feminine of an unused form from עָקַב meaning a trick; trickery; subtilty.
Transliteration:ʻoqbâh
Pronunciation:ok-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun ʻoqbâh (`{{H6122}}`) is derived from the verbal root ʻāqab (`{{H6117}}`), which carries the primary sense of "to seize by the heel," "to supplant," "to circumvent," or "to overreach." This root is famously associated with the name Jacob (Ya'akov), signifying "he supplants" or "heel-grabber," reflecting the narrative of his birth and subsequent interactions. As a feminine noun, ʻoqbâh specifically denotes the abstract quality or action of "trickery," "subtlety," "deceit," or "insidiousness." It implies a cunning and deceptive maneuver, often executed with a hidden or malicious intent, designed to undermine or betray. The base definition "feminine of an unused form from ʻāqab meaning a trick" underscores its direct inheritance of the root's deceptive connotations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻoqbâh (`{{H6122}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in [[Psalm 41:9]]. The verse states: "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, who shared my bread, has turned against me with a ʻoqbâh." Translations vary, often rendering it as "lifted his heel against me" (ESV, NIV) or "dealt treacherously" (NASB). The imagery of "lifting the heel" directly links to the root ʻāqab (`{{H6117}}`), evoking the act of tripping or supplanting someone from behind, a subtle and unexpected act of aggression. In this context, ʻoqbâh emphasizes the profound and painful nature of betrayal, particularly when it emanates from a trusted and intimate companion. It is not an open confrontation but a clandestine, insidious act of treachery, highlighting the deep emotional wound inflicted by such deceit. The singular occurrence of this word powerfully conveys the severity and personal nature of the psalmist's suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻoqbâh (`{{H6122}}`) is enriched by its connection to several related Hebrew terms:
* **ʻāqab (`{{H6117}}`):** The foundational verbal root, meaning "to seize by the heel," "to supplant," "to circumvent," or "to deceive." Its significance is profound in the story of Jacob, whose very name embodies this concept (e.g., [[Genesis 27:36]]).
* **ʻāqēv (`{{H6119}}`):** A noun meaning "heel," providing the literal physical basis for the metaphorical "heel-grabbing" or "tripping" implied by the root.
* **miʻqāb (`{{H4620}}`):** Another related noun, meaning "a heel-print" or "a track," further connecting to the physical action of the root.
* **mirmah (`{{H4820}}`):** A more general and frequently used term for "deceit," "fraud," or "treachery." While ʻoqbâh highlights the cunning and subtle nature of the trick, mirmah encompasses a broader range of deceptive practices.
* **remîyāh (`{{H7423}}`):** Signifies "deceit" or "slackness," often implying a failure of integrity or a deceptive act.
The distinctiveness of ʻoqbâh (`{{H6122}}`) lies in its unique emphasis on the subtle, almost imperceptible maneuver akin to a trip or a hidden trap, directly tied to the "heel" imagery.
### Theological Significance
The solitary appearance of ʻoqbâh (`{{H6122}}`) in [[Psalm 41:9]] carries significant theological weight. This psalm, particularly this verse, is often understood as prophetically foreshadowing the ultimate betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, as cited by Jesus Himself in [[John 13:18]]. The "lifting of the heel" thus becomes a powerful, enduring metaphor for the most profound act of treachery, executed by one who was intimately trusted.
From a broader theological perspective, the concept of "trickery" and "subtlety" inherent in ʻoqbâh is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. God is characterized by truth, faithfulness, and integrity, and any form of deception stands in direct opposition to His nature and His will for humanity. The early narratives involving Jacob, whose name itself embodies the idea of supplanting, illustrate the human propensity for cunning and self-serving manipulation. While Jacob initially employs such ʻoqbâh, his life journey involves divine encounters and transformation, demonstrating that such deceptive practices are not the ideal for God's people. The pain articulated in [[Psalm 41:9]] underscores the destructive impact of subtle treachery on relationships and community, reinforcing the biblical imperative for sincerity, trustworthiness, and integrity among believers.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻoqbâh (`{{H6122}}`) is a singular yet profoundly impactful term, appearing exclusively in [[Psalm 41:9]]. Derived from the root ʻāqab (`{{H6117}}`), meaning "to seize by the heel" or "to supplant," ʻoqbâh precisely denotes "trickery," "subtlety," or "insidious deceit." Its lone biblical occurrence vividly portrays the excruciating pain of betrayal from a trusted companion, where the "lifting of the heel" symbolizes a cunning and treacherous act designed to undermine or trip up. Theologically, ʻoqbâh embodies a form of deception that stands in stark contrast to the divine attributes of truth and faithfulness. It serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of betrayal and the paramount importance of integrity in human relationships, a theme that resonates throughout biblical narrative and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's account of Christ's betrayal.
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