Original Word: דָּבַק
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: dabaq
Pronunciation: dah-BAHK
Phonetic Spelling: (daw-bak')
KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take
NASB: cling, overtook, cleaves, clung, clings, hold, hold fast
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. (properly) to impinge, i.e. cling or adhere
2. (figuratively) to catch by pursuit

abide fast, cleave fast together, follow close hard after, be joined together

A primitive root; properly, to impinge, i.e. Cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit -- abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to cling, cleave, keep close
NASB Translation
cleaves (4), cling (14), clings (3), closely pursued (1), closer (1), clung (4), deeply attracted (1), fasten its grip (1), follow closely (1), held fast (1), hold (2), hold fast (2), holding fast (1), joined (2), joined together (1), overtake (1), overtook (5), pursued him closely (1), pursued them closely (1), remained steadfast (1), stay (1), stay close (1), stayed close (1), stick (1), stick together (1), stuck (2).

דָּבַק, דָּבֵק verb cling, cleave, keep close (Late Hebrew id., Arabic Aramaic דְּבֵק, דְּבַק , ) —

Qal Perfect דָּבַק 1 Kings 11:2 2t.; וְדָבַק consecutive Genesis 2:24; דָּבֵ֑ק 2 Kings 3:3; 3feminine singular דָּֽבְקָה Ruth 1:14 5t.; דָּבֵ֑קָה Job 29:10; 1singular דָּבַקְתִּי Psalm 119:31; 3plural דָּֽבְקוּ 2 Samuel 20:2; וְדָֽבְקוּ consecutive Deuteronomy 28:60; דָּבֵ֑קוּ Job 41:15; וּדְבַקְתֶּם consecutive Joshua 23:12; Imperfect יִדְבַּק Deuteronomy 13:18 3t.; 3 feminine singular תִּדְבַּק 2 Kings 5:27; Psalm 137:6; וַתִּדְבַּק Genesis 34:3 2t.; suffix תִּדְבָּקַנִי Genesis 19:19; 2masculine singular תִּדְבָּ֑ק Deuteronomy 10:20; Ezekiel 29:4 (strike out B Co); 2 feminine singular תִּדְבָּקִין Ruth 2:8,21; 3plural יִדְבְּקוּ Numbers 36:7,9; 2masculine plural תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ Joshua 23:8; תִּדְבָּקוּ֑ן Deuteronomy 13:5; Infinitive construct וּלְדָבְקָהבּֿוֺ Deuteronomy 11:22 2t.; — in Hexateuch only J D, except Numbers 36:7,9 (P); —

1 cling, cleave to,

a. literally followed by בְּ Job 19:20 (bone to skin), so followed by לְ Psalm 102:6; followed by אֶל 2 Samuel 23:10 (hand to sword; accidentally omitted with other words 1 Chronicles 11:13 compare Dr 2 Samuel 23:11), Jeremiah 13:11 (girdle to loins), Lamentations 4:4 (tongue to roof of mouth, in thirst), so followed by לְ Job 29:10; Psalm 137:6 (as a judgment); so also in metaphor Psalm 44:26 דָּֽבְקָה לָאָרֶץ בִּטְנֵנוּ our belly cleaveth to the earth ("" שָׁחָה לֶעָפָר נַפְשֵׁנוּ), Psalm 119:25 דָּֽבְקָה לֶעָפָר נַפְשִׁי; fish to scales of crocodile (figurative of Pharaoh), followed by בְּ Ezekiel 29:4 (but compare above); absolute (reciprocal) of folds of crocodile's belly Job 41:15; further of the חֵרֶם remaining in (sticking to) the hand followed by בְּ Deuteronomy 13:18; so of spot, stain Job 31:7;

b. so also of abiding on the land of one's tribe Numbers 36:7,9 (followed by בְּ).

c. = remain with, close to followed by עִם Ruth 2:8,21 followed by בְּ Ruth 2:23.

2 cling, cleave to,

a. figurative of loyalty, affection etc., sometimes with idea of physical proximity retained, followed by בְּ Genesis 2:24 (J; man to wife) compare Genesis 34:3 (J) 1 Kings 11:2; Joshua 23:12 (D); further Ruth 1:14 (Ruth to Naomi); 2 Samuel 20:2 (people to king); especially (followed by בְּ) of cleaving to ׳י Deuteronomy 11:22 ("" אָהֵב, הָלַךְ בְּכָלדְּֿרָכָיו) Deuteronomy 30:20 ("" אָהֵב, שָׁמַע בְּקֹלוֺ), Joshua 22:5 ("" אָהֵב, ׳הָלַךְ וגו, שָׁמַר מִצְוֺתָיו); compare further Deuteronomy 10:20; Deuteronomy 13:5; Joshua 23:8 (all D), 2 Kings 18:6; Psalm 63:9 (followed by אַחֲרֵי) & Psalm 119:31 דָּבַקְתּי בְֵ˜עדְוֺתֶ֑יךָ; so

b. of the opposite בְּחַטּאֹות יָָֽרָבְעָם ֗֗֗ דָּבֵ֑ק 2 Kings 3:37,

c. subject disease, calamity, followed by בְּ person Deuteronomy 28:60; 2 Kings 5:27; followed by אַחֲרֵי Jeremiah 42:16; followed by accusative Genesis 19:19 (J); subject sin Psalm 101:3 (followed by בְּ person)

Pu`al Imperfect3masculine plural יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ passive of Hiph`il

1 followed by בְּ, of crocodile's scales, they are joined together Job 41:9 ("" יִתְלַכְּדוּ); absolute of earth-clods Job 38:38.

Hiph`il Perfect3feminine singular suffix הִדְבִּיקָ֑תְהוּ Judges 20:42; 3plural suffix הִדְבִּיקֻהוּ 2 Samuel 1:6; 1singular הִדְבַּקְתִּי Jeremiah 13:11; וְהִדְבַּקְתִּ֫י Ezekiel 29:4; Imperfect jussive יַדְבֵּק Deuteronomy 28:21; וַיַּדְבֵּק Genesis 31:23; אַדְבִּיק Ezekiel 3:26; וַיַּדְבִּיקוּ Judges 18:22; Judges 20:45; וַיַּדְבְּקוּ 1 Samuel 14:22 2t. (compare Ges^{§ 53} R 4 Kö^{i. 210}).

1 cause to cling or cleave to, followed by accusative + אֶל, literally וּלְשׁוֺנְךָ אַדְבִּיק אֶלחִֿכֶּ֑ךָ Ezekiel 3:26; see also Ezekiel 29:4 (followed by accusative + בְּ; literal, but in metaphor); figurative of causing to cleave to ׳י Jeremiah 13:11 (followed by accusative + אֶל); compare further Deuteronomy 28:21 (subject ׳י, followed by accusative of disease + בְּ).

2 pursue closely, followed by אַחֲרֵי Judges 20:45; 1 Samuel 14:22; 1 Chronicles 10:2 = 1 Samuel 31:2 (followed by accusative); so also 2 Samuel 1:6 (followed by accusative)

3 overtake, followed by accusative Genesis 31:23 (E), Judges 18:22; compare Judges 20:42 (subject הַמִּלְחָמַה).

Hoph`al Participle וּלְשׁוֺנִי מֻדְבָּק מַלְקוֺחָ֑י Psalm 22:16 and my tongue is made to cleave (to) my gums; compare below

Qal 1.

[דְּבֵק] verb cling (Biblical Hebrew); —

Pe`al Participle plural דָּֽבְקִין דְּנָה עִםדְּֿנָה Daniel 2:43.

Central Idea

דָּבַק portrays an intentional fastening of one object or person to another. Scripture uses the verb on every level of human experience—physical, relational, spiritual, and covenantal—so that “clinging” becomes both a literal description and a theological summons.

Covenant Allegiance to the LORD

From Moses to the prophets, Israel is commanded to “cling” to the LORD as the decisive act of faithfulness.
• Deuteronomy 4:4: “But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive to this day, every one of you.”
• Deuteronomy 10:20; 11:22; 13:4; 30:20; Joshua 23:8 all repeat the charge, grounding Israel’s life, land, and longevity in unswerving attachment to Yahweh.

The verb communicates more than obedience; it is the covenantal glue that binds the redeemed community to its Redeemer, anticipating New-Covenant “abiding” (John 15) without diminishing Old-Covenant particularity.

Marriage and Family Bonds

Genesis 2:24 supplies the foundational text for marriage: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” The physical union is inseparable from lifelong covenant loyalty. Positive and negative examples follow:
• Ruth 1:14—Ruth “clung” to Naomi, modeling steadfast love that ultimately leads to the Davidic line.
• Genesis 34:3—Shechem’s sinful passion “clung” to Dinah, illustrating that mere attachment without covenant order defiles rather than blesses.
• 1 Kings 11:2—Solomon “held fast” in love to foreign wives, and the verb exposes his divided heart.

Personal Loyalty and Friendship

דָּבַק marks unswerving commitment between comrades.
• 2 Samuel 23:10—Eleazar’s hand “clung to the sword” in battle, picturing tireless devotion.
• 2 Samuel 20:2—“All the men of Israel withdrew from David and followed Sheba…,” their hearts “clinging” (in misplaced allegiance) to rebellion.

The term therefore probes the direction of loyalty—whether to the rightful king or to a usurper.

Relentless Military Pursuit

The verb often describes armies “overtaking” or “pressing hard” on an enemy (Joshua 8:6; 1 Samuel 14:22; 1 Chronicles 10:2). In warfare imagery it stresses persistence until the objective is reached, reinforcing the steadfastness expected in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Physical Frailty and Lament

דָּבַק also depicts organs or skin “sticking” in illness or hunger.
• Job 19:20: “My bones cling to my skin and flesh.”
• Psalm 22:15: “My tongue clings to the roof of my mouth.”
• Psalm 119:25: “My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your word.”

These laments show that even in extremity the sufferer can cling to the promises of God.

Symbol of Discipline and Judgment

Curses in Deuteronomy 28 warn of plagues that will “cling” to the covenant-breaker (verses 21 and 60). The same verb that secures blessing when directed toward God becomes the vehicle of judgment when applied to disease, underscoring the moral polarity of Scripture.

Prophetic Illustrations

Jeremiah 13:11 dramatizes the point with the ruined linen belt: “As a belt clings to a man’s waist, so I have bound the whole house of Israel… to Me, declares the LORD.” The intended intimacy remains, but human rebellion soils the union, requiring eventual restoration through the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

Theological Trajectory

1. Creation Ideal → Genesis 2:24 establishes דָּבַק as the template for covenant union.
2. Sinai Covenant → Israel is to cling exclusively to Yahweh.
3. Prophetic Critique → Failure to cling invites exile and judgment.
4. Messianic Fulfillment → The incarnate Son perfectly “held fast” to the Father’s will (John 8:29), offering believers the Spirit-enabled power to do likewise.
5. Eschatological Consummation → Revelation 19 depicts the marriage supper of the Lamb, where the Bride’s perfected attachment to Christ fulfills the original pattern.

Ministry Implications

• Discipleship: Emphasize a whole-person adherence to Christ, not merely intellectual assent.
• Marriage Counseling: Ground marital permanence in the creational mandate to “cling,” framing divorce as covenant rupture.
• Pastoral Care: Encourage sufferers with lament passages that model clinging to God amid affliction.
• Corporate Worship: Reinforce corporate identity by singing and praying texts that call the congregation to “hold fast” (Hebrews 10:23).

Summary

דָּבַק weaves through Scripture as the verb of covenant glue—binding spouses, friends, armies, nations, and ultimately the redeemed Church to its Lord. Whether expressing blessed fidelity or disastrous entanglement, its 54 appearances insist that true life is found only when the heart “clings to the LORD your God” (Joshua 23:8).

אַדְבִּ֣יק אדביק דָּ֣בַק דָּ֥בְקָה דָּֽבְקָ֣ה דָּבְק֣וּ דָּבְקָ֖ה דָּבְקָ֣ה דָּבְקָ֥ה דָּבֵ֑ק דָּבֵֽקָה׃ דָּבַ֥ק דָּבַ֥קְתִּי דָּבַ֨ק דָבֵ֑קוּ דבק דבקה דבקה׃ דבקו דבקתי הִדְבִּיקָ֑תְהוּ הִדְבִּקֻֽהוּ׃ הִדְבַּ֣קְתִּי הדביקתהו הדבקהו׃ הדבקתי וְדָבְק֖וּ וְדָבַ֣ק וְהִדְבַּקְתִּ֥י וַֽיַּדְבְּק֥וּ וַיִּדְבַּק֙ וַיַּדְבְּק֣וּ וַיַּדְבִּ֖יקוּ וַיַּדְבִּ֤יקוּ וַיַּדְבֵּ֥ק וַתִּדְבַּ֞ק וַתִּדְבַּ֣ק וַתִּדְבַּ֤ק וּדְבַקְתֶּם֙ וּלְדָבְקָה־ ודבק ודבקו ודבקתם והדבקתי וידביקו וידבק וידבקו ולדבקה־ ותדבק יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ יְדֻבָּֽקוּ׃ יִדְבְּק֕וּ יִדְבְּק֖וּ יִדְבַּ֣ק יִדְבַּ֧ק יִדְבַּ֨ק יַדְבֵּ֧ק ידבק ידבקו ידבקו׃ מֻדְבָּ֣ק מדבק תִּֽדְבַּק־ תִּדְבַּ֥ק־ תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ תִּדְבָּֽק׃ תִּדְבָּקִ֔ין תִּדְבָּקַ֥נִי תִדְבָּ֔ק תִדְבָּקִ֖ין תִדְבָּקֽוּן׃ תדבק תדבק־ תדבק׃ תדבקו תדבקון׃ תדבקין תדבקני ’aḏ·bîq ’aḏbîq adBik dā·ḇaq dā·ḇaq·tî dā·ḇê·qāh dā·ḇə·qāh dā·ḇə·qū ḏā·ḇê·qū dā·ḇêq dāḇaq dāḇaqtî dāḇêq dāḇêqāh dāḇəqāh dāḇəqū ḏāḇêqū daVak daVakti daVek Davekah daveKu hiḏ·baq·tî hiḏ·bî·qā·ṯə·hū hiḏ·bi·qu·hū hidBakti hiḏbaqtî hidbiKatehu hidbiKuhu hiḏbîqāṯəhū hiḏbiquhū muḏ·bāq mudBak muḏbāq tiḏ·bā·qa·nî tiḏ·bā·qîn ṯiḏ·bā·qîn tiḏ·bā·qū ṯiḏ·bā·qūn tiḏ·bāq ṯiḏ·bāq tiḏ·baq- tidBak tidbaKani tidbaKin tidBaku tidbaKun tiḏbāq ṯiḏbāq tiḏbaq- tiḏbāqanî tiḏbāqîn ṯiḏbāqîn tiḏbāqū ṯiḏbāqūn ū·ḏə·ḇaq·tem ū·lə·ḏā·ḇə·qāh- ūḏəḇaqtem udevakTem ūləḏāḇəqāh- uledavekah vaiyadBek vaiyadbeKu vaiyadBiku vaiyidBak vattidBak vedaVak vedaveKu vehidbakTi wat·tiḏ·baq wattiḏbaq way·yaḏ·bə·qū way·yaḏ·bêq way·yaḏ·bî·qū way·yiḏ·baq wayyaḏbêq wayyaḏbəqū wayyaḏbîqū wayyiḏbaq wə·ḏā·ḇaq wə·ḏā·ḇə·qū wə·hiḏ·baq·tî wəḏāḇaq wəḏāḇəqū wəhiḏbaqtî yaḏ·bêq yadBek yaḏbêq yə·ḏub·bā·qū yedubBaku yəḏubbāqū yiḏ·baq yiḏ·bə·qū yidBak yiḏbaq yidbeKu yiḏbəqūInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts