דַּק

דַּק

crushed, i.e. (by implication) small or thin

Definition

The Hebrew word דַּק (daq) primarily describes something that is 'crushed' or 'pulverized,' and by extension, something 'small,' 'thin,' or 'fine.' In the context of Pharaoh's dreams in Genesis 41:3-7, 23-24, it describes the 'thin' and 'scrawny' cows and ears of grain that are consumed by the healthy ones, symbolizing years of famine. In Exodus 16:14, it refers to the 'fine' layer of dew-like manna that appeared on the ground, emphasizing its delicate, miraculous nature. In Leviticus 13:30, it is used diagnostically for a 'thin' or 'superficial' yellow hair in a skin disease, indicating a specific medical condition.

Biblical Usage

This word is used in two main contexts across the Pentateuch. First, it appears in the narrative of Joseph and Pharaoh's dreams (Genesis 41), repeatedly describing the emaciated livestock and grain that symbolize coming famine. Second, it is used in legal and descriptive passages: for the fine flakes of manna (Exodus 16:14) and for diagnosing a superficial skin affliction (Leviticus 13:30). Its usage consistently conveys physical thinness, fineness, or a diminished, inferior state compared to what is robust or whole.

Etymology

Derived from the root דָּקַק (daqaq, H1854), which means 'to crush,' 'to pulverize,' or 'to beat fine.' This root conveys the action of reducing something to minute particles. דַּק (daq) is the adjectival or nominal form describing the resulting state—something that is finely crushed, and thus small, thin, or fine.

Semantic Range

The word דַּק carries theological weight in its contexts of divine provision and judgment. In Exodus 16:14, the 'fine' manna highlights God's meticulous and sustaining care for Israel in the wilderness. In Genesis 41, the 'thin' cows and grain are instruments of God's revelation, foretelling a coming judgment of famine that Joseph, empowered by God, is positioned to mitigate. Thus, the word can point to both God's gracious provision in minute detail and His sovereign warnings through symbols of scarcity. In an agrarian society, the condition of livestock and grain was directly tied to survival and economic stability. 'Thin' or 'scrawny' animals (Genesis 41) represented severe poverty and famine. The 'fine' quality of the manna (Exodus 16:14) would have been understood as a supernatural, delicate provision unlike any ordinary food. In Levitical law, the precise description of a 'thin' yellow hair was part of a detailed diagnostic system for skin diseases, which had religious and social implications for purity and community inclusion. קָטָן (qatan, H6996) — small in size or young in age; a more general term for smallness. דַּל (dal, H1800) — weak, poor, thin; often refers to socio-economic poverty or physical leanness, but without the specific connotation of being crushed or fine.

Word Details