### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâlaph**, represented by `{{H5557}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **wrench**, **subvert**, **overthrow**, or **pervert**. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The term carries a strong sense of distortion and subversion, applied to actions that corrupt justice, the consequences of foolishness, and the ultimate overthrow of the wicked by God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5557}}` is frequently used in legal and wisdom contexts to describe the corruption of truth and righteousness. It appears twice in warnings against accepting a **gift** `{{H7810}}`, as it **perverteth** the words of the righteous ([[Exodus 23:8]], [[Deuteronomy 16:19]]). The book of Proverbs uses the word to illustrate the consequences of human behavior; the **foolishness** `{{H200}}` of **man** `{{H120}}` **perverteth** his **way** `{{H1870}}` [[Proverbs 19:3]], and **wickedness** `{{H7564}}` **overthroweth** the sinner [[Proverbs 13:6]]. It is also used to describe God's sovereign judgment, as He **overthroweth** the wicked [[Proverbs 21:12]], the words of the transgressor [[Proverbs 22:12]], and the **mighty** `{{H386}}` [[Job 12:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a deeper understanding of the actions and consequences associated with perversion and overthrow:
* `{{H7810}}` **shachad** (bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward): This word is directly linked to `{{H5557}}` in legal contexts. Taking a **gift** is forbidden because it can **pervert** the words of the righteous and blind the eyes of the wise [[Deuteronomy 16:19]].
* `{{H7564}}` **rishʻâh** (wrong (especially moral); fault, wickedly(-ness)): This term describes the moral wrong that leads to downfall. Scripture states that **wickedness** itself is the agent that **overthroweth** the sinner [[Proverbs 13:6]].
* `{{H200}}` **ʼivveleth** (silliness; folly, foolishly(-ness)): This highlights the internal source of corruption. It is the **foolishness** of a man that **perverteth** his own way, leading him to then fret against the Lord [[Proverbs 19:3]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing): This is often the object of perversion. A bribe can **pervert** the **words** of the righteous, and the LORD **overthroweth** the **words** of the transgressor [[Proverbs 22:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5557}}` is significant, highlighting themes of justice, human responsibility, and divine sovereignty.
* **Corruption of Justice:** The word is used to condemn actions that undermine righteous judgment. Taking a **gift** `{{H7810}}` is a key example, as it **perverteth** the **words** `{{H1697}}` of the righteous, twisting what should be true and just ([[Exodus 23:8]], [[Deuteronomy 16:19]]).
* **Divine Overthrow:** While humans can pervert ways and words, God is the ultimate agent of overthrow against evil. He **overthroweth** the wicked for their wickedness [[Proverbs 21:12]], the mighty [[Job 12:19]], and the words of the transgressor [[Proverbs 22:12]].
* **Consequence of Sin:** The term illustrates that sin has inherent, self-destructive consequences. It is a man's own **foolishness** `{{H200}}` that **perverteth** his **way** `{{H1870}}` [[Proverbs 19:3]], and it is **wickedness** `{{H7564}}` that **overthroweth** the sinner [[Proverbs 13:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5557}}` defines the act of twisting or subverting what is right. Whether through human action, like taking a bribe that perverts justice, or as a consequence of one's own foolishness and wickedness, the term points to a corruption of a proper course. Ultimately, it also describes God's sovereign power to **overthrow** the wicked, the mighty, and their deceptive words, reinforcing a biblical theme of divine justice and order.
TRV