### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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