The Hebrew verb דָּבַק (root: ד־ב־ק) means “to cling,” “to stick,” “to join closely,” or “to cleave.” It conveys a strong sense of attachment, both physical and emotional. This verb appears frequently in the Tanakh and plays an important role in theological, relational, and covenantal contexts—especially when describing loyalty to God, familial unity, or unwavering pursuit.
It primarily appears in the Qal binyan (simple active), and in later Hebrew, also in Niphal and Pual forms (passive or reflexive), often with similar connotations of attachment or adhesion.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of דָּבַק (“to cling, stick, cleave”)
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | דָּבַקְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | דָּבַקְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | דָּבַקְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | דָּבַק |
| 3rd person feminine singular | דָּבְקָה |
| 1st person plural | דָּבַקְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | דְּבַקְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | דְּבַקְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | דָּבְקוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | דּוֹבֵק |
| Feminine singular | דּוֹבֶקֶת |
| Masculine plural | דּוֹבְקִים |
| Feminine plural | דּוֹבְקוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶדְבָּק |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּדְבָּק |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּדְבְּקִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִדְבָּק |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּדְבָּק |
| 1st person plural | נִדְבָּק |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּדְבְּקוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּדְבַּקְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִדְבְּקוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | דְּבָק |
| 2nd person feminine singular | דִּבְקִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | דִּבְקוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | דְּבַקְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Genesis 2:24 – וְדָבַק בְּאִשְׁתּוֹ
“And he shall cleave to his wife.” — describing marital unity as deep and inseparable attachment. - Deuteronomy 10:20 – וּבוֹ תִדְבָּק
“And to Him you shall cling.” — exhorting covenantal loyalty to the LORD. - Psalm 63:9 – דָּבְקָה נַפְשִׁי אַחֲרֶיךָ
“My soul clings after You.” — spiritual intimacy and longing.
Summary
The verb דָּבַק expresses a profound sense of closeness, whether in physical, emotional, or spiritual terms. It is used to describe marital union, covenantal faithfulness, and spiritual devotion. Throughout the Tanakh, it reflects the ideal of unwavering attachment—especially between people and their God.
