The Hebrew Verb דָּרַךְ: To Tread, March, or Bend (a Bow)

The Hebrew verb דָּרַךְ (root: ד־ר־ךְ) means “to tread,” “to march,” “to step,” or “to bend (a bow).” It is used in a range of contexts from walking or trampling upon something, to preparing a weapon for battle. In poetic and prophetic passages, it often carries connotations of judgment, readiness for war, or movement through a land.

This verb appears primarily in the Qal stem (active) and also in the Hiphil (causative) with the meaning “to cause to tread” or “to guide.”

 

Qal Binyan Conjugation of דָּרַךְ (“to tread, march, bend a bow”)

Past (Perfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular דָּרַכְתִּי
2nd person masculine singular דָּרַכְתָּ
2nd person feminine singular דָּרַכְתְּ
3rd person masculine singular דָּרַךְ
3rd person feminine singular דָּרְכָה
1st person plural דָּרַכְנוּ
2nd person masculine plural דְּרַכְתֶּם
2nd person feminine plural דְּרַכְתֶּן
3rd person plural דָּרְכוּ

Present (Participle) Tense

Gender/Number Form
Masculine singular דּוֹרֵךְ
Feminine singular דּוֹרֶכֶת
Masculine plural דּוֹרְכִים
Feminine plural דּוֹרְכוֹת

Future (Imperfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular אֶדְרֹךְ
2nd person masculine singular תִּדְרֹךְ
2nd person feminine singular תִּדְרְכִי
3rd person masculine singular יִדְרֹךְ
3rd person feminine singular תִּדְרֹךְ
1st person plural נִדְרֹךְ
2nd person masculine plural תִּדְרְכוּ
2nd person feminine plural תִּדְרֹכְנָה
3rd person plural יִדְרְכוּ

Imperative Mood

Person Form
2nd person masculine singular דְּרֹךְ
2nd person feminine singular דִּרְכִי
2nd person masculine plural דִּרְכוּ
2nd person feminine plural דְּרֹכְנָה

 

Usage in Scripture

  • Psalm 7:13וְיִדְרֹךְ לֽוֹ־מֵתִים חִצָּיו לְדֹלְקִים יִפְעָל
    “And He has readied for Himself instruments of death; He makes His arrows fiery shafts.” — bending a bow to prepare for battle.
  • Isaiah 63:3פּוּרָה דָרַכְתִּי לְבַדִּי
    “I have trodden the winepress alone.” — poetic expression of trampling in judgment.
  • Genesis 49:17וְנֹשֵׁךְ עִקְּבֵי־סוּס וַיִּפֹּל רֹכְבוֹ אָחוֹר
    (Contextual: the image implies trampling and disruption on a path.)

 

Summary

The verb דָּרַךְ blends movement, preparation, and intensity. Whether describing a warrior readying a bow, feet trampling a path or enemy, or divine judgment expressed through symbolic treading, it evokes both readiness and impact. It also serves metaphorically in expressions of guidance, destruction, or purposeful action.

About Biblical Hebrew

Learn Biblical Hebrew Online. Studying Biblical Hebrew online opens a direct window into the sacred texts of the Hebrew Bible, allowing readers to engage with Scripture in its original linguistic and cultural context. By learning the language in which much of the Tanakh was written, students can move beyond translations and discover the nuanced meanings, poetic structures, and theological depth embedded in the Hebrew text. Online learning provides flexible and accessible avenues to build these skills, whether through self-paced modules, guided instruction, or interactive resources. As one grows in proficiency, the richness of biblical narratives, laws, prayers, and prophetic visions comes to life with renewed clarity, making the study of Biblical Hebrew not only an intellectual pursuit but a deeply rewarding spiritual and cultural journey.
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