(Aramaic) corresponding to דָּקַק; to crumble or (trans.) crush; break to pieces.
Transliteration:dᵉqaq
Pronunciation:dek-ak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb dᵉqaq (`{{H1855}}`) corresponds directly to the Hebrew daqaq (`{{H1854}}`), carrying a potent semantic range centered on the action of reducing something to fine particles or dust. Its core meaning encompasses "to crumble," implying a breaking into small, loose pieces; "to crush," suggesting the application of intense force to deform or break something completely; and "to break to pieces," denoting a thorough disintegration. This word signifies a forceful, often violent, and utterly destructive action, resulting in pulverization or complete obliteration. It frequently carries the connotation of total defeat and removal from existence, leaving no trace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, dᵉqaq (`{{H1855}}`) is found exclusively within the Aramaic sections of the book of Daniel, specifically in the prophetic interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
* In [[Daniel 2:34]], the word describes the action of the stone, cut "without hands," striking the feet of the statue and "breaking them in pieces" (dᵉqaq). This initial impact signifies the beginning of the end for the composite human empires represented by the statue.
* The destruction is further emphasized in [[Daniel 2:35]]: "Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no trace of them was found." Here, dᵉqaq highlights the absolute pulverization of the entire statue, reducing its components to dust, which is then dispersed by the wind. This imagery conveys a complete and irreversible annihilation, leaving no remnant.
* Finally, in [[Daniel 2:45]], dᵉqaq is used again in the summary of the vision, reiterating that the stone "broke in pieces" the various metals of the statue. This serves to confirm the divine decree and the certainty of the empires' destruction.
In all instances, dᵉqaq is employed to depict a comprehensive, divinely orchestrated destruction of earthly kingdoms, paving the way for the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The action is absolute, leaving nothing behind.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative to dᵉqaq (`{{H1855}}`) is its Hebrew counterpart, daqaq (`{{H1854}}`), which shares the identical core meaning of "to crush," "to pulverize," or "to make fine." This linguistic correspondence underscores a consistent theological concept across closely related Semitic languages concerning the complete reduction of something to dust.
Other Hebrew words that convey aspects of destruction or breaking, though often with different nuances, include:
* shabar (`{{H7665}}`): "to break," often implying a breaking into larger fragments or the breaking of a covenant.
* natats (`{{H5422}}`): "to tear down" or "to pull down," typically used for structures or idols.
* haras (`{{H2040}}`): "to break down" or "to demolish," similar to natats.
* machats (`{{H4272}}`): "to smite through" or "to shatter," often in a military context.
The concept of pulverization itself is a recurring biblical motif, symbolizing utter defeat and the removal of existence, such as the grinding of the golden calf into powder in Exodus (cf. [[Exodus 32:20]]). The thematic connections of dᵉqaq extend to divine judgment, the ephemeral nature of human power, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dᵉqaq (`{{H1855}}`) in Daniel is profound, serving as a powerful descriptor of divine sovereignty and eschatological triumph.
* **Divine Overthrow of Human Power:** The repeated use of dᵉqaq to describe the stone's action against the colossal statue underscores God's absolute power to dismantle and utterly obliterate all human empires and their pretensions to lasting dominion. The crushing is not merely a defeat but a complete dissolution, leaving no trace. This highlights the ephemeral and ultimately fragile nature of human power in contrast to divine eternity.
* **Irreversibility of God's Judgment:** The imagery of being "crushed together and became like chaff" (`{{H1855}}` in [[Daniel 2:35]]) signifies an irreversible and total judgment. There is no recovery or reassembly for that which is dᵉqaq-ed by God. This speaks to the finality of divine judgment against ungodly systems and their opposition to God's will.
* **Paving the Way for God's Kingdom:** Crucially, the destruction wrought by dᵉqaq is not an end in itself but a necessary prelude to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The crushing of the earthly kingdoms clears the stage for the stone, which represents God's kingdom, to grow and fill the whole earth (cf. [[Daniel 2:35]]). This emphasizes that God's destructive acts are ultimately purposeful, clearing obstacles for His righteous and everlasting rule.
* **Sovereignty and Control:** The fact that the stone is cut "without hands" (`{{H1855}}` in [[Daniel 2:34]], [[Daniel 2:45]]) reinforces that this pulverization is a supernatural act, entirely initiated and executed by God. It speaks to His absolute control over history and the destiny of nations, demonstrating that His plans will inevitably come to fruition regardless of human resistance.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb dᵉqaq (`{{H1855}}`) denotes the forceful action of "crumbling," "crushing," or "breaking to pieces," resulting in complete pulverization and the removal of any trace. Its exclusive occurrences in the book of Daniel are highly significant, depicting the divinely orchestrated destruction of the statue representing successive world empires. This word powerfully underscores the absolute and irreversible nature of God's judgment against human systems that oppose His sovereignty. The dᵉqaq-ing of these empires is portrayed as a necessary and complete clearing of the stage, paving the way for the establishment of God's eternal and indestructible kingdom. The imagery conveys the ultimate triumph of divine power over all earthly authority, leaving no remnant of that which sought to defy the Most High.
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