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 7:13 – וְיִדְרֹךְ 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 63:3 – פּוּרָה דָרַכְתִּי לְבַדִּי
“I have trodden the winepress alone.” — poetic expression of trampling in judgment. - Genesis 49:17 – וְנֹשֵׁךְ 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.
