from דָּקַק; crushed, i.e. (by implication) small or thin; dwarf, lean(-fleshed), very little thing, small, thin.
Transliteration:daq
Pronunciation:dak
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` is derived from the verbal root דָּקַק (daqaq) `{{H1854}}`, which fundamentally means "to crush," "to pulverize," or "to be thin/fine." Consequently, דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` signifies a state resulting from such an action or inherent quality. Its core meaning revolves around being "crushed" or "reduced to a fine state."
The semantic range of דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` extends to:
* **Physical Thinness:** Describing objects or beings that are slender, lean, or emaciated (e.g., "lean-fleshed" animals, "thin" hair).
* **Finely Divided Substance:** Referring to material that has been ground into a very small, particulate form, such as "fine dust" or "fine powder."
* **Smallness/Insignificance:** By implication, something that is thin or fine can also be perceived as small, insignificant, or lacking in substance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` appears in various significant contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its nuanced meaning:
* **Genesis 41:3-4, 6-7, 19-21, 23-24, 27 (Lean/Thin Kine and Ears):** In Pharaoh's dream, Joseph interprets the "lean-fleshed" (דַּק (daq)) cows and "thin" (דַּק (daq)) ears of grain as symbols of severe famine. Here, דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` vividly portrays a state of emaciation and depletion, emphasizing the devastating impact of scarcity that would consume the years of abundance. The imagery of the "thin" consuming the "fat" underscores the reversal of natural order due to divine judgment or impending hardship.
* **Exodus 16:14 (Fine Manna):** The manna provided by God in the wilderness is described as "fine as hoarfrost" (דַּק (daq)). This usage highlights the delicate, almost imperceptible nature of the divine provision. It was not a coarse or substantial food, but a finely formed substance, emphasizing its miraculous origin and its suitability for daily, precise sustenance.
* **Leviticus 13:30 (Thin Hair):** In the diagnostic criteria for skin diseases, דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` describes hair that is "thin." This is a specific physical characteristic used in a ritual purity context, indicating a particular manifestation of a skin affliction.
* **Isaiah 29:5 (Small Dust):** The prophet Isaiah uses דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` to describe the multitude of the enemy as "small dust" (דַּק (daq)) that will be scattered. This powerful metaphor illustrates the utter insignificance and swift dispersion of human adversaries before the Lord's power, likening them to easily blown away particles.
* **Isaiah 40:15 (Small Dust of the Balance):** In a profound declaration of God's sovereignty, nations are compared to "the small dust of the balance" (דַּק (daq)). This imagery profoundly diminishes the perceived might of human empires, reducing them to an immeasurable, negligible quantity when weighed against the Creator's infinite power. It underscores the transience and ultimate unimportance of all human endeavors apart from God.
* **Ezekiel 33:27 (Thin/Lean Inhabitants):** Ezekiel prophesies that those in the desolate places will be "thin" (דַּק (daq)), likely referring to their emaciated state due to famine or hardship. Similar to the Genesis account, this conveys a state of physical degradation and suffering as a consequence.
* **Daniel 2:35 (Fine Dust):** In Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the crushed idol becomes "fine dust" (דַּק (daq)), swept away by the wind. This signifies the complete and utter destruction of all human kingdoms and the absolute triumph and eternal nature of God's kingdom, which grows to fill the earth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` is enriched by considering its lexical family and conceptual associations:
* **Verbal Root:** דָּקַק (daqaq) `{{H1854}}` – The direct verbal root meaning "to crush," "to be thin," "to be fine." This root undergirds the substantival form דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}`.
* **Antonyms:** בָּרִיא (bari') `{{H1277}}` – "fat," "plump," used in Genesis 41 in direct contrast to דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` (lean kine). רָב (rav) `{{H7227}}` – "much," "many," "great," conceptually opposite to the idea of smallness or insignificance.
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* אֵפֶר (epher) `{{H665}}` – "ashes," "dust," often the result of burning and reduction to a fine state.
* עָפָר (aphar) `{{H6083}}` – "dust," "dry earth," another common term for fine, pulverized matter.
* מְעַט (me'at) `{{H4592}}` – "little," "few," indicating numerical or quantitative smallness, though not necessarily physical thinness or fineness.
* **Thematic Associations:** Scarcity, fragility, insignificance, divine provision, judgment, destruction, humility.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` are multifaceted and profound:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The repeated use of דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` to describe nations or enemies as "small dust" in Isaiah and Daniel powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty. It underscores that all human power, ambition, and might are utterly insignificant and transient before the omnipotent Creator. God can reduce the mightiest empires to nothing, scattering them like dust. This serves as a stark reminder of humanity's fragility and the ultimate triumph of God's eternal kingdom.
* **Divine Provision and Dependence:** The description of manna as דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` in Exodus 16 highlights the meticulous and often subtle nature of God's provision. It was not an overwhelming display of abundance but a daily, delicate, and perfectly sufficient sustenance. This taught Israel a profound lesson in daily dependence on God for even the smallest necessities of life, fostering humility and trust.
* **Consequences of Sin and Hardship:** The imagery of "lean-fleshed" (דַּק (daq)) animals and people often serves as a vivid portrayal of the devastating consequences of famine, hardship, or divine judgment. It signifies a state of depletion, suffering, and the undoing of prosperity, often linked to covenant disobedience or a period of divine discipline.
* **Human Humility and Transience:** When humans or nations are depicted as דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` (fine dust), it evokes a sense of human humility and the transient nature of life. It calls believers to acknowledge their own limitations and to place their trust not in fleeting human strength or material possessions, but in the enduring power and faithfulness of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}`, stemming from the root דָּקַק (daqaq) `{{H1854}}` meaning "to crush" or "to be fine," conveys a rich semantic range encompassing "thin," "small," "lean," and "fine" (as in dust or powder). Its biblical usage provides significant theological insights. In Genesis 41 and Ezekiel 33, דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` vividly portrays the devastating effects of famine and hardship through "lean" or "thin" figures, symbolizing scarcity and suffering. Conversely, in Exodus 16, it describes the miraculous manna as "fine," emphasizing God's precise and delicate daily provision. Most profoundly, in prophetic texts like Isaiah 29:5, 40:15, and Daniel 2:35, דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` powerfully illustrates the utter insignificance and transience of human power and nations, which are reduced to "fine dust" before the overwhelming might and eternal sovereignty of God. Thus, דַּק (daq) `{{H1851}}` consistently points to states of reduction, fragility, or precise, often divinely orchestrated, form, underscoring themes of divine judgment, provision, and the call to human humility.
TRV