Original Word: דֱּכִי
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: dokiy
Pronunciation: doh-kee
Phonetic Spelling: (dok-ee')
KJV: wave
NASB: pounding waves
Word Origin: [from H1794 (דָּכָה - crushed)]

1. a dashing of surf

wave

From dakah; a dashing of surf -- wave.

see HEBREW dakah

Word Origin
from dakah
Definition
a pounding (of waves)
NASB Translation
pounding waves (1). [] , suffix Psalm 93:3 of ocean (waves).

(√ of following; compare Arabic 👁 Image
, Aramaic Late Hebrew in derivatives; see also , ).

Overview and Semantic Range

דֱּכִי denotes the surge or pounding of sea waves, emphasizing their crashing, overwhelming force. Though it appears only once in Scripture, the term evokes the relentless energy of the ocean and serves as a vivid metaphor for forces that challenge divine order.

Biblical Usage

Psalm 93:3 is its lone occurrence: “The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their crashing waves”. Here דֱּכִי (“crashing waves”) intensifies the psalmist’s portrayal of tumultuous waters rising in defiance, only to be subdued by the LORD’s sovereign rule (Psalm 93:4).

Literary and Poetic Significance

Hebrew poetry frequently personifies natural elements to highlight God’s supremacy (Job 38:8–11; Psalm 89:9). By inserting דֱּכִי, the psalmist amplifies the drama: the sea not only roars but pounds with a rhythmic, battering cadence. This word choice reinforces the psalm’s crescendo from chaos to calm under divine governance.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Kingship. The roaring surf symbolizes powers that seem unconquerable, yet Yahweh reigns “above the mighty waters” (Psalm 93:4).
2. Stability versus Chaos. Scripture often contrasts the sea’s turbulence with God’s established order (Genesis 1:2; Revelation 21:1). דֱּכִי highlights that contrast, underscoring the Creator’s unassailable authority.
3. Assurance for God’s People. Even when circumstances surge like relentless breakers, believers find security in the immovable throne of God (Psalm 46:1–3; Isaiah 43:2).

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures viewed the sea as a malevolent force. Israel’s Scriptures redeem this imagery, presenting the LORD not in conflict with primordial chaos but effortlessly enthroned above it (Psalm 29:10). דֱּכִי thus participates in a polemic against pagan myths, affirming monotheistic sovereignty.

Ministry Application

• Preaching and Teaching. Use Psalm 93:3–4 to reassure congregations facing societal upheaval: worldly “waves” may batter, yet God remains steadfast.
• Pastoral Care. When individuals feel overwhelmed, the imagery of crashing waves bowing to divine command provides a powerful counsel to trust (Philippians 4:6–7).
• Worship. Responsive readings or songs drawn from Psalm 93 can celebrate God’s lordship over chaos.

Related Terms and Concepts

• נהר (“river”)—often paired with sea imagery to depict threatening floods (Isaiah 59:19).
• תְּהוֹם (“deep”)—the primeval waters subdued at creation (Genesis 1:2).
• שָׁאוֹן (“uproar”)—noise of nations or seas, paralleling דֱּכִי in Psalm 65:7 and Isaiah 17:12.

Christological and Eschatological Considerations

Jesus commanding the storm (Mark 4:39) and walking on the sea (Matthew 14:25) echo Psalm 93, demonstrating incarnate authority over the very forces symbolized by דֱּכִי. Revelation 21:1’s promise of “no more sea” anticipates the final removal of chaos, fulfilling the psalm’s assurance that God’s reign is eternal and unchallenged.

דָּכְיָֽם׃ דכים׃ dā·ḵə·yām dacheYam dāḵəyāmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts

Psalm 93:3
HEB: יִשְׂא֖וּ נְהָר֣וֹת דָּכְיָֽם׃
NAS: lift up their pounding waves.
KJV: the floods lift up their waves.
INT: lift the floods their pounding

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 1796
1 Occurrence

dā·ḵə·yām — 1 Occ.