or (feminine) עִקְּבָה; from עָקַב; a heel (as protuberant); hence, a track; figuratively, the rear (of an army); heel, (horse-) hoof, last, lier in wait (by mistake for עָקֵב), (foot-) step.
Transliteration:ʻâqêb
Pronunciation:aw-kabe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H6119 (עָקֵב, ʻâqêb) primarily denotes the "heel" of a foot, specifically emphasizing its protuberant nature. From this concrete anatomical meaning, its semantic range expands to encompass related concepts:
* **Physical Body Part:** The most direct meaning, referring to the posterior part of the human foot or an animal's hoof.
* **Track or Footstep:** By extension, that which the heel leaves behind, a "track" or "footstep."
* **Rear or Last:** Figuratively, it can refer to the "rear" of an army or group, signifying the last in a procession or the tail end.
* **Figurative/Metaphorical Nuances:** The term is intrinsically linked to the verb `{{H6117}}` (עָקַב), meaning "to supplant," "to circumvent," or "to lie in wait." While H6119 itself does not directly mean "lier in wait," its close association with this verb, particularly in the context of striking at the heel or grasping it, imbues it with connotations of vulnerability, pursuit, or even cunning, as seen in the etymology of Jacob's name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H6119 appears in various significant contexts:
* **Physical Heel/Hoof:**
* In the Protoevangelium of [[Genesis 3:15]], the serpent is prophesied to bruise the "heel" of the woman's seed, a pivotal reference to the vulnerability and suffering of the Messiah.
* [[Genesis 49:17]] describes Dan as a serpent by the way that "bites the horse's heels," illustrating a deceptive, ambush-like tactic.
* [[Psalm 41:9]] uses the imagery of lifting up the "heel" against someone to denote betrayal, akin to a kick or a subtle, injurious act by a close associate.
* [[Jeremiah 13:22]] speaks of "heels laid bare," signifying exposure, humiliation, and vulnerability in captivity.
* **Footstep/Track:**
* [[Psalm 77:19]] poetically states that God's "footsteps were not known" in the sea, conveying the mystery and transcendence of His ways.
* [[Job 18:9]] describes a snare holding a wicked man "by the heel," indicating inescapable entrapment.
* **Rear/Last:**
* [[Joshua 10:19]] commands the Israelites to "cut off their rear," referring to the stragglers or those at the back of the enemy's army.
* [[Genesis 49:19]] in Jacob's blessing for Gad states that though a troop shall overcome him, "he shall overcome at the last" (or "at their heel"), implying a final victory after initial defeat.
* **Connection to Jacob's Name:** The most iconic association is found in [[Genesis 25:26]], where Jacob (`{{H3290}}`, Ya'akov) is named because he was born grasping Esau's "heel" (עָקֵב). This act foreshadows his life of striving, supplanting, and wrestling, linking the physical act to the deeper meaning of his character and destiny.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H6119 is enriched by its relationship with other Hebrew terms:
* `{{H6117}}` (עָקַב, ʻâqab): This is the verbal root from which H6119 is derived. It means "to follow at the heel," "to supplant," "to circumvent," or "to deceive." This verb is crucial for understanding the nuanced connection between the physical heel and actions of cunning or betrayal.
* `{{H3290}}` (יַעֲקֹב, Ya'akov): The name Jacob directly relates to H6119 (heel) and `{{H6117}}` (supplanter). The narrative of his birth and life consistently plays on this dual meaning.
* `{{H6120}}` (עֲקֵבָה, ʻaqebah): The feminine form of H6119, also meaning "heel" or "footprint."
* `{{H6121}}` (עֵקֶב, ʻeqeb): A related noun, often translated as "consequence," "reward," "because of," or "in return for." This term extends the idea of "following at the heel" to the concept of a result or outcome.
* **Concepts:** Vulnerability, pursuit, deception, consequence, divine providence, and the struggle between good and evil.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of H6119 is profound, particularly in two key areas:
* **The Protoevangelium ([[Genesis 3:15]]):** This verse, often considered the first gospel, presents the "bruising of the heel" of the woman's seed by the serpent as a prophecy of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The heel, while vulnerable, represents a wound that is not ultimately fatal to the one who inflicts a crushing blow to the serpent's head. This imagery beautifully encapsulates the temporary nature of Christ's suffering and His ultimate, decisive victory over sin and death.
* **The Narrative of Jacob (`{{H3290}}`):** The naming of Jacob at birth, grasping Esau's heel ([[Genesis 25:26]]), serves as a foundational motif for his life. It highlights themes of human striving, cunning, and the desire to supplant, yet it also underscores God's sovereign choice and His transformative work in a flawed individual. Jacob's wrestling with the angel ([[Genesis 32:22-32]]) can be seen as a culmination of this "heel-grabbing" life, leading to a new name and a deeper relationship with God.
* **Vulnerability and Betrayal:** The "heel" can symbolize a point of weakness or a target for attack, whether by an enemy or a betrayer ([[Psalm 41:9]]). This serves as a reminder of human frailty and the reality of sin in relationships.
* **Divine Inscrutability:** God's "footsteps" not being known ([[Psalm 77:19]]) speaks to His transcendence and the unfathomable nature of His plans, inviting awe and trust rather than complete comprehension.
### Summary
H6119 (עָקֵב, ʻâqêb) is a multifaceted Hebrew term primarily denoting the "heel," with extensions to "footstep," "track," and "the rear." Its most significant theological impact stems from the Protoevangelium in [[Genesis 3:15]], where the bruising of the Messiah's heel foreshadows His suffering and ultimate triumph over evil, and from the naming of Jacob (`{{H3290}}`) in [[Genesis 25:26]], which intricately links the physical heel to themes of supplanting and divine purpose. Through these crucial biblical narratives, H6119 encapsulates concepts of human vulnerability, the consequences of actions, and the profound interplay between human striving and God's sovereign plan of redemption.
TRV