Original Word: אָבָק
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: abaq
Pronunciation: ah-VAHK
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-bawk')
KJV: (small) dust, powder
NASB: dust, powder
Word Origin: [from root of H79 (אָבַק - wrestled)]

1. light particles (as volatile)

small dust, powder

From root of 'abaq; light particles (as volatile) -- (small) dust, powder.

see HEBREW 'abaq

Word Origin
from the same as abaq
Definition
dust
NASB Translation
dust (5), powder (1).

אָבָק noun masculine^{Ezekiel 26:10} dust — ׳א Deuteronomy 28:24 3t.; construct אֲבַק Nahum 1:3; suffix אֲבָקָם Ezekiel 26:10 — dust (? fleeing, flying; synonym עָפָר = often dust lying on or composing ground) Exodus 9:9; Ezekiel 26:10; Deuteronomy 28:24 ("" עָפָר) Isaiah 5:24 ("" מָק) Isaiah 29:5 ("" מֹץ); figurative of clouds under Yahweh's feet Nahum 1:3.

Physical and Narrative Setting

אָבָק is consistently portrayed as a fine, airborne powder—dust that can be thrown, scattered, or stirred up. Each occurrence assumes a hot, arid Near-Eastern climate in which dust is ever-present and easily mobilized, making it an apt vehicle for God’s self-revelation.

Dust as an Instrument of Divine Judgment

• Exodus 9:9 depicts furnace soot becoming “dust over all the land of Egypt” and producing incurable boils. The dust is not merely a natural irritant; it is supernaturally charged, showing that even the smallest particles obey the LORD’s word.
• Deuteronomy 28:24 warns covenant-breaking Israel: “The LORD will turn the rain of your land into dust and powder.” Dust replaces life-giving rain, reversing creation’s order and striking at agricultural dependence. Judgment falls by transforming blessing into blight.

Dust as a Metaphor for Transience and Decay

• Isaiah 5:24 likens apostate Judah’s fading glory to blossoms that “blow away like dust.” The picture is of beauty turned weightless and worthless, stressing how quickly human achievements vanish when severed from covenant loyalty.
• Isaiah 29:5 intensifies the image: hostile nations become “like fine dust… like flying chaff.” Enemies that once seemed formidable dissolve into insignificance when confronted by God’s sudden intervention.

Dust Raised by Human Warfare

Ezekiel 26:10 records Nebuchadnezzar’s cavalry siege of Tyre: “His horses will be so many that their dust will cover you.” The cloud of dust is both literal and symbolic—literal evidence of overwhelming force and a sign that God’s foretold judgment is advancing inescapably.

Dust beneath the Feet of the LORD

Nahum 1:3 declares, “clouds are the dust beneath His feet.” The prophet lifts the imagery to its highest plane: creation’s most majestic vapors are but dust under God’s stride. What terrifies nations is no more than road dust to the Sovereign of hosts, affirming His absolute transcendence.

Historical and Theological Trajectory

Across Torah, Prophets, and Writings, אָבָק marks decisive moments when God confronts rebellion, protects His covenant, or unveils His majesty. Whether falling from the sky, blowing away blossoms, or swirling under divine feet, dust underscores two complementary truths:

1. The frailty and impermanence of human pride.
2. The unchallengeable authority of the LORD over every element of creation.

Ministry Implications

1. Call to Repentance: The transformation of rain into dust (Deuteronomy 28:24) warns modern readers that blessings can be withdrawn when hearts turn from God.
2. Assurance amid Opposition: Isaiah 29:5 encourages believers facing hostility that God can reduce powerful adversaries to dust in an instant.
3. Perspective in Worship: Nahum 1:3 invites awe; the One we approach in prayer walks upon what overwhelms us.
4. Holiness and Compassion: Exodus 9:9 reminds ministers that divine judgments, though severe, aim to expose idolatry and deliver people from bondage.

Summary

אָבָק functions as a vivid biblical shorthand for judgment, ephemerality, and divine supremacy. Wherever dust appears, Scripture calls the faithful to humility, vigilance, and renewed trust in the LORD who both scatters and gathers the dust of the earth.

אֲבַ֥ק אֲבָקָ֑ם אָבָ֣ק אבק אבקם כְּאָבָ֥ק כָּאָבָ֣ק כאבק לְאָבָ֔ק לאבק ’ă·ḇā·qām ’ă·ḇaq ’ā·ḇāq ’ăḇaq ’āḇāq ’ăḇāqām aVak avaKam kā’āḇāq kā·’ā·ḇāq kaaVak kə’āḇāq kə·’ā·ḇāq keaVak lə’āḇāq lə·’ā·ḇāq leaVakInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts