Original Word: דָּבֵק
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: dabeq
Pronunciation: dah-BAYK
Phonetic Spelling: (daw-bake')
KJV: cleave, joining, stick closer
NASB: attached, held fast, who sticks
Word Origin: [from H1692 (דָּבַק - cling)]

1. adhering

cleave, joining, stick closer

From dabaq; adhering -- cleave, joining, stick closer.

see HEBREW dabaq

Word Origin
from dabaq
Definition
a clinging, cleaving
NASB Translation
attached (1), held fast (1), who sticks (1).

דָּבֵק adjective clinging, cleaving (to), ׳דּ absolute וְיֵשׁ אֹהֵב דָּבֵק מֵאָח Proverbs 18:24; דְּבֵקָה לְ2Chronicles 3:12 (of cherub's wing); of cleaving to ׳הַדְּבֵקִים בְּ י Deuteronomy 4:4.

Essential Concept

דָּבֵק (dābēq) conveys the idea of unwavering attachment—an adhesive loyalty that binds one entity to another. Whether describing covenant fidelity to God, the seamless union of the cherubim’s wings in Solomon’s temple, or the constancy of true friendship, the term portrays an intentional, persevering closeness that resists separation.

Scriptural Occurrences and Motifs

1. Deuteronomy 4:4. Israel is commended because “you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive today, every one of you.” The word frames covenant faithfulness as life-preserving attachment: clinging to Yahweh is equated with continued existence and blessing.

2. 2 Chronicles 3:12. In the account of Solomon’s temple, each cherub’s wing “was touching the other wing,” picturing perfect symmetry and unity within the Most Holy Place. The physical closeness of the wings symbolizes the unbroken harmony of heaven’s worship and reinforces the sacred integrity of the sanctuary.

3. Proverbs 18:24. The sage observes, “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Here the term elevates friendship to covenantal proportions, suggesting commitment that transcends blood relations and anticipates the self-sacrificial love fulfilled in Christ.

Theological Significance

– Covenant Adhesion. Deuteronomy places דָּבֵק at the heart of Israel’s survival. Clinging to God safeguards against idolatry, apostasy, and divine judgment. It is more than emotional sentiment; it is decisive allegiance expressed in obedience.

– Sanctuary Symbolism. The temple cherubim embody God’s dwelling among His people. Their joined wings signify unbroken holiness—an earthly depiction of heavenly realities. The verb subtly instructs worshipers that access to God requires unity with His presence and purposes.

– Relational Depth. Proverbs uses the term to define genuine friendship. True companionship mirrors covenant steadfastness, hinting at the Messiah, the ultimate Friend who “will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Historical and Cultural Insights

Ancient Near Eastern treaties used language of “clinging” to denote loyalty to a suzerain. Israel’s adoption of the concept underscores God’s personal, not merely political, relationship with His people. In temple architecture, tightly joined components—whether stones, boards, or cherubim wings—were deliberate visual sermons about divine perfection and unity.

Christological Perspective

Jesus epitomizes דָּבֵק. He is the Friend who “sticks closer than a brother,” the true Israel who cleaves to the Father without wavering, and the fulfillment of the cherubic imagery by becoming the living temple (John 2:21). Believers are invited to abide in Him (John 15:4), echoing Deuteronomy’s call to cling to the LORD.

Ministry Applications

• Discipleship. Teach converts that saving faith involves ongoing attachment. Spiritual life flourishes where believers purposefully “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23).

• Pastoral Care. Proverbs 18:24 guides shepherds to foster covenantal friendships within the body of Christ, combatting isolation and modeling Christlike loyalty.

• Worship Design. Incorporating symbols of unity—architectural or liturgical—can remind congregations of the temple cherubim’s joined wings and the church’s calling to be “joined together” (Ephesians 2:21).

• Counseling. Use דָּבֵק to frame marital or relational reconciliation: covenant partners are called to cling, not merely coexist.

Related Hebrew Concepts

דָּבָק (1692) – the verb “to cling”; חֶסֶד – covenantal lovingkindness; בְּרִית – covenant; יָד – hand, often linked with grasping, another image of attachment.

Summary

דָּבֵק portrays the adhesive bond of covenant loyalty, manifest in worship, community, and friendship. From Moses’ exhortation, through Solomon’s temple, to wisdom literature, Scripture consistently upholds the blessedness of those who cleave to the LORD and to one another in steadfast love.

דְּבֵקָ֕ה דָּבֵ֥ק דבק דבקה הַדְּבֵקִ֔ים הדבקים dā·ḇêq dāḇêq daVek də·ḇê·qāh dəḇêqāh deveKah had·də·ḇê·qîm haddəḇêqîm haddeveKimInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts