### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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 "**broken**hearted" [[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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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