worship.
TRV