### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word dŏkîy (`{{H1796}}`) is derived from the root dâkâh (`{{H1792}}`), which conveys the sense of "to crush," "to break in pieces," or "to be bruised." Building on this foundational meaning, dŏkîy specifically describes the powerful, forceful action of water, most accurately translated as "a dashing of surf" or a "wave." Its semantic range is narrow, focusing on the impact and overwhelming force characteristic of a breaking wave. The etymological link to "crushing" suggests a wave that hits with significant force, capable of breaking or overwhelming.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term dŏkîy (`{{H1796}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Psalms:
* **[[Psalm 93:3]]**: "The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves (dŏkîy)."
In the context of Psalm 93, an enthronement psalm, the imagery of "floods" (נְהָרוֹת, nᵉhārôt, `{{H5104}}`) and their "dashing waves" (dŏkîy) serves as a powerful metaphor for the chaotic and rebellious forces that might challenge divine order. The "lifting up" of their voice and waves suggests a formidable, roaring display of power, indicative of their immense, untamed nature. However, this verse immediately precedes [[Psalm 93:4]], which declares, "The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea." Thus, the powerful dŏkîy waves are presented not as an unconquerable threat, but as a foil to magnify the transcendent and absolute sovereignty of YHWH. They underscore the magnitude of the power that God effortlessly controls, demonstrating His supreme kingship over all creation, even its most formidable and seemingly chaotic elements.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root dâkâh (`{{H1792}}`):** The direct linguistic ancestor of dŏkîy, this root signifies being crushed, broken, or humbled. While dŏkîy applies this to the physical impact of waves, dâkâh is frequently used metaphorically for spiritual brokenness or contrition (e.g., "a broken and contrite heart" in [[Psalm 51:17]]). The connection suggests that even the powerful, "crushing" waves are themselves a manifestation of a "crushing" principle, ultimately under divine control.
* **Waters/Floods (מַיִם, mayim, `{{H4325}}`; נְהָרוֹת, nᵉhārôt, `{{H5104}}`):** These broader terms for water bodies often represent primeval chaos or unruly forces in biblical cosmology that God subdues (e.g., [[Genesis 1:2]], [[Psalm 29:3]], [[Psalm 104:6-9]]). dŏkîy specifies a particular aspect of these waters' power – their active, crashing, and potentially destructive potential.
* **Sea (יָם, yam, `{{H3220}}`):** The sea is frequently depicted as a realm of danger and chaos, which is nevertheless tamed and bounded by God's power (e.g., [[Job 38:8-11]], [[Isaiah 51:10]]). dŏkîy describes the specific, forceful action within this vast, often turbulent body.
* **Other Words for Waves (גַּל, gal, `{{H1530}}`; מִשְׁבָּר, mishbār, `{{H4867}}`):** While gal can refer to a rolling wave or heap, and mishbār specifically denotes a "breaking wave" or "breaker" often associated with distress (e.g., [[Jonah 2:3]], [[Psalm 42:7]]), dŏkîy uniquely emphasizes the "dashing" or "crushing" impact, directly linking it to its root dâkâh.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of dŏkîy (`{{H1796}}`) in [[Psalm 93:3]] carries profound theological weight, especially within the context of divine sovereignty. The "dashing waves" symbolize forces that are immense, powerful, and seemingly uncontrollable from a human perspective, embodying the raw, untamed power of creation. Yet, the psalm's central affirmation is that God's power is unequivocally *greater* than these forces. The very existence and formidable action of these dŏkîy waves serve as a dramatic backdrop against which YHWH's supreme authority is magnified. This imagery points to God's ultimate control over chaos and His absolute dominion over all creation. In a worldview where the sea often represented chaotic, rebellious powers, the ability to command its "dashing waves" signifies unassailable kingship. The "dashing" nature of the wave, rooted in the idea of "crushing," subtly reinforces that even these powerful elements are subject to a higher, more fundamental "crushing" power—that of God's decree and might. They crash because God allows them to, and they cannot exceed the bounds He sets. Thus, dŏkîy contributes to a robust theology of divine omnipotence and sovereignty over all creation, including its most formidable and seemingly chaotic elements, offering a powerful affirmation of God's kingship and the ultimate order He maintains.
### Summary
The Hebrew word dŏkîy (`{{H1796}}`), derived from the root dâkâh (`{{H1792}}`) meaning "to crush," precisely describes a "dashing of surf" or a powerful, impactful "wave." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Psalm 93:3]] is highly significant, portraying the formidable, roaring power of "floods" and their waves. However, this vivid imagery serves as a dramatic contrast to the immediate declaration of YHWH's transcendent might, asserting His absolute supremacy over even the most overwhelming forces of nature. dŏkîy thus highlights the inherent awesome power within creation's elements, while ultimately magnifying the even greater, sovereign power of God, who commands and controls all things, including the very "dashing" and "crushing" waves of the sea. It contributes to a reverent understanding of divine omnipotence and the ultimate order maintained by God amidst potential chaos.
TRV