דָּבֵק
𐤃𐤁𐤒
dâbêq
H1695 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Adhering to something or someone, clinging physically or figuratively. Refers to a close, attaching bond, whether through physical contact or strong relational association (such as loyalty or persistent association). In various texts, indicates attachment, both literal (e.g., substances sticking together) and metaphorical (devotion, loyalty, allegiance).
Semantic Range
clinging, sticking, adhering, being attached, being closely associated with (physically or relationally), persisting alongside, persistent loyalty or association
Root / Etymology
From the root דבק, which means 'to cling, stick, adhere.' The adjective דָּבֵק (dâbêq) directly derives from the qal participle of this root, functioning as an adjective meaning 'one who clings,' 'attached,' or 'adhering.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Historically, דָּבֵק appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible, functioning mostly adjectivally to describe someone or something that closely adheres or is attached. The term moves fluidly between describing physical attachment (e.g., two objects joined together) and social or emotional connections (such as followers loyal to a leader or someone emotionally attached). In most contexts, the English gloss 'close' or 'attached' captures the meaning, but English often lacks a single term reflecting both the physical and metaphorical senses. The modern Hebrew usage continues the range of attached/adhering. Related nouns (such as דֶּבֶק, 'glue') emphasize the physical property, while the verb דָּבַק expresses both physical and relational clinging. The participle as an adjective emphasizes the state or characteristic of adherence, whereas the verb emphasizes the act. In post-biblical and later periods, the term took on mystical or spiritual connotations (esp. in Jewish mystical literature) but such senses are not present in biblical usage. The English word 'cleave' historically served as a translation but is archaic and often misunderstood; 'cling,' 'attach,' or 'adhere' better reflect the original nuance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from דָּבַק; adhering; cleave, joining, stick closer.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
דבק (d-b-q) — cling, adhere, attach
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1692 | דָּבַק | I cause to cling |
| H1693 | דְּבַק | clinging ones |
| H1694 | דֶּבֶק | the bonding joints |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1695-02 |
דְּבֵקָ֕ה | deveqah | HAafsa |
joining | clinging one | 1 |
H1695-03 |
הַ/דְּבֵקִ֔ים | hadeveqim | HTd/Aampa |
who held fast | the clinging ones | 1 |
H1695-01 |
דָּבֵ֥ק | daveq | HAamsa |
who sticks closer | he clung | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1695-03 |
Deuteronomy 4:4 | הַ/דְּבֵקִ֔ים | hadeveqim | HTd/Aampa |
who held fast | the clinging ones |
H1695-01 |
Proverbs 18:24 | דָּבֵ֥ק | daveq | HAamsa |
who sticks closer | he clung |
H1695-02 |
2 Chronicles 3:12 | דְּבֵקָ֕ה | deveqah | HAafsa |
joining | clinging one |