lemma הָדךְ missing vowel, corrected to הָדַךְ; a primitive root (compare דָּקַק); to crush with the foot; tread down.
Transliteration:hâdak
Pronunciation:haw-dak'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H1915}}` (הָדַךְ, hâdak) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to crush with the foot" or "to tread down." This action implies a forceful, decisive application of pressure from above, resulting in the subjugation, destruction, or pulverization of that which is beneath. The definition notes a comparison with `{{H1854}}` (דָּקַק, daqaq), which means "to crush, beat fine," reinforcing the sense of reducing something to a state of brokenness or impotence through treading. The semantic range of `{{H1915}}` is therefore narrow but potent, focusing on an act of overwhelming force that brings about defeat or annihilation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H1915}}` occurs sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but each instance powerfully illustrates its core meaning of forceful subjugation or destruction:
* **[[2 Chronicles 25:18]]**: "The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and *trode down* the thistle." In this parable spoken by King Joash of Israel to King Amaziah of Judah, the act of the wild beast treading down the thistle vividly portrays the overwhelming power of a superior force (Joash's army) over a weaker, arrogant entity (Amaziah's kingdom). The treading signifies complete and decisive destruction.
* **[[Isaiah 28:3]]**: "The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be *trodden under* feet." Here, `{{H1915}}` is used figuratively to describe the humiliation and defeat awaiting the proud and rebellious northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). The action of being "trodden under feet" denotes utter subjugation, disgrace, and the stripping away of their perceived glory and strength by divine judgment.
* **[[Isaiah 63:3]]**: "I have *trodden* the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will *tread* them in mine anger, and *trample* them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment." This is perhaps the most striking use of `{{H1915}}`. It depicts Yahweh as a divine warrior, single-handedly executing fierce judgment upon His enemies. The imagery of treading the winepress is a powerful metaphor for the crushing of the wicked, where their "blood" is spilled like grape juice. The repetition of the verb emphasizes the intensity, totality, and solitary nature of God's wrath and destructive power.
In each context, `{{H1915}}` conveys an irreversible act of dominance and destruction, whether by a literal beast, as a metaphor for national defeat, or most profoundly, as an expression of divine wrath.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "treading down" or "crushing" is conveyed by several Hebrew words, often with subtle distinctions or broader semantic ranges:
* `{{H1854}}` (דָּקַק, daqaq): "to crush, beat fine." As noted in the base definition, this word shares the idea of reducing something by force, often to powder or small pieces.
* `{{H1869}}` (דָּרַךְ, darak): "to tread, walk, march." This is a more general term for walking, but it is frequently used for treading grapes in a winepress or for treading upon enemies, signifying conquest or subjugation.
* `{{H7429}}` (רָמַס, ramas): "to trample, tread down." This word is a very close synonym to `{{H1915}}`, often used in contexts of oppression, destruction, or violent subjugation, particularly by armies or powerful entities.
* `{{H947}}` (בּוּס, bus): "to tread down, trample." Another verb frequently employed to describe the act of trampling, often with the implication of contempt or destruction.
The common thread among these words and `{{H1915}}` is the forceful application of the foot to overcome or destroy. `{{H1915}}` carries a particularly strong sense of decisive and often violent subjugation. The concepts associated with these words include judgment, humiliation, defeat, conquest, and divine wrath.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1915}}` primarily revolves around the themes of divine judgment and sovereign power.
1. **Divine Judgment and Justice**: The most prominent theological use of `{{H1915}}` is in [[Isaiah 63:3]], where God Himself is depicted as treading the winepress of wrath. This imagery is a profound metaphor for God's righteous judgment against sin and rebellion. It underscores the certainty and severity of divine justice, where the wicked are utterly crushed under the weight of God's fury. This act is singular and complete, demonstrating that no one can stand against the Lord when He executes His judgment.
2. **Overwhelming Power and Sovereignty**: Whether it is a wild beast treading down a thistle or God treading down His enemies, `{{H1915}}` consistently portrays an overwhelming, irresistible power. It highlights the absolute sovereignty of God, who can bring low the proud and rebellious ([[Isaiah 28:3]]) and decisively defeat all opposition. This power is not merely physical might but also an expression of His ultimate authority over all creation and history.
3. **Consequences of Pride and Rebellion**: The use of `{{H1915}}` in contexts like [[Isaiah 28:3]] serves as a stark warning about the consequences of human pride and defiance against God. Those who exalt themselves will ultimately be brought low and trodden underfoot, experiencing humiliation and destruction.
### Summary
`{{H1915}}` (הָדַךְ, hâdak) is a potent Hebrew verb meaning "to crush with the foot" or "to tread down." Though infrequent in its biblical occurrences, its usage is consistently powerful, conveying an act of overwhelming force that results in destruction, humiliation, or complete subjugation. Instances include a beast literally treading down a thistle ([[2 Chronicles 25:18]]), the proud being figuratively trodden underfoot as a sign of judgment ([[Isaiah 28:3]]), and most significantly, God Himself treading the winepress of His wrath against His enemies ([[Isaiah 63:3]]). This word is conceptually linked to other verbs of treading and crushing, such as `{{H1854}}`, `{{H1869}}`, `{{H7429}}`, and `{{H947}}`, all emphasizing forceful subjugation. Theologically, `{{H1915}}` vividly portrays divine judgment, God's absolute sovereignty, and the inevitable consequences for those who stand in rebellion against Him, underscoring the finality and decisiveness of His righteous wrath.
TRV