דָּכָא

דָּכָא

to crumble; transitively, to bruise (literally or figuratively)

Definition

The verb דָּכָא (dâkâʼ) fundamentally means to crush, shatter, or break into pieces. It describes physical destruction, such as crushing an enemy (Psalm 89:10) or breaking a vessel. More significantly, it is used figuratively to describe the inner state of a person who is 'crushed' or 'contrite' in spirit, often in a context of humility before God, as seen in Psalm 34:18 and the description of the 'crushed' or 'bruised' reed in Isaiah 42:3. This dual application—to physical objects and the human spirit—is central to its biblical usage.

Biblical Usage

דָּכָא appears 18 times, primarily in poetic and wisdom literature (Psalms, Job, Isaiah). It is used for physical oppression of the poor and needy (Psalm 72:4, Job 20:19) and for the destructive power of God against enemies (Psalm 89:10). Its most theologically significant usage is in describing the inner, spiritual condition of being 'crushed' or 'contrite' (Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 57:15), denoting a state of humility and brokenness that God values.

Etymology

A primitive root, דָּכָא is related to דָּכָה (H1794), which also means to crush or pulverize. The root conveys the core idea of applying pressure to reduce something to fragments or powder, a concept that extended naturally from the physical to the emotional and spiritual realms.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically profound, especially in its figurative sense. It describes the 'contrite' heart that God does not despise (Psalm 51:17) but draws near to (Isaiah 57:15). It is central to understanding biblical repentance—not merely sorrow, but a state of being inwardly broken and humbled before God. In Isaiah 53:5, the related noun (דַּכָּא) is used of the suffering servant who was 'crushed' for our iniquities, directly connecting this concept of crushing to atonement. In an agrarian and pre-industrial society, the act of crushing grain, olives, or grapes was a common, visceral experience. This tangible imagery of being ground down provided a powerful metaphor for understanding intense suffering, oppression, and the complete reduction of one's pride or self-sufficiency. שָׁבַר (shâbar, H7665) — to break, burst; often for breaking objects or covenants, less focused on the pulverizing action of דָּכָא. כָּתַת (kâthath, H3807) — to beat or crush in pieces; similar to דָּכָא but can imply a pounding or hammering action. דָּכָה (dâkâh, H1794) — a closely related synonym meaning to crush or pulverize; the terms are often interchangeable.

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