from דָּבַק; adhering; cleave, joining, stick closer.
Transliteration:dâbêq
Pronunciation:daw-bake'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word dâbêq (`{{H1695}}`) is an adjective or participle derived from the verbal root dâbaq (`{{H1692}}`), meaning "to cling," "to cleave," "to adhere," "to stick fast," or "to be joined." As dâbêq, it describes a state of being "adhering" or "cleaving." Its semantic range extends from the literal to the profoundly relational:
* **Physical Adherence:** The most basic sense, describing objects that are physically stuck together or held fast.
* **Relational Closeness and Loyalty:** This is its most significant and frequent metaphorical usage, denoting a deep, unwavering bond of affection, commitment, and loyalty between individuals or, critically, between a person and God. It implies a tenacious, often exclusive, attachment.
* **Persistent Pursuit/Holding Fast:** In some contexts, it can convey the idea of persistently following, pursuing, or holding firm to something, whether a person, a principle, or a divine command.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While dâbêq itself appears less frequently than its verbal root dâbaq (`{{H1692}}`), its meaning is intrinsically tied to the contexts where the verb is used, particularly in its participial forms.
* **Foundational Relationship:** The concept of "cleaving" is famously established in [[Genesis 2:24]], where a man "shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast (וְדָבַק - *wəḏāḇaq*, the root verb) to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This passage sets the precedent for marriage as a relationship of profound, unifying adherence.
* **Covenantal Loyalty to God:** The most prominent theological usage of the root dâbaq and the concept of dâbêq is in the context of Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
* [[Deuteronomy 4:4]]: "But you who held fast (הַדְּבֵקִים - *haddəḇēqîm*, a plural participle form of dâbêq) to the LORD your God are all alive today." Here, dâbêq describes the state of faithful adherence to God, distinguishing Israel from those who turned away.
* [[Deuteronomy 10:20]], [[Deuteronomy 11:22]], [[Deuteronomy 13:4]], [[Deuteronomy 30:20]]: These passages repeatedly command Israel to "cleave to the Lord," often in conjunction with loving Him, serving Him, and walking in His ways. This is an active, exclusive, and committed relationship.
* [[Joshua 23:8]]: "But you shall hold fast (תִּדְבָּקוּ - *tidbāqū*, verb) to the LORD your God, just as you have done to this day." This reinforces the Deuteronomic exhortation for continued faithfulness.
* **Personal Loyalty:** [[Ruth 1:14]]: "But Ruth clung (דָּבְקָה - *dāḇəqâ*, verb) to her." This beautifully illustrates Ruth's unwavering loyalty and devotion to Naomi, even when faced with hardship and the option to return to her own people.
* **Physical Adherence:** [[Psalm 22:15]]: "My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks (דָּבֵק - *dāḇēq*, participle/adjective) to my jaws." This is a vivid, literal description of extreme physical distress, where the tongue is physically adhered due to thirst.
* **Adherence to God's Word:** [[Psalm 119:31]]: "I cling (דָבַקְתִּי - *dāḇaqtî*, verb) to your testimonies, O LORD; do not put me to shame!" Here, the adherence is to divine truth and commands, signifying a commitment to living by God's word.
* **Metaphor of Intimacy and Failure:** [[Jeremiah 13:11]]: "For as a loincloth clings (יִדְבַּק - *yiḏbaq*, verb) to the waist of a man, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling (הִדְבַּקְתִּי - *hiḏbaqtî*, verb) to me, declares the LORD, that they might be to me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory, but they would not listen." This powerful metaphor highlights God's desire for an intimate, inseparable bond with His people, and their tragic failure to maintain it.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **דָּבַק (dâbaq, `{{H1692}}`):** The verbal root from which dâbêq is derived. The verb emphasizes the *action* of clinging, while dâbêq describes the *state* of being adhered.
* **חָבַר (châbar, `{{H2266}}`):** To join, unite, be coupled. While sharing a semantic field of joining, dâbaq often conveys a more tenacious, intimate, or inseparable bond, especially in relational contexts, compared to the more general joining of châbar.
* **קָרַב (qârab, `{{H7126}}`):** To draw near, approach. This word focuses on proximity, whereas dâbêq and dâbaq imply actual attachment or adherence.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית - berît, `{{H1285}}`):** The concept of "cleaving" to God is central to the covenant relationship, signifying exclusive faithfulness and loyalty to its terms and to God Himself.
* **Love (אָהַב - 'âhab, `{{H157}}`):** Cleaving to God is often presented as a profound expression or consequence of loving Him with all one's being.
* **Faithfulness/Loyalty (אֱמוּנָה - 'ĕmûnâ, `{{H530}}`):** The act and state of cleaving to God are demonstrations of unwavering faithfulness and loyalty, which are core virtues in the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
The word dâbêq and its root dâbaq are laden with profound theological significance, particularly concerning the nature of relationship with God and within humanity.
* **Covenantal Fidelity and Exclusivity:** The command to "cleave to the Lord" is a cornerstone of Israelite theology. It mandates an exclusive, unwavering allegiance to Yahweh alone, setting Israel apart from pagan nations. This cleaving is not passive but an active, holistic commitment involving one's heart, soul, and actions. It implies obedience to His commandments, trust in His providence, and rejection of idolatry.
* **Intimacy and Union:** Beyond mere obedience, "cleaving" suggests a profound desire for intimacy with God. It's an invitation to a relationship characterized by closeness, dependence, and a spiritual union that transcends mere external adherence. In the marital context ([[Genesis 2:24]]), "cleaving" results in "one flesh," a unified entity, which serves as a metaphor for the deep, unifying bond God desires with His people.
* **Holiness and Separation:** To cleave to God inherently means to separate oneself from other allegiances and from the defiling practices of the world. It is a call to holiness, to be set apart exclusively for Him, reflecting His own holy character.
* **Enduring Relationship:** The imagery of "sticking fast" or "adhering" conveys the idea of an enduring, resilient relationship that can withstand trials, temptations, and the passage of time. It speaks to the steadfastness required of the covenant partner.
### Summary
The Hebrew word dâbêq (`{{H1695}}`), derived from the root dâbaq (`{{H1692}}`), describes a state of "adhering," "cleaving," or "sticking fast." While it has literal applications for physical attachment, its profound significance lies in its metaphorical use to describe deep, committed relationships. Most notably, it defines the ideal bond within marriage ([[Genesis 2:24]]) and, even more critically, the exclusive and unwavering covenantal relationship between the people of Israel and Yahweh their God ([[Deuteronomy 4:4]], [[Deuteronomy 10:20]]). This "cleaving" to the Lord encapsulates a holistic commitment of loyalty, love, and obedience, signifying covenantal fidelity, a desire for deep intimacy, and a life of holiness set apart exclusively for God. It is a powerful descriptor of a steadfast and devoted relationship with the Divine.
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