Original Word: דָּבַב
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: dabab
Pronunciation: dah-BAHV
Phonetic Spelling: (daw-bab')
KJV: cause to speak
NASB: flowing gently
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to move slowly, i.e. glide

cause to speak

A primitive root (compare dobe'); to move slowly, i.e. Glide -- cause to speak.

see HEBREW dobe'

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to move gently, glide, glide over
NASB Translation
flowing gently (1).

[דָּבַב] verb move Gently, glide, glide over (Late Hebrew דָּבַב flow slowly, drop; Arabic walk leisurely, Gently, any animal that walks or creeps, compare דֹּב; Assyrian dabâbu, plot, plan, COT^Gloss, compare דִּבָּה) — only

Qal Participle דּוֺבֵב שִׂפְתֵי יְשֵׁנִים Cant 7:10, of wine gliding over the lips of sleepers; (שְׂפָתַי וְשִׁנָּי֑ ׳ד i.e. my lips and teeth ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Aq Gei^{Urschrift 405}).

Overview of Meaning and Imagery

The verb דָּבַב pictures a gentle, downward movement, suggesting fluidity, ease, and pleasantness. In its sole biblical appearance it conveys the unhurried glide of wine, evoking both sensual delight and peaceful satisfaction. The imagery invites the reader to contemplate communication, fellowship, and affection that are unhindered and graceful.

Canonical Context: Song of Songs 7:9

“May it flow smoothly to my beloved, gliding gently over lips and teeth.” (Song of Songs 7:9)

Here the beloved likens the bride’s mouth to “the finest wine” that “flows smoothly.” The verb underscores the effortless pleasure of marital intimacy. The scene celebrates covenant love—exclusive, joyous, and overflowing. While anchored in human romance, the poem’s placement within the canon encourages a typological reading in which the language also anticipates the rich communion between Christ and His people (Ephesians 5:25-32).

Theological Themes

1. Unhindered Fellowship. Just as wine moves without resistance, so genuine fellowship with God and with one another should be free of obstacles (1 John 1:7).
2. Pleasant Speech. The smooth glide of the wine mirrors speech seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). The word calls believers to words that refresh rather than wound (Proverbs 16:24).
3. Covenant Delight. Wine is often linked to covenant blessing (Genesis 14:18; Matthew 26:27-29). The movement of the wine in Song of Songs magnifies the satisfaction found in covenant faithfulness.

Christological and Ecclesiological Application

The bride’s wine-like kisses foreshadow the sweetness of communion purchased by Christ’s blood. At the Lord’s Table the cup reminds the church that Christ’s self-giving love flows freely to every believer (1 Corinthians 11:25-26). In turn, the church responds with lips of praise that “continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15).

Practical Ministry Implications

• Counseling Marriage: Pastors may appeal to Song of Songs 7:9 to affirm the goodness of marital affection and the importance of cultivating tender speech.
• Worship Planning: References to the smooth, satisfying wine can enrich Eucharistic liturgies, linking Old Testament imagery to New Testament fulfillment.
• Personal Devotion: The verse invites believers to examine whether their words and attitudes flow gently or harshly, encouraging repentance where needed.

Comparative Scriptural Imagery of Flowing Wine and Lips

Though דָּבַב appears only once, related motifs abound:
• Proverbs 23:31 warns against wine that “sparkles in the cup” yet leads astray, contrasting with the wholesome picture in Song of Songs.
• Isaiah 55:1 invites the thirsty to “come, buy wine and milk without money,” highlighting grace extended freely.
• John 2:1-11 records Jesus turning water into wine, a sign of messianic abundance and joy that surpasses former expectations.

Historical Reception and Exegetical Notes

Early Jewish commentators celebrated the verse as an ode to marital bliss, while Christian interpreters—such as Gregory of Nyssa and Bernard of Clairvaux—saw in the flowing wine the mystery of divine love poured into the soul. Reformation expositors retained the literal sense of wedded delight yet also affirmed its typological bearing on Christ and the church. Modern scholarship recognizes the artistry of the metaphor while acknowledging its theological depth.

Summary

Strong’s Hebrew 1680 presents a vivid, singular snapshot of gracious movement—wine gliding effortlessly, symbolizing speech, intimacy, and covenant joy. Though the word’s usage is rare, its message is rich: God intends relationships, words, and worship to flow with unforced grace, reflecting His own gentle yet powerful love.

דּוֹבֵ֖ב דובב dō·w·ḇêḇ doVev dōwḇêḇInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts