from an unused root (compare דָּכָה); crushed, i.e. (figuratively) injured; afflicted, oppressed.
Transliteration:dak
Pronunciation:dak
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word דַּךְ (dak, `{{H1790}}`) is an adjective derived from an unused root, but its meaning is clearly connected to the verb דָּכָה (dakah, `{{H1792}}`), which signifies "to crush," "to bruise," or "to break in pieces." Therefore, dak fundamentally describes a state of being "crushed" or "broken." This core meaning extends semantically to encompass figurative senses of being "injured," "afflicted," or "oppressed." It denotes a condition of deep suffering, often implying a debilitating blow or continuous pressure that leaves one in a state of helplessness and vulnerability, whether physically, emotionally, or socially. The term emphasizes the profound impact of external forces leading to an internal state of brokenness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word dak appears a limited number of times in the Old Testament, primarily in contexts that highlight severe affliction and God's response to it.
* **[[Deuteronomy 28:33]]**: Here, dak describes the continuous state of oppression that will befall Israel if they disobey the covenant. "A nation which you have not known shall eat the produce of your ground and all your labors, and you will be only oppressed and crushed continually." The term emphasizes the debilitating and unrelenting nature of the suffering imposed by foreign invaders, a direct consequence of divine judgment.
* **[[Job 5:4]]**: In the context of Eliphaz's discourse on the fate of the wicked, dak refers to their children. "His children are far from safety, they are crushed in the gate, and there is no deliverer." "Crushed in the gate" signifies a place of public judgment or legal proceedings, implying that they are utterly broken and without recourse or defense in the face of injustice or calamity.
* **[[Psalm 9:9]]**: This verse offers a profound theological statement about God's character. "The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Here, dak clearly identifies those who are victims of severe hardship, injustice, or persecution. The Lord is portrayed as their secure refuge and defense, highlighting His active intervention on behalf of the vulnerable.
* **[[Psalm 10:18]]**: Continuing the theme of divine justice, this verse declares God's commitment "To do justice to the orphan and the oppressed, so that man, who is of the earth, will no longer cause terror." Dak here is coupled with "orphan," further emphasizing the most vulnerable members of society. God's purpose is to eliminate the terror caused by human oppression through His righteous judgment.
* **[[Psalm 74:21]]**: This is a plea for divine intervention in a time of national distress. "Let not the oppressed return ashamed; Let the poor and needy praise Your name." The dak are again linked with the "poor and needy," underscoring their desperate condition and the desire that God's deliverance would prevent further humiliation and enable them to worship Him.
Across these occurrences, dak consistently depicts a state of profound vulnerability, often inflicted by external forces, whether human oppressors or divine judgment. It is a condition of being utterly broken, without the means to defend oneself.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of dak includes several words that describe similar states of brokenness, affliction, or the actions that cause them:
* **דָּכָה (dakah, `{{H1792}}`)**: The primary verbal root from which dak is derived, meaning "to crush," "to bruise," or "to break in pieces." dak describes the *resultant state* of this action.
* **דַּכָּא (dakka', `{{H1793}}`)**: An adjective meaning "crushed" or "bruised," very close in meaning and form to dak.
* **דָּכַךְ (dakak, `{{H1794}}`)**: Another verb meaning "to crush" or "to break down."
* **עָנָו (anav, `{{H6031}}`)**: "Afflicted," "humble," "meek." While dak focuses on the *state* of being crushed by external pressure, anav often emphasizes the *disposition* of humility that can arise from such affliction. There is an overlap in the experience of suffering, but distinct nuances.
* **עָנִי (ani, `{{H6041}}`)**: "Poor," "afflicted," "humble." Similar to anav, ani often describes those in a low social or economic status due to hardship, which can lead to a dak state.
* **רָצַץ (ratzatz, `{{H7533}}`)**: A verb meaning "to crush," "to oppress," or "to break." This verb directly describes the action that results in a dak state.
* **שָׁבַר (shabar, `{{H7665}}`)**: "To break," "to shatter." Often used for physical breaking, but can also apply to the spirit or heart.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of suffering, oppression, and the physical or spiritual brokenness that results from such experiences.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dak is profound, revealing key aspects of God's character, human experience, and moral responsibility.
* **God as Defender of the Oppressed**: The most prominent theological theme is God's identification with and active defense of the dak. Psalms 9 and 10 explicitly declare the Lord as a "stronghold" and a dispenser of "justice" for those who are crushed. This underscores God's righteous nature, His compassion for the vulnerable, and His commitment to intervene against injustice. He is not indifferent to suffering but actively works to deliver and vindicate the oppressed.
* **Consequence of Disobedience**: In Deuteronomy 28:33, the state of being dak is presented as a severe consequence of covenant disobedience. This highlights a theological principle where departure from God's ways can lead to profound affliction and national humiliation, demonstrating the seriousness of sin and the just nature of divine judgment.
* **Human Vulnerability and Dependence**: The term dak starkly portrays the inherent vulnerability of humanity to external forces—whether societal oppression, natural calamity, or divine chastisement. It speaks to the reality of suffering in a fallen world and underscores humanity's ultimate dependence on God for deliverance and sustenance.
* **Call to Justice and Compassion**: Since God Himself champions the cause of the dak, His people are implicitly called to emulate His character. The biblical emphasis on caring for the poor, the orphan, and the widow (who often fall into the category of dak) reflects this divine imperative for justice and compassion within the community of faith.
* **Messianic Foreshadowing**: While dak itself is not directly used in explicit Messianic prophecies, the broader concept of the "crushed" or "bruised" resonates deeply with the Suffering Servant motif in Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 53:5, which uses דָּכָא (daka, `{{H1792}}`)). The Messiah, through His vicarious suffering, embodies the ultimate dak state, enduring brokenness to bring healing and deliverance to humanity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דַּךְ (dak, `{{H1790}}`) precisely describes a state of being "crushed," "injured," "afflicted," or "oppressed." Derived from a root meaning "to crush," it signifies a profound and debilitating brokenness, often inflicted by overwhelming external pressures or injustices. Biblically, dak illuminates the severe consequences of disobedience ([[Deuteronomy 28:33]]), the utter helplessness of the vulnerable ([[Job 5:4]]), and, most significantly, God's unwavering character as a righteous stronghold and compassionate deliverer for those who are downtrodden ([[Psalm 9:9]], [[Psalm 10:18]], [[Psalm 74:21]]). The term underscores human vulnerability to suffering while simultaneously revealing God's profound commitment to justice and His active intervention on behalf of the dak, thereby calling His people to embody similar compassion and to advocate for the oppressed.
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