from עָשַׁק; oppression; oppression, [idiom] oppressor.
Transliteration:maʻăshaqqâh
Pronunciation:mah-ash-ak-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַעֲשַׁקָּה (maʻăshaqqâh, `{{H4642}}`) is derived from the verbal root עָשַׁק (ʻāshaq, `{{H6231}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to oppress," "to defraud," "to exploit," or "to deal unjustly with." As a noun, maʻăshaqqâh refers to the *act* or *state* of oppression itself, the injustice perpetrated, or the condition resulting from such exploitation. It can also, by extension or idiomatically, refer to the one who oppresses, though its primary semantic weight lies in the oppressive action or its outcome. The term highlights a wrongful exercise of power, a taking advantage of the vulnerable, or the withholding of rightful dues, often implying a systemic or persistent pattern of injustice rather than an isolated incident. It speaks to a profound ethical and moral failing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term maʻăshaqqâh (`{{H4642}}`) is relatively rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only two significant passages:
* **[[Isaiah 30:12]]**: "Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel: 'Because you despise this word and trust in oppression (מַעֲשַׁקָּה) and perverseness and rely on them...'" In this prophetic oracle, maʻăshaqqâh is presented as an object of trust and reliance, directly contrasted with "this word" (likely referring to God's instruction or prophetic message). The people of Judah are condemned for putting their confidence not in divine wisdom and righteousness, but in the power gained through exploitation and crooked dealing. This context illuminates maʻăshaqqâh as a deliberate choice, an active engagement in unjust practices, and a misguided source of security. It underscores the moral culpability associated with the term.
* **[[Psalm 119:134]]**: "Redeem me from the oppression (מַעֲשַׁקָּה) of man, that I may keep your precepts." Here, the psalmist petitions God for deliverance from maʻăshaqqâh inflicted by human agents. The phrase "oppression of man" indicates an external force, a burden or injustice imposed by others. The psalmist's motivation for seeking this deliverance is profound: to be free to obey God's commandments. This highlights the disruptive and debilitating nature of oppression, hindering one's ability to live righteously and faithfully. It also emphasizes God as the ultimate deliverer from such human-imposed burdens.
In both instances, maʻăshaqqâh is depicted as a negative, destructive force, either as a sin committed or as a suffering endured, from which divine intervention is earnestly sought.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of maʻăshaqqâh is deeply enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **Root Verb:** The foundational connection is to the verb עָשַׁק (ʻāshaq, `{{H6231}}`), from which maʻăshaqqâh is derived. This verb describes the *action* of oppressing, defrauding, or extorting, providing the dynamic source for the noun's static or resultant meaning.
* **Other terms for injustice/violence:**
* חָמָס (ḥāmās, `{{H2555}}`): Often translated as "violence" or "wrong," it frequently denotes physical brutality and lawlessness, though it can also encompass injustice.
* שֹׁד (shōd, `{{H7722}}`): Signifies "devastation" or "destruction," often brought about by violence or oppression.
* עָוֶל (ʻāwel, `{{H5766}}`) / עַוְלָה (ʻawlāh, `{{H5767}}`): Broader terms for "unrighteousness," "iniquity," or "injustice," encompassing a wider range of moral wrongdoing.
* **Antithetical Concepts:** maʻăshaqqâh stands in stark opposition to:
* צֶדֶק (tsedeq, `{{H6666}}`) / צְדָקָה (tsedāqāh, `{{H6664}}`): "Righteousness" and "justice," which embody the divine standard of equity and fairness.
* **Victims of Oppression:** The biblical narrative frequently identifies the vulnerable as targets of oppression, including the poor, the needy, the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner. God's commands and laws are replete with provisions for their protection, underscoring the severity of maʻăshaqqâh against them.
### Theological Significance
The concept of maʻăshaqqâh (oppression) carries profound theological weight within the biblical worldview:
* **God's Character and Justice:** God is consistently portrayed as the righteous judge who champions the cause of the oppressed. His very nature is antithetical to maʻăshaqqâh. He "executes justice for the oppressed" ([[Psalm 146:7]]) and is depicted as hearing the cry of those who suffer injustice ([[Exodus 22:22-23]]). Oppression is thus a direct affront to God's character and His divine order.
* **Covenant Violation and Sin:** Within the Mosaic covenant, the prohibition against oppression, particularly of the vulnerable within the community, is a foundational ethical demand. Engaging in maʻăshaqqâh is a severe breach of covenant fidelity, demonstrating a failure of love for neighbor and a disregard for God's law. It is a sin that brings the community under divine judgment.
* **Prophetic Denunciation:** The prophets of Israel frequently and vehemently denounce oppression as a primary societal sin. They link the rampant maʻăshaqqâh of their time to the impending judgment of God (e.g., [[Amos 4:1]], [[Micah 2:2]], [[Isaiah 1:17]]). Prophetic calls to repentance often include a demand for justice and an end to exploitation.
* **Redemption and Deliverance:** A central theme of biblical salvation history is God's deliverance of His people *from* oppression. The Exodus from Egypt ([[Exodus 3:7-10]]) stands as the quintessential example of God's redemptive power exercised against a powerful oppressor. The psalmist's prayer in [[Psalm 119:134]] echoes this deep-seated hope for divine intervention against human maʻăshaqqâh.
* **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** Because God is a God of justice who hates oppression, His people are called to reflect His character. Believers are not only to refrain from maʻăshaqqâh but are actively commanded to pursue justice, defend the vulnerable, and work for the liberation of the oppressed ([[Isaiah 1:17]], [[Zechariah 7:9-10]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַעֲשַׁקָּה (maʻăshaqqâh, `{{H4642}}`) signifies "oppression," "exploitation," or the "state of being oppressed," deriving from the verb "to oppress" (ʻāshaq, `{{H6231}}`). Though appearing rarely in the biblical text ([[Isaiah 30:12]], [[Psalm 119:134]]), its usage is highly significant, portraying it as both a sin of misplaced trust and a grievous burden from which divine deliverance is sought. maʻăshaqqâh stands in direct antithesis to God's righteousness (tsedeq, `{{H6666}}`) and justice (tsedāqāh, `{{H6664}}`). Theologically, it represents a profound affront to God's character, a severe violation of covenantal ethics, and a primary target of prophetic condemnation. God is consistently depicted as the defender of the oppressed and the ultimate deliverer from maʻăshaqqâh, calling His people to embody justice and actively oppose all forms of exploitation. This word powerfully underscores the biblical emphasis on ethical conduct, social equity, and God's unwavering commitment to the protection of the vulnerable.
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