דְּבַק
𐤃𐤁𐤒
dᵉbaq
H1693 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To adhere closely, cling, or attach oneself to something or someone, either physically (as in substances joining or being stuck together) or figuratively (such as maintaining fidelity, loyalty, or persistent association). In Aramaic contexts within the Hebrew Bible, refers primarily to the act of sticking, adhering, or holding fast, both in literal and metaphorical senses.
Semantic Range
to stick or adhere (physically), to join or combine, to remain closely associated with, to maintain loyalty or fidelity (figurative)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root דבק meaning 'to cling, adhere, stick.' The Aramaic form דְּבַק corresponds directly to its Hebrew counterpart, carrying over the same core semantic content but often appearing in Aramaic portions of the biblical text (such as Ezra and Daniel).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term דְּבַק appears only in Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, notably in the books of Daniel and Ezra. The core idea is one of close attachment—whether physical/material (objects adhering to each other) or social/relational (individuals remaining loyal or steadfast). In Daniel 2:43, the word describes materials attempting to combine or adhere in the context of Nebuchadnezzar's dream statue (iron mixing with clay). Because English translations often use 'cleave,' 'cling,' or 'hold fast,' the fuller nuance of intentional, persistent attachment may not always be clear. The Hebrew counterpart דָּבַק has richer attestation and is also used metaphorically for personal loyalty to the deity, kin, or covenant. In the Aramaic context, however, the connotations are usually more concrete or pertain to uniting disparate elements. There is no evidence of a developed theological sense (as in later religious language) in Aramaic דְּבַק.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to דָּבַק; to stick to; cleave.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
דבק (d-b-q) — cling, stick, adhere, attach oneself
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1692 | דָּבַק | I cause to cling |
| H1694 | דֶּבֶק | the bonding joints |
| H1695 | דָּבֵק | he clung |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1693-01 |
דָּבְקִ֖ין | daveqin | AVqrmpa |
adhering | clinging ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1693-01 |
Daniel 2:43 | דָּבְקִ֖ין | daveqin | AVqrmpa |
adhering | clinging ones |