What does אָבַק (ʾābaq) mean in the Bible?
אָבַק (ʾābaq): Physicality of struggle: dust-raising contact sport suggesting intense bodily conflict, not merely abstract contest
Hebrew · H79
אָבַק
To bedust , i.e. grapple
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.
אָבַקH79
Pronunciationʾābaq
What does אָבַק (ʾābaq) mean in the Bible?
אָבַק (ʾābaq): Physicality of struggle: dust-raising contact sport suggesting intense bodily conflict, not merely abstract contest
Full entry for אָבַק (H79) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H79?
The BSB source-word alignment has 2 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include wrestled (2).
Where does אָבַק (ʾābaq) appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Genesis 32:24. Its strongest book concentrations include Genesis (2).
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders Itwrestled2×Genesis 32:24, Genesis 32:25
Show sample aligned rows
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned rowGenesis 32:24
Aligned rows2
Books represented1
Genesis2
Source forms
בְּהֵֽאָבְק֖וֹ1xbə·hê·’ā·ḇə·qōwGenesis 32:25
וַיֵּאָבֵ֥ק1xway·yê·’ā·ḇêqGenesis 32:24
Parsing patterns
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular1xGenesis 32:24
Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular1xGenesis 32:25
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. Physicality of struggle: dust-raising contact sport suggesting intense bodily conflict, not merely abstract contest
Source Gloss
to bedust , i.e. grapple
Extended definitionSource: Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon + Brown-Driver-Briggs
Physicality of struggle: dust-raising contact sport suggesting intense bodily conflict, not merely abstract contest
to bedust, i.e. grapple BDB: wrestle Usage: wrestle.
Selected Scripture Witness
Selected passage-level study witnesses for this word. This section is not the full occurrence list.
Biblical Witnesses
Physical struggle or grappling between Jacob and a divine messenger
Showing 1 selected witness from 2 lexical occurrence verses.
Word Origins
אָבַק is built from this root: