דָּבַק
properly, to impinge, i.e. cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
Definition
The Hebrew verb דָּבַק (dâbaq) fundamentally means 'to cling, adhere, or stick to.' In its most basic physical sense, it describes two objects being joined together, like a man cleaving to his wife in marriage (Genesis 2:24). Figuratively, it expresses persistent pursuit or close following, as when Jacob's relatives 'overtook' him (Genesis 31:23). Most significantly, it is used to describe a person's faithful, covenantal attachment to God, such as the command to 'cleave' to Him in Deuteronomy 10:20 and 11:22.
Biblical Usage
דָּבַק is used 52 times across the Pentateuch, Historical Books, and Prophets. Its usage patterns are clear: it describes physical joining (Genesis 2:24, Genesis 34:3), aggressive pursuit (Genesis 31:23), and, most importantly, covenantal loyalty. The latter is a key theme in Deuteronomy, where Israel is repeatedly commanded to 'cleave' to Yahweh (Deuteronomy 10:20, 11:22, 13:4). It also appears in legal contexts regarding property and inheritance (Numbers 36:7, 9).
Etymology
דָּבַק is a primitive root verb. Its core meaning relates to close attachment or sticking. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic *dbq* ('to follow') and Arabic *dabaqa* ('to cover, plaster'), supporting the ideas of adherence and pursuit. The meaning developed from a concrete physical sense to rich metaphorical and relational applications.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically profound as it defines the ideal covenant relationship between God and His people. The command to 'cleave' (dâbaq) to God is central to Deuteronomy's call for exclusive loyalty and love. It frames the relationship not as distant obedience but as intimate, persistent attachment. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of passages about marriage (Genesis 2:24), divine pursuit (Psalm 63:8), and human devotion, revealing a relational God who desires wholehearted connection.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, 'cleaving' in marriage (Genesis 2:24) signified the formation of a new, primary family unit, leaving one's parents. The concept of 'clinging' to a deity was also part of covenant treaty language, where a vassal pledged exclusive allegiance to a sovereign. This cultural background makes the biblical command for Israel to 'cleave' to Yahweh a powerful claim of His unique lordship.
חָבַק (châbaq, H2263) — to embrace, often physically; less about persistent adherence. אָהַב ('âhab, H157) — to love; focuses on the emotional affection that motivates 'cleaving'. לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take, acquire; used for taking a wife, but lacks the continual, adhesive quality of dâbaq.
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 →