English · KJV
H1849

דָּפַק

dâphaq /daw-fak'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto knock; by analogy, to press severely
KJV usagebeat, knock, overdrive.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of dâphaq — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word dâphaq, represented by H1849, is a primitive root meaning to knock. By analogy, its meaning extends to pressing severely, covering actions described as to beat or overdrive. It appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses, yet each usage demonstrates a distinct intensity and context.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical appearances, H1849 conveys a range of actions from gentle to violent. In Song of Solomon, it is used for the tender knock of a beloved seeking entry Song of Solomon 5:2. A dramatically different context appears in Judges, where a mob of wicked men beat at a door with hostile intent Judges 19:22. Finally, in Genesis, Jacob uses the term to describe his fear that his flocks and herds will die if men should overdrive them for even a single day, highlighting a sense of destructive pressure Genesis 33:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the actions associated with H1849:

  • H5437 çâbab (to revolve, surround, or border): This word is used in conjunction with H1849 in Judges, where the men not only beat at the door but also beset the house round about, showing a complete and threatening siege Judges 19:22.
  • H559 ʼâmar (to say): In all three instances, the action of H1849 is immediately followed by speech, indicated by H559. The knock is followed by a plea Song of Solomon 5:2, the beating is followed by a demand Judges 19:22, and the concern about overdriving is part of a spoken explanation Genesis 33:13.
  • H6605 pâthach (to open wide): This word is the direct response requested after the gentle knock of H1849 in Song of Solomon, where the beloved asks his love to Open to him Song of Solomon 5:2.

Theological Significance

The significance of H1849 is found in its contextual variety, illustrating key principles through its application.

  • Intent and Action: The word demonstrates that the nature of an action is defined by its intent. The knock in Song of Solomon is an invitation to intimacy and fellowship Song of Solomon 5:2, while the beat in Judges is an expression of violence and malice Judges 19:22.
  • Stewardship and Compassion: The use of H1849 as overdrive in Genesis establishes a principle of wise stewardship. Pushing flocks too severely leads to their destruction, highlighting the need for care and the avoidance of excessive pressure Genesis 33:13.
  • A Call to Respond: In each case, the action of H1849 demands a response. It can be a call for entry, a hostile demand, or a warning against ruinous force, placing an impetus on the one who hears it.

Summary

In summary, H1849 is a concise but potent Hebrew root. Though rare, its three appearances paint a vivid picture of its versatility. It can represent a lover's gentle tap, a mob's violent assault, or the severe pressure that threatens life. The word dâphaq effectively shows how a single term can convey a wide spectrum of force, with its meaning ultimately determined by the heart and intent behind the action.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מִתְדַּפְּקִים
  • דְפָקוּ
  • דוֹפֵק

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H5437 סָבַב a primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively; bring, cast H559 אָמַר a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, H6605 פָּתַח a primitive root; to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve; appear, break

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 3 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Genesis, Judges, and Song of Solomon (1 verse each); never once in the other 36.

1
Genesis
1
Judges
1
Song of Solomon

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.