a primitive root; to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile; pierce, strike (thrust) through, wound.
Transliteration:dâqar
Pronunciation:daw-kar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H1856}}` (dâqar) is a primitive root carrying the primary meaning of "to stab," "to pierce," "to thrust through," or "to wound." This core sense invariably implies a forceful, penetrating action, often involving a weapon or sharp instrument, resulting in injury or death. The semantic range extends beyond mere physical penetration: by analogy, it can signify "to starve," suggesting a "piercing" or "cutting off" of sustenance that leads to emaciation or death by deprivation. Figuratively, `{{H1856}}` is used to mean "to revile," portraying verbal abuse as a sharp, wounding attack, akin to being "pierced" by harsh words. Thus, the word encompasses both literal physical violence and metaphorical forms of harm, whether through deprivation or verbal assault.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H1856}}` in the Hebrew Bible primarily denote literal acts of physical piercing or thrusting. A prominent example is found in [[Numbers 25:8]], where Phinehas "pierced" (dâqar) Zimri and Cozbi with a spear, an act of zealous judgment against idolatry and immorality. Similarly, in military contexts, the word describes fatal wounds inflicted in battle: [[Judges 9:54]] recounts Abimelech's armor-bearer "thrusting him through" to prevent a woman from being credited with his death, and [[2 Samuel 18:14]] depicts Joab "thrusting three spears" into Absalom's heart. [[1 Chronicles 10:4]] also uses `{{H1856}}` to describe Saul's death, where his armor-bearer "thrust him through" with a sword.
A more nuanced usage appears in [[Lamentations 4:9]], where it contrasts those "pierced" (dâqar) by the sword with those "pierced" by hunger, suggesting that death by starvation is a more agonizing form of "piercing" than death in battle. This instance highlights the "starve" aspect of the word's semantic range, illustrating a slow, internal "wounding" by deprivation.
However, the most profoundly significant occurrence of `{{H1856}}` is in the prophetic book of Zechariah: "And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced (dâqar), they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only son, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn" [[Zechariah 12:10]]. This verse transcends a purely physical piercing, pointing to a deep spiritual wound inflicted upon God Himself or His Messiah. Its fulfillment is widely understood in Christian theology to refer to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, particularly as cited in [[John 19:37]] concerning the spear thrust into His side.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H1856}}` includes a range of words related to violence, injury, and death. It often appears alongside terms for weapons such as "sword" (`{{H2719}}`), "spear" (`{{H7420}}`), and "dagger." Concepts of "killing" (e.g., `{{H2026}}`, harag; `{{H7819}}`, shachat), "slaying," "wounding" (e.g., `{{H4270}}`, machatz), and "striking" (e.g., `{{H5221}}`, nakah) are closely associated. In the context of Zechariah 12:10, `{{H1856}}` stands in stark contrast to concepts of healing, restoration, and divine favor. The act of "piercing" in this messianic context evokes the profound themes of sin, atonement, and the suffering servant, connecting to passages like Isaiah 53. The "revile" aspect of its meaning aligns with words denoting verbal abuse, insult, or slander, highlighting the destructive power of words.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1856}}` is multifaceted. In its most direct application, it underscores the severity of divine judgment and the consequences of sin, as seen in Phinehas's act of righteous indignation in [[Numbers 25]]. It portrays the swift and decisive execution of justice against those who defy God's covenant.
Furthermore, the pervasive use of `{{H1856}}` in contexts of warfare and personal violence reflects the brokenness of the human condition and the tragic outcomes of human sin. It is a stark reminder of the physical suffering and death inherent in a fallen world.
However, the most profound theological weight of `{{H1856}}` rests on its usage in [[Zechariah 12:10]]. This prophetic utterance is a cornerstone of Messianic theology, pointing directly to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The "piercing" here is not merely a physical act but a profound spiritual injury inflicted upon the very heart of God through humanity's rebellion and rejection of His Anointed One. It speaks to:
1. **The Suffering Messiah:** It foretells the suffering and violent death of the Messiah, who would be "pierced" for the sins of His people.
2. **Human Guilt and Repentance:** The prophecy emphasizes the collective guilt of those who "pierce" Him and the subsequent call to deep national and individual mourning and repentance. This mourning is not for a defeated foe, but for one who was loved and yet rejected, leading to a profound spiritual transformation.
3. **Divine Love and Atonement:** Implicitly, the "piercing" of the Messiah paves the way for the outpouring of "a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy," signifying God's redemptive plan through the atoning sacrifice.
Thus, `{{H1856}}` moves from describing acts of human violence to encapsulating the ultimate act of divine love and human sin that culminates in the crucifixion, leading to the possibility of repentance and salvation.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H1856}}` (dâqar) primarily signifies "to pierce," "to stab," or "to thrust through," denoting a forceful and often fatal physical penetration. Its semantic range extends to include "to starve" by analogy and "to revile" figuratively, highlighting its capacity to describe both physical and metaphorical forms of harm. While it frequently appears in contexts of human violence and divine judgment, as seen in [[Numbers 25:8]] and various battle narratives, its most profound theological significance lies in [[Zechariah 12:10]]. Here, "dâqar" prophetically describes the "piercing" of the Messiah, a direct foretelling of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This pivotal usage transforms the word from a mere descriptor of violence into a powerful theological term, encapsulating human sin, divine suffering, and the ultimate call to repentance and grace.
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