from עָקַב in its denominative sense; a lier in wait; heel (by mistake for עָקֵב).
Transliteration:ʻâqêb
Pronunciation:aw-kabe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6120 (עָקֵב, ʻâqêb) presents a fascinating semantic range, rooted in the verb H6117 (עָקַב, ʻâqab), which signifies "to supplant," "to circumvent," "to assault," or "to follow at the heel." The base definition provided for H6120 includes "a lier in wait" and "heel." The parenthetical note "(by mistake for עָקֵב)" within the Strong's entry for H6120 itself is unusual and likely refers to its relationship with H6119 (עָקֵב), the more common noun for "heel," suggesting that H6120 might be a less frequent or perhaps a specific grammatical form of the same concept.
Thus, H6120 carries a dual potential:
1. **"Lier in wait"**: This meaning directly stems from the active sense of its verbal root H6117, implying stealth, deception, or a hidden threat. It evokes the image of someone ambushing another, often by targeting a vulnerable point.
2. **"Heel"**: This is the concrete anatomical meaning, closely related to H6119. The heel, as the lowest and often most vulnerable part of the foot, carries symbolic weight related to vulnerability, pursuit, or being tripped.
In its singular clear occurrence in the Masoretic Text, H6120 functions as "heel," indicating that while the "lier in wait" aspect is etymologically present from the root, the word itself is employed for the physical body part.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6120 appears primarily in a solitary, poignant verse within the book of Job, though some textual traditions or concordances might attribute it to other passages where H6119 is more commonly found.
* **[[Job 18:9]]**: "The trap shall seize him by the heel, and the snare shall lay hold on him."
In this verse, Bildad the Shuhite is describing the inevitable downfall of the wicked. The imagery is vivid and stark: a trap, a snare, seizing the "heel" (H6120). The heel, being a point of contact with the ground and often the first part of the body to enter a trap, symbolizes vulnerability and the inescapable nature of judgment. The wicked, depicted as walking confidently, are suddenly ensnared at their most exposed point. This usage emphasizes the physical "heel" as the target of an unseen, lurking danger, thus subtly connecting back to the "lier in wait" aspect of the root H6117 – the trap itself acts as a lier in wait. The context underscores the theme of divine retribution and the ultimate inability of the wicked to escape their fate.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding H6120 is rich, connecting it to several key Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **H6119 (עָקֵב, ʻâqêb)**: This is the more common and frequent noun for "heel" in the Hebrew Bible. It appears in contexts ranging from anatomical descriptions to symbolic expressions of pursuit or vulnerability, as in [[Genesis 3:15]] (though a different form of the word, H6119, is used there, the concept is identical).
* **H6117 (עָקַב, ʻâqab)**: The verbal root from which H6120 derives. This verb means "to supplant," "to circumvent," "to follow at the heel," or "to lie in wait for." It carries connotations of cunning, deception, and strategic pursuit.
* **H3290 (יַעֲקֹב, Ya'aqov)**: The name "Jacob" is famously derived from H6117, meaning "he supplants" or "heel-grabber." This etymology is highlighted in [[Genesis 25:26]], where Jacob is born holding Esau's heel, and later in [[Genesis 27:36]], where Esau laments that Jacob has "supplanted" him twice. This connection underscores the theme of trickery and destiny.
* **Concepts of Vulnerability and Entrapment**: The use of H6120 in [[Job 18:9]] directly evokes the idea of a vulnerable point being targeted by an unseen force, leading to capture. This concept resonates throughout biblical literature, often in descriptions of divine judgment or the consequences of sin.
* **Concepts of Deception and Pursuit**: The underlying root H6117 brings to mind the subtle, often unseen, actions of those who lie in wait or seek to supplant. This can apply to human adversaries, spiritual forces, or even the insidious nature of sin itself.
### Theological Significance
While H6120 is rare in its direct biblical occurrence, its connection to the broader semantic family of "heel" and "supplanting" imbues it with significant theological weight:
1. **Vulnerability and Divine Judgment**: The imagery in [[Job 18:9]] of the trap seizing the heel speaks to the inescapable nature of divine judgment for the wicked. The heel, often overlooked, represents a point of weakness or exposure. For the righteous, God is a protector who guards their steps; for the wicked, their own path leads to their entrapment at their most vulnerable point. This highlights a theological principle: no one can ultimately evade the consequences of their actions before a holy God.
2. **The Protoevangelium and Spiritual Conflict**: Though H6120 itself is not used, the concept of the "heel" is central to the first Messianic prophecy in [[Genesis 3:15]]. Here, the serpent's seed will bruise the heel of the woman's seed, while the woman's seed will bruise the serpent's head. This foundational passage establishes a cosmic conflict where the heel represents a point of vulnerability and suffering for the Messiah, yet not a fatal wound, leading to ultimate victory over evil. The "lier in wait" aspect of the root H6117 can be seen in the serpent's deceptive and insidious attack.
3. **The Nature of Sin and Deception**: The broader family of words (especially H6117) points to the subtle, often hidden, ways in which sin operates or adversaries plot. Like a lier in wait, sin can creep up and seize one at a moment of vulnerability, leading to a fall. This underscores the need for vigilance and reliance on God's protection.
### Summary
The Hebrew term H6120 (עָקֵב, ʻâqêb) is a rare but potent word. While its Strong's definition notes "a lier in wait" derived from its root H6117 ("to supplant, circumvent"), its primary clear biblical usage in [[Job 18:9]] is as "heel." This dual aspect allows for a rich interpretation: the "heel" signifies a point of vulnerability, particularly in the context of being ensnared by a "trap" or "snare." The underlying verbal root connects it to the concept of subtle, often deceptive, pursuit or attack, like one who "lies in wait." Theologically, H6120 and its related terms illuminate themes of divine judgment, the inescapable consequences for the wicked, and the pervasive nature of spiritual conflict where even a seemingly minor point of vulnerability can be targeted. It serves as a reminder of human frailty and the insidious nature of forces that seek to entrap.
TRV