אֲבָקָה
𐤀𐤁𐤒𐤄
ʼăbâqâh
H81 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Finely divided dry matter, such as dust, powder, or minute particles that are easily dispersed. The term generally refers to any substance in powder or dust form but emphasizes the aspect of volatility and lightness.
Semantic Range
powder, dust, fine particles, residue after burning or grinding, volatile light substance
Root / Etymology
From the root אבק, which conveys the sense of 'dust' or 'fine particles.' The formation of the feminine noun אֲבָקָה (ʼăbâqâh) indicates a collective or abstract quality, denoting a mass of powder or fine dust rather than individual grains.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אֲבָקָה appears in biblical texts to specify an extremely fine, powdery substance. It can denote the residue resulting from burning or grinding (e.g., the ashes of destroyed idols, Deut 9:21). The distinction between אֲבָקָה and the masculine form אָבָק may be one of nuance: אָבָק often refers simply to 'dust,' such as that carried by the wind or on the ground, while אֲבָקָה emphasizes a processed or resultant powder, especially as a byproduct of destruction, burning, or crushing. In later Hebrew, the term continues to denote powder or fine dust. English translations frequently render it as 'powder,' but this sometimes narrows the semantic range, as in certain ritual or judgmental contexts the sense includes both ash and dust. Unlike עָפָר ('soil, loose earth'), אֲבָקָה does not carry connotations of fertility or earthiness but rather refers to the lifeless, insubstantial remains. Its use in Deuteronomy demonstrates its rhetorical force in describing the utter destruction of objects reduced to complete insignificance. There is no development to a religious identity or later meaning analogous to 'ashes' or 'dust' in mourning rites in biblical usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine of אָבָק; {light particles (as volatile)}; powder.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אבק (ʾ-b-q) — to be dusty, raise dust, become powder
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H81-01 |
אַבְקַ֥ת | aveqat | HNcfsc |
powders | fine dust of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H81-01 |
Song of Songs 3:6 | אַבְקַ֥ת | aveqat | HNcfsc |
powders | fine dust of |