The Hebrew word dŏkîy, represented by H1796, means a dashing of surf or wave. Derived from a word meaning to crush, it is a highly specific term that appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use captures a moment of immense natural power, describing the physical manifestation of a tumultuous body of water.
The sole appearance of H1796 is in Psalms 93:3. The verse builds a powerful, poetic image in three parts: "The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves." Here, dŏkîy is the final and most vivid element in a depiction of surging waters. It moves from the general rise of the floods to their sound, and finally to the visual of their crashing waves, presenting a complete picture of nature's raw energy directed toward the LORD.
The context of H1796 in Psalms 93:3 is enriched by its surrounding words:
- H5104 nâhâr (a stream; flood, river): This is the source of the action. In Psalms 93:3, it is the floods that produce the waves. This word is used elsewhere to describe significant bodies of water like the Euphrates Genesis 15:18 and also serves as a metaphor for overwhelming circumstances through which God promises His presence Isaiah 43:2.
- H5375 nâsâʼ (to lift): This is the verb describing the action of the floods. They lift up their voice and their waves. This word has a wide range of meaning, from God being "lifted up" on a throne Isaiah 6:1 to a person lifting up their soul in prayer Psalms 143:8 or God "pardoning" (literally, lifting) iniquity Micah 7:18.
- H6963 qôwl (a voice or sound): Before the waves are lifted, the floods lift up their voice. This connects the sound of the roaring water to its physical action. This word is often used to refer to the powerful voice of the LORD, which demands obedience Exodus 19:5 and promises to answer the cries of His people Isaiah 30:19.
The theological weight of H1796 is found in its contribution to the imagery of Psalms 93:3.
- The Power of Creation: The "dashing of surf" is a direct representation of the awesome and untamed power within the created world. It serves as a physical testament to a force that appears uncontrollable.
- Personification of Nature: The verse gives nature an active role. The floods H5104 consciously lift up H5375 their voice H6963 and their waves H1796. This personification suggests that creation itself is making a mighty declaration.
- A Declaration to God: The entire display of natural force—the sound and the surf—is directed "O LORD" Psalms 93:3. This frames the raw power of the waves not as a random event, but as an address to the sovereign Creator.
In summary, H1796 dŏkîy is a rare but impactful word. While appearing only once, its use in Psalms 93:3 provides a climactic, visual element to a scene of natural grandeur. It works in concert with the terms for floods, lifting, and voice to paint a vivid picture of creation's power. It powerfully illustrates how a precise term for a wave can be used to convey a profound sense of awe before the God who presides over all such forces.
TRV