The Hebrew word ʻâkar, represented by H5916, is a primitive root that means to roil water, or figuratively, to disturb, afflict, and trouble. It appears 14 times across 13 unique verses, often describing an action that brings about severe and widespread negative consequences for an individual, a family, or the entire nation of Israel.
In biblical narratives, H5916 is used to denote a profound and consequential disruption. The most prominent example is Achan, who is labeled the "troubler of Israel" 1 Chronicles 2:7. After Achan's sin, Joshua confronts him, asking, "Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day" Joshua 7:25, illustrating a direct, reciprocal judgment for his actions. Earlier, Jacob accused his sons Simeon and Levi of having "troubled" him, making him "stink among the inhabitants of the land" Genesis 34:30. The term is also central to the confrontation between Elijah and Ahab, where Ahab accuses the prophet of being the one who "troubleth Israel" 1 Kings 18:17, only for Elijah to retort that it is Ahab's house that has brought trouble by forsaking God's law 1 Kings 18:18.
Several related words highlight the causes and effects associated with the act of troubling:
- H4603 mâʻal (to act covertly, i.e. treacherously; transgress): This word is used to describe the root cause of the trouble Achan brought upon Israel. He is identified as the troubler specifically because he "transgressed in the thing accursed" 1 Chronicles 2:7.
- H5800 ʻâzab (to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.; ... forsake): Elijah identifies Ahab's act of forsaking God's commandments as the true source of Israel's trouble 1 Kings 18:18. This links abandoning God's law directly to national affliction.
- H887 bâʼash (to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally): This word is paired with H5916 in Genesis 34:30, where Jacob fears his sons' actions have not only troubled him but also made him "stink" or become odious to his neighbors, endangering his entire house.
The theological weight of H5916 is significant, often illustrating a direct principle of cause and effect.
- Consequences of Sin: Actions described by H5916 are consistently linked to sin. Greed "troubleth his own house" Proverbs 15:27, cruelty "troubleth his own flesh" Proverbs 11:17, and disobedience brings trouble upon a nation 1 Kings 18:18.
- Communal Disturbance: The trouble caused by an individual's sin rarely remains isolated. Achan's transgression troubled the entire "camp of Israel" Joshua 6:18, and Jacob's sons put their whole family at risk of being destroyed Genesis 34:30.
- Internal Affliction: Beyond external events, the word can describe deep emotional or spiritual turmoil. In a state of silent anguish, the psalmist's "sorrow was stirred" Psalms 39:2. Similarly, Jephthah expresses his profound grief by describing his daughter as one of "them that trouble me" Judges 11:35.
In summary, H5916 is a powerful term that signifies more than simple annoyance. It describes a severe disruption with destructive consequences that ripple outward from an individual's sin to affect their family and community. The word underscores a core biblical theme: actions that defy God's order or harm others inevitably lead to ruin, turmoil, and judgment for both the community and the troubler.
TRV