The Hebrew word dakkâʼ, represented by H1793, is derived from a root meaning to crush. It appears 3 times in 3 unique verses, carrying a dual meaning of both literal destruction and a figurative state of being contrite or crushed in spirit.
In its biblical usage, H1793 describes two distinct concepts. In Psalms 90:3, it refers to physical destruction, the state to which God turns man. In contrast, it is used figuratively in Isaiah and Psalms to denote a spiritual posture. God dwells with those of a contrite and humble spirit Isaiah 57:15, and the Lord is near to those with a broken heart and a contrite spirit Psalms 34:18.
Several related words clarify the meaning of a crushed or contrite state:
- H7665 shâbar (to burst; break): This word often appears in parallel with states of contrition, describing a "broken heart" Psalms 34:18 or the "brokenhearted" Isaiah 61:1.
- H8217 shâphâl (humble, low): This term is paired directly with H1793 to describe a "contrite and humble spirit" Isaiah 57:15, emphasizing a posture of lowliness before God.
- H7307 rûwach (spirit): This is the noun that H1793 modifies in key passages, defining the "contrite spirit" as the object of God's attention Psalms 34:18.
- H3820 lêb (the heart): Though H1793 describes the spirit, it is closely associated with the state of the heart. God revives the heart of the contrite Isaiah 57:15 and is near to those with a broken heart Psalms 34:18.
The theological weight of H1793 is significant, highlighting God's relationship with humanity.
- Condition for Divine Presence: A contrite spirit is presented as a condition for intimacy with God. He is "nigh unto them that are of a broken heart" Psalms 34:18 and dwells with those of a "contrite and humble spirit" Isaiah 57:15.
- Object of Divine Action: God's response to a contrite spirit is one of salvation and restoration. He "saveth" those with a contrite spirit Psalms 34:18 and acts "to revive" both the spirit and the heart of the contrite Isaiah 57:15.
- Contrast of Human Frailty: The use of H1793 as "destruction" in Psalms 90:3 establishes a stark contrast between God's eternal nature and man's transient state, a state to which God can return him at will.
In summary, H1793 dakkâʼ encapsulates both a state of physical destruction and a spiritual posture of being crushed or contrite. While its literal sense points to human frailty Psalms 90:3, its figurative use reveals a profound theological truth: a contrite spirit, far from being a state of despair, is the very condition that draws God near to save and revive (Isaiah 57:15, Psalms 34:18). The word illustrates how a state of brokenness is valued by God as a prerequisite for His saving presence.
TRV