דָּבַב
to move slowly, i.e. glide
Definition
The Hebrew verb דָּבַב (dâbab) is a rare word meaning 'to move slowly' or 'to glide.' In its sole biblical occurrence in Song of Songs 7:9, it poetically describes the gentle, gliding motion of wine down the palate. The KJV's translation 'cause to speak' reflects an older interpretive tradition linking the word to the idea of wine 'speaking' or inspiring speech, but modern lexicons favor the sense of smooth, flowing motion. This meaning fits the sensual, metaphorical imagery of the Song of Songs, where the experience of love is compared to the pleasing descent of fine wine.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Song of Songs 7:9. It appears in a romantic, poetic context where the beloved describes the kisses and speech of her lover as being like the best wine, which 'glides' (דָּבַב) smoothly over the lips and teeth of sleepers. There are no other usage patterns, as it is a hapax legomenon (a word occurring only once).
Etymology
דָּבַב (dâbab) is a primitive root. It is compared to H1679 (דֹּבֶא), which refers to 'quiet' or 'stillness,' suggesting a semantic connection to gentle, unhurried motion. The development from a root implying quietness to a verb meaning 'to glide' is logical, as gliding is a smooth, silent movement.
Semantic Range
While not a theologically heavy term, דָּבַב enriches the poetic and metaphorical language of Scripture, particularly in the Song of Songs. Understanding this specific Hebrew word highlights the careful craftsmanship of biblical poetry, where even rare terms are chosen to create vivid sensory imagery—in this case, comparing divine love and intimacy to a pleasurable, smooth experience. It reminds readers that God communicates profound truths through beautiful, evocative language.
In the ancient Near Eastern context of the Song of Songs, fine wine was a symbol of joy, celebration, and sensual pleasure. The image of wine 'gliding' smoothly would evoke a sense of luxury, quality, and delightful experience. This cultural understanding amplifies the metaphor, portraying the lovers' interaction as the most exquisite and satisfying experience available.
שָׁלַח (shalach, H7971) — to send or stretch out, a more general term for movement. הָלַךְ (halak, H1980) — to walk or go, indicating purposeful motion rather than a glide. נָטָה (natah, H5186) — to stretch out or incline, often for extending a body part, not a smooth flow.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →