The Hebrew verb דָּקַר (root: ד־ק־ר) means “to pierce,” “to stab,” or “to thrust through” with a sharp object. It is a vivid verb often used in military, prophetic, and poetic contexts, usually involving spears, swords, or sharp weapons. It conveys a violent or fatal action and is frequently found in descriptions of death, judgment, or warfare.
This verb appears primarily in the Qal binyan (simple active stem) and occasionally in the Niphal (passive) or Pual stems.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of דָּקַר (“to pierce, stab”)
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | דָּקַרְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | דָּקַרְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | דָּקַרְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | דָּקַר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | דָּקְרָה |
| 1st person plural | דָּקַרְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | דְּקַרְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | דְּקַרְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | דָּקְרוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | דּוֹקֵר |
| Feminine singular | דּוֹקֶרֶת |
| Masculine plural | דּוֹקְרִים |
| Feminine plural | דּוֹקְרוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶדְקֹר |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּדְקֹר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּדְקְרִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִדְקֹר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּדְקֹר |
| 1st person plural | נִדְקֹר |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּדְקְרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּדְקֹרְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִדְקְרוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | דְּקֹר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | דִּקְרִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | דִּקְרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | דְּקֹרְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Zechariah 12:10 – וְהִבִּיטוּ אֵלַי אֵת אֲשֶׁר־דָּקָרוּ
“They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced.” — a messianic and prophetic image. - Numbers 25:8 – וַיִּדְקֹר אֶת־שְׁנֵיהֶם
“And he pierced both of them…” — Phinehas thrusts his spear through the man and woman. - Judges 9:54 – פֶּן־יֹאמְרוּ אֵשָׁה הֱרָגוּ
(Avoids being killed by a woman—though not using דקר directly, stabbing is implied.)
Summary
The verb דָּקַר carries violent force, describing stabbing, thrusting, or piercing—often fatally. It is found in battle scenes, prophetic warnings, and symbolic visions. Whether literal (like spears) or figurative (as in betrayal), the action of דָּקַר leaves no doubt of intent or impact. It continues to be used in Modern Hebrew in both literal and metaphorical ways.
