### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâkâh**, represented by `{{H1794}}`, is a primitive root meaning to collapse, either physically or mentally. It is translated as to **break (sore)**, be **contrite**, or to **crouch**. Appearing **5 times** in **5 unique verses**, this term describes a state of being crushed, humbled, or broken, whether through divine action, personal anguish, or malevolent intent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H1794}}` is used to convey different forms of being broken. It describes the physical pain of bones God has **broken**, an affliction that paradoxically can lead to rejoicing [[Psalms 51:8]]. It also portrays profound suffering, as when the psalmist feels **sore broken** in a desolate "place of dragons" [[Psalms 44:19]] or when anguish leads to being feeble and **sore broken** [[Psalms 38:8]]. In a contrasting sense, it depicts the wicked man who **croucheth** in order to make the poor fall [[Psalms 10:10]]. The most significant spiritual use is in describing the **contrite** heart, which is an acceptable sacrifice to God [[Psalms 51:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H1794}}`:
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (to burst... break... crush): This word is often used for being physically or emotionally shattered. It appears alongside `{{H1794}}` to describe the "broken and a contrite heart" that God accepts [[Psalms 51:17]].
* `{{H3820}}` **lêb** (the heart): As the center of feelings and will, the **heart** is the object of the breaking and contrition described by `{{H1794}}`, whether from personal anguish [[Psalms 38:8]] or spiritual repentance [[Psalms 51:17]].
* `{{H7817}}` **shâchach** (to sink or depress... humble self, be... low, stoop): Used in parallel with `{{H1794}}` in [[Psalms 10:10]], this term reinforces the physical act of crouching or being brought low, but in the context of a wicked person humbling himself for deceitful purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1794}}` is seen in its varied applications:
* **The Posture of Repentance:** The term is central to understanding what pleases God. A **contrite** `{{H1794}}` heart, alongside a **broken** `{{H7665}}` spirit, is identified as the true **sacrifices** `{{H2077}}` of God, which He will not despise [[Psalms 51:17]].
* **Divine Discipline:** God is depicted as the one who has **broken** `{{H1794}}` the psalmist's bones [[Psalms 51:8]] and has **sore broken** `{{H1794}}` His people [[Psalms 44:19]]. This illustrates that hardship and a state of being crushed can be an instrument of God's purpose.
* **Predatory Wickedness:** In contrast to godly contrition, `{{H1794}}` can describe the posture of evil. The wicked man **croucheth** `{{H1794}}` not in humility before God, but as a predator preparing for the poor to **fall** `{{H5307}}` into his trap [[Psalms 10:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1794}}` provides a powerful depiction of what it means to be collapsed or broken. It carries a profound spiritual meaning, signifying the **contrite** heart that is precious to God. At the same time, it can describe immense suffering and affliction, as well as the deceitful crouching of the wicked. The word **dâkâh** illustrates the critical distinction between being broken in humility toward God and being crushed by oppression or sin.
TRV