(Aramaic) corresponding to דָּקַק; to crumble; be broken to pieces.
Transliteration:dûwq
Pronunciation:dook
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H1751 (דּוּק, dûwq) carries the core meaning of "to crumble" or "to be broken to pieces." It is explicitly defined as corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H1854}}` (דָּקַק, daqâq), which signifies reduction to a fine, thin, or small state, often through crushing or pulverization. Thus, dûwq implies a complete and thorough disintegration, where a solid object is reduced to dust or fine particles, losing its original form and substance entirely. The semantic range is narrow, focusing on this specific type of destructive breaking.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1751 occurs only once in the biblical text, found in the book of Daniel:
* [[Daniel 2:35]]: "Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were broken to pieces together and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth."
In this singular, yet profoundly significant, occurrence, dûwq describes the fate of the great statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The statue, representing a succession of powerful human empires, is struck by a stone "cut without hands" (symbolizing God's kingdom). The word dûwq emphasizes the *completeness* of the destruction: the various metals are not merely broken but "broken to pieces" (דּוּק) to such an extent that they become like "chaff of the summer threshing floors" and are utterly carried away by the wind, leaving no remnant. The context underscores the absolute and final overthrow of all human authority by the divine, eternal kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, H1751 directly corresponds to the Hebrew `{{H1854}}` (דָּקַק, daqâq), which is frequently used to describe the act of crushing something into fine powder or dust (e.g., [[Exodus 30:36]], [[Deuteronomy 9:21]]). Other related Hebrew terms that convey aspects of breaking, shattering, or destroying include:
* `{{H7665}}` (שָׁבַר, shabar): to break, shatter, often implying a violent act.
* `{{H3782}}` (כָּתַת, katat): to beat or crush into pieces, often with a focus on military conquest or judgment (e.g., [[Micah 4:3]]).
* `{{H6476}}` (פָּרַר, parar): to break, frustrate, annul, often used in a more abstract sense of nullifying a covenant or plan.
Conceptually, dûwq is deeply intertwined with themes of divine judgment, the transience of human power, and the ultimate triumph of God's eternal reign.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1751 is immense, despite its single occurrence. In [[Daniel 2:35]], it serves as a powerful descriptor of God's decisive and irreversible judgment upon all human kingdoms. The reduction of the mighty statue to dust, carried away without a trace, vividly illustrates the ephemeral nature of earthly power and the futility of human resistance against divine sovereignty. This complete pulverization stands in stark contrast to the stone, which grows into a "great mountain" filling the whole earth, symbolizing the eternal, unshakeable, and universally encompassing nature of God's kingdom. The word dûwq thus encapsulates the divine prerogative to dismantle and utterly obliterate all that opposes His will, preparing the way for the establishment of His righteous and everlasting dominion. It offers a profound message of eschatological hope for believers, assuring them of God's ultimate victory and the eventual subjection of all earthly powers to His rule.
### Summary
The Aramaic term H1751 (דּוּק, dûwq) signifies "to crumble" or "to be broken to pieces," corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H1854}}` (daqâq). Its singular appearance in [[Daniel 2:35]] is highly impactful, describing the complete and utter pulverization of the statue (representing human empires) by the stone (God's kingdom). This reduction to dust, carried away by the wind, powerfully illustrates the absolute and final nature of God's judgment and the transient, fragile nature of all human authority. The word underscores the theological truth that God's eternal kingdom will ultimately dismantle and supersede all earthly powers, leaving no trace of their former might.
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