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אָבָק

𐤀𐤁𐤒

ʼâbâq

H80 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Fine, loose particles of matter; dust or powder. Used to refer to minute, dry particles that are easily dispersed by wind or physical disturbance. In some contexts refers more generally to the dry, parched soil or earth, especially in poetic language.

Semantic Range

fine dust, powder, minute dry particles, airborne dust, pulverized material

Root / Etymology

Root: אבק. Derived from the root meaning 'to become dusty' or 'raise dust.' The noun אָבָק designates the product of being reduced to fine particles or powder through trampling, grinding, or natural forces. It is distinct from related terms such as עָפָר (ʿāfār), which tends to refer to soil, earth, or ground, and is more closely associated with the fine, airborne particles themselves.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אָבָק appears in a handful of biblical passages (e.g., Genesis 3:14; Isaiah 5:24; Nahum 1:3) and typically denotes fine dust or powder that can be stirred up by movement, wind, or dryness. In poetic or metaphorical expressions it can connote humiliation, impermanence, or insignificance (such as being reduced to dust). The term is particularly used in contrast with עָפָר, which may refer more broadly to soil or earth, while אָבָק focuses on fine, volatile dust. In later Hebrew, the word retained its sense of powder, including powdered substances other than soil. English translations often render אָבָק as 'dust'; however, this sometimes obscures the nuance of fine, airborne particles versus general earth or ground. The concept of אָבָק often carries implications of transience and insubstantiality in biblical usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "dust" 6 occurrences

ʻâbâq refers to fine, loose particles — the natural, everyday English noun 'dust' best and most naturally covers the SILEX range (fine dust, powder, airborne particles, dry earth). It is more precise and idiomatic here than 'fine' or 'powder' and will provide consistent renderings across all occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from root of אָבַק; light particles (as volatile); (small) dust, powder.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.

Root Family

אָבַק (ʼâbâq) — to become dusty, raise dust

Root אָבַק to become dusty, raise dust

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H80-01 אָבָ֣ק avaq HNcmsa dust fine dust fine dust 2
H80-02 אֲבָקָ֑/ם avaqam HNcmsc/Sp3mp their dust their fine dust their fine dust 1
H80-03 כָּ/אָבָ֣ק kaavaq HRd/Ncmsa like dust fine dust fine dust 1
H80-04 כְּ/אָבָ֥ק keavaq HR/Ncmsa like dust like fine dust like fine dust 1
H80-05 לְ/אָבָ֔ק leavaq HR/Ncmsa fine dust to fine dust to fine dust 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H80-05 Exodus 9:9 לְ/אָבָ֔ק leavaq HR/Ncmsa fine dust to fine dust to fine dust
H80-01 Deuteronomy 28:24 אָבָ֣ק avaq HNcmsa powder fine dust fine dust
H80-03 Isaiah 5:24 כָּ/אָבָ֣ק kaavaq HRd/Ncmsa like dust fine dust fine dust
H80-04 Isaiah 29:5 כְּ/אָבָ֥ק keavaq HR/Ncmsa like dust like fine dust like fine dust
H80-02 Ezekiel 26:10 אֲבָקָ֑/ם avaqam HNcmsc/Sp3mp their dust their fine dust their fine dust
H80-01 Nahum 1:3 אֲבַ֥ק avaq HNcmsc dust fine dust fine dust
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