Lexical Summary daphaq: To knock, to beat, to strike Original Word: דָּפַק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance beat, knock, overdrive A primitive root; to knock; by analogy, to press severely -- beat, knock, overdrive. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to beat, knock NASB Translation driven hard (1), knocking (1), pounding (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [דָּפַק] verb beat, knock (Arabic  pour out, also drive (beasts)) — Qal Perf.3masculine plural suffix וּדְפָקוּם consecutive Genesis 33:13, but read 1singular suffix וּדְפַקְתִּים ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Sam Di beat (in driving, drive severely or cruelly); Participle דּוֺפֵק Songs 5:2 absolute knocking (at door). Hithpa`el Participle מִתְדַּמְּקִים עַלהַֿדָּ֑לֶת Judges 19:22 beat violently (beat themselves tired) against the door. Topical Lexicon Overview The verb דָּפַק appears three times in the Old Testament and pictures a force exerted upon another object—whether gentler “driving” or an urgent “pounding.” Each setting brings a distinct theological and pastoral emphasis that, taken together, provide a rich study of guidance, hospitality, and invitation. Shepherd Leadership and Restraint (Genesis 33:13) Jacob answers Esau’s offer of an escort with measured concern: “If they are driven hard for one day, all the livestock will die” (Genesis 33:13). Here דָּפַק conveys the danger of pressing creatures beyond their capacity. The scene stands as an early biblical model for compassionate leadership: A Door Besieged by Wickedness (Judges 19:22) In Gibeah the Levite’s host is threatened: “the men of the city… surrounded the house, pounding on the door” (Judges 19:22). The aggressive דָּפַק frames the ensuing atrocity. The knock is not a request for fellowship but an assault on covenantal order. The narrative underscores: The Beloved’s Gentle Knock (Song of Songs 5:2) “I sleep, but my heart is awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking” (Song of Songs 5:2). The same verb that signaled hostility in Judges is here tender and wooing. Covenant love does not force entry; it invites. The bridal imagery anticipates the Messiah’s call to His people. The Canonical Motif of the Knock Scripture extends the imagery: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20). While the Greek verb differs, the conceptual continuity is striking. Taken together: Historical and Cultural Background Ancient doors were heavy, secured with wooden bars. Knocking required notable effort; pounding signified urgency or threat. Guests announced themselves vocally and by striking the doorpost. Thus, דָּפַק naturally shades from courteous tap to violent hammering, its moral weight determined by context. Ministry Applications 1. Pastoral Care: Leaders must resist “driving hard,” especially among the young or weak. Patient pacing nurtures rather than scatters the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3). Summary דָּפַק traces a line from oppressive force to loving invitation. The discerning reader learns when to withhold pressure, when to guard the door, and when to answer the Beloved’s call, embodying a ministry that is both protective and warmly invitational. Forms and Transliterations דוֹפֵ֗ק דופק וּדְפָקוּם֙ ודפקום מִֽתְדַּפְּקִ֖ים מתדפקים ḏō·w·p̄êq doFek ḏōwp̄êq miṯ·dap·pə·qîm mitdappeKim miṯdappəqîm ū·ḏə·p̄ā·qūm udefaKum ūḏəp̄āqūmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 33:13 HEB: עָל֣וֹת עָלָ֑י וּדְפָקוּם֙ י֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד NAS: are a care to me. And if they are driven hard one KJV: with young [are] with me: and if men should overdrive them one INT: are nursing care are driven day one Judges 19:22 Songs 5:2 3 Occurrences |
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