### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H6125}}`, transliterated as *ʻâqâh* (עָקָה), derives directly from the verbal root `{{H5781}}` (עוּק, *ʻûq*), which signifies "to compress," "to be distressed," or "to be in straits." As a noun, `{{H6125}}` thus denotes the *state* or *condition* of being compressed, constrained, or oppressed. Its core meaning encompasses a sense of being hemmed in, burdened, or afflicted by external pressures or circumstances. The semantic range extends from physical or situational limitation ("constraint") to the more profound experience of suffering under a heavy burden, whether emotional, social, or existential ("oppression"). It describes a state of severe hardship, often implying a lack of freedom or ease, and a feeling of being crushed or overwhelmed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6125}}` appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant, illuminating its profound implications:
* **[[Psalm 107:39]]**: "Again, they are diminished and brought low through oppression, trouble, and sorrow." Here, `{{H6125}}` (עָקָה) is part of a triad of suffering, alongside "trouble" (יָגוֹן, *yagon*) and "sorrow" (צָרָה, *tsarah*). This verse describes a state of communal decline and abasement, often understood as a consequence of divine judgment upon a people who have strayed from God. The "oppression" here points to a pervasive and debilitating hardship that reduces the strength and status of the afflicted, highlighting a deep sense of vulnerability and distress. The context of Psalm 107 is God's redemptive work, where He delivers those who cry out to Him from various forms of distress, including this profound oppression.
* **[[Proverbs 26:28]]**: "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin." In this proverb, `{{H6125}}` is often translated as "those it crushes" or "those afflicted by it." The lying tongue is personified as an agent of oppression, causing severe distress and constraint to its victims. This verse underscores the destructive power of deceitful speech, which does not merely mislead but actively inflicts a state of suffering and constraint upon those it targets. It reveals that oppression can stem not only from physical force or societal structures but also from malicious and manipulative words, leading to a profound sense of injustice and inner turmoil for the oppressed.
Across these two contexts, `{{H6125}}` consistently describes a state of severe adversity, whether experienced collectively as a consequence of sin and divine discipline, or individually as the direct result of wicked human actions. It denotes a condition of being weighed down, limited, and suffering under a heavy burden.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H6125}}` is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **`{{H5781}}` (עוּק, *ʻûq*)**: The verbal root from which `{{H6125}}` is derived. This root means "to compress," "to be distressed," "to be in straits." This etymological connection emphasizes the active nature of the pressure or affliction that leads to the state of `{{H6125}}`.
* **`{{H6869}}` (צָרָה, *tsarah*)**: "Distress," "trouble," "anguish." This word often appears alongside or in similar contexts to `{{H6125}}`, as seen in [[Psalm 107:39]]. Both terms describe states of severe hardship, with `{{H6869}}` often carrying a broader sense of narrowness or difficulty.
* **`{{H3013}}` (יָגוֹן, *yagon*)**: "Grief," "sorrow," "distress." Another term found in conjunction with `{{H6125}}` in [[Psalm 107:39]], highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of oppression.
* **`{{H6040}}` (עָנִי, *ʻani*)**: "Afflicted," "poor," "humble." This adjective describes the state of one experiencing `{{H6125}}` or similar forms of suffering, often emphasizing their vulnerability and dependence.
* **`{{H6231}}` (עָשַׁק, *ʻashaq*)**: "To oppress," "to extort," "to defraud." This verb describes the *action* of causing oppression, often by those in power or by the wealthy, leading to the state of `{{H6125}}` for the victim.
* **`{{H3238}}` (יָנָה, *yanah*)**: "To oppress," "to wrong." Similar to `{{H6231}}`, this verb denotes the act of inflicting harm or injustice.
* **Theological Concepts**: The concept of `{{H6125}}` is deeply intertwined with biblical themes of suffering, divine judgment, human sin, lament, and God's justice and compassion for the afflicted. It speaks to the reality of a fallen world where both divine discipline and human wickedness can lead to profound distress.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6125}}` is profound, despite its infrequent appearance. It serves as a powerful descriptor of the human condition under duress, particularly when that duress is a consequence of sin or injustice.
Firstly, `{{H6125}}` highlights the **consequences of disobedience and sin**. In [[Psalm 107:39]], the "oppression" is presented as a state into which a people are brought low, often implying a divine hand in their humbling as a corrective measure or a result of their turning away from God. This underscores God's sovereignty over human affairs and His use of challenging circumstances to draw His people back to Himself.
Secondly, `{{H6125}}` reveals the **destructive power of human wickedness**. [[Proverbs 26:28]] vividly portrays how malicious speech, specifically a "lying tongue," can inflict a state of deep "oppression" upon its victims. This emphasizes the moral weight of words and God's abhorrence of deceit and injustice. It demonstrates that oppression is not always physical but can be deeply psychological and relational, causing profound suffering.
Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, the presence of `{{H6125}}` in the biblical text, particularly within the context of Psalm 107, points to **God's compassionate response to the oppressed**. Even when `{{H6125}}` is a consequence of sin, the psalm reveals that when those experiencing such constraint cry out to the Lord, He hears them and delivers them from their distress. This showcases God's character as a Redeemer who is attentive to the cries of the afflicted and brings relief and restoration. It reinforces the biblical mandate for justice and compassion towards those who are oppressed, mirroring God's own heart.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6125}}` (*ʻâqâh*) denotes a state of "constraint" or "oppression," stemming from the root `{{H5781}}` which means "to compress" or "to be distressed." Though rare, its occurrences in the Bible are highly impactful. In [[Psalm 107:39]], it describes the collective abasement and suffering of a people, often understood as a consequence of divine discipline. In [[Proverbs 26:28]], it powerfully illustrates the personal affliction caused by the destructive and deceitful actions of others, particularly through a "lying tongue." Theologically, `{{H6125}}` underscores the reality of profound human suffering, whether resulting from sin or the wickedness of others. Crucially, it also highlights God's attentive and redemptive response to those who experience such deep distress, revealing His compassion for the oppressed and His commitment to justice. It serves as a poignant reminder of both the consequences of sin and the hope found in crying out to a delivering God.
TRV