by reduplication from הָפַךְ; very perverse; froward.
Transliteration:hăphakpak
Pronunciation:haf-ak-pak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word הֲפַכְפַּךְ (H2019), transliterated as *hăphakpak*, is an adjective derived from the verb הָפַךְ (H2015), *haphak*, which means "to turn, overturn, overthrow, change, transform." The unique characteristic of *hăphakpak* lies in its reduplicated form, which serves to intensify the meaning of its root. This intensification conveys a sense of extreme, persistent, or habitual turning away. Thus, *hăphakpak* denotes a character trait of being "very perverse," "froward," or "crooked." It signifies a deep-seated inclination towards deviation from what is right, proper, or divinely ordained, suggesting not merely an occasional error but a fundamental distortion of moral or spiritual orientation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *hăphakpak* (H2019) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Song of Moses:
* [[Deuteronomy 32:20]]: "And He said, 'I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be; for they are a perverse generation, children in whom is no faithfulness.'"
In this poignant lament, God articulates His judgment and sorrow over the future apostasy of Israel. The phrase "perverse generation" (דּוֹר תַּהְפֻּכֹת, *dor tahpukhot*, where *tahpukhot* is related to *haphakpak* and denotes perversity) directly employs this intensified form to describe the profound moral and spiritual corruption of the people. The subsequent phrase, "children in whom is no faithfulness," further illuminates the nature of this perversity: it is a fundamental lack of loyalty, steadfastness, and trustworthiness towards God and His covenant. The context is one of divine disappointment and impending judgment, where the people's deep-seated turning away from God warrants His withdrawal of favor. The single, impactful use of *hăphakpak* underscores the severity and ingrained nature of their rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb הָפַךְ (H2015, *haphak*), meaning "to turn, overturn, overthrow." This root is used in various contexts, from God's overturning of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah ([[Genesis 19:21]], [[Genesis 19:25]]) to the turning of a heart ([[1 Samuel 10:9]]). The reduplication in *hăphakpak* emphasizes the *active* and *extreme* nature of this turning away from righteousness.
Other Hebrew terms that convey similar concepts of crookedness or deviation include:
* עִקֵּשׁ (H6140, *'iqqesh*): "perverse, crooked," often referring to twisted speech or a devious heart ([[Proverbs 2:15]], [[Proverbs 17:20]]). While similar in concept, *hăphakpak* carries the added intensity of its reduplicated form.
* סוּר (H5493, *sur*): "to turn aside, deviate," frequently used to describe straying from God's commands or the righteous path ([[Exodus 32:8]], [[Deuteronomy 9:12]]).
* בָּגַד (H898, *bagad*): "to act treacherously, deal faithlessly," which directly aligns with the "no faithfulness" aspect mentioned alongside *hăphakpak* in [[Deuteronomy 32:20]].
The antonyms to *hăphakpak* would include concepts of faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה, *'emunah*, `{{H530}}`), steadfastness (חֶסֶד, *chesed*, `{{H2617}}`), and integrity (תֹּם, *tom*, `{{H8537}}`), qualities conspicuously absent in a "perverse generation."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of *hăphakpak* (H2019) in [[Deuteronomy 32:20]] is substantial. It portrays Israel's spiritual condition not as a momentary lapse or an accidental stumble, but as a deep-seated, pervasive character flaw. The reduplication signifies that their turning away from God is not merely occasional but is an ingrained, persistent, and extreme form of rebellion. This perversity is so profound that it leads to God's decision to "hide His face," a severe consequence indicating a withdrawal of divine favor and protection.
The use of this strong term highlights the gravity of covenant unfaithfulness. It underscores that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to a people whose very nature has become antithetical to His holiness and faithfulness. The contrast between God's unwavering character and the "very perverse" nature of His people serves as a powerful theological statement about the consequences of spiritual rebellion and the importance of steadfast devotion. It functions as a warning against any form of willful and persistent deviation from the divine will.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הֲפַכְפַּךְ (H2019), *hăphakpak*, is a unique and potent adjective derived from the verb הָפַךְ (H2015), *haphak*, meaning "to turn." Its reduplicated form intensifies the meaning, conveying a state of being "very perverse" or "extremely froward." Appearing only once in the biblical text in [[Deuteronomy 32:20]], *hăphakpak* describes a generation of Israel characterized by a profound and ingrained lack of faithfulness, whose persistent turning away from God necessitates divine judgment. This term underscores the severe theological implications of deep-seated rebellion, contrasting sharply with God's own unchanging fidelity and serving as a solemn warning against spiritual deviation.
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