עָקַל

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word ʻâqal, represented by H6127, is a primitive root defined as to wrest; wrong. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a potent description of perverted justice, where a righteous outcome is twisted into something corrupt.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H6127 is in Habakkuk 1:4, where the prophet laments a state of moral decay. The verse states that because the law is "slacked" and the wicked surround the righteous, "wrong judgment proceedeth." In this context, ʻâqal describes a verdict that has been actively corrupted, failing to reflect the true justice that should have been rendered. It is presented as the direct result of the ungodly oppressing the just.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words from its only context in Habakkuk 1:4 help clarify the meaning of H6127:

• H7563 râshâʻ (wicked): This term, meaning a "morally wrong" or "bad person," identifies the agent responsible for the perversion of justice. The wicked are those who "compass about the righteous" Habakkuk 1:4, leading to the wrongful judgment.
• H6662 tsaddîyq (righteous): Defined as "just, lawful, righteous (man)," this word represents the victim of the "wrong" judgment. The LORD is shown to uphold the righteous when the arms of the wicked are broken Psalms 37:17.
• H4941 mishpâṭ (judgment): This term refers to a "verdict pronounced judicially." It is the very concept being corrupted by H6127. God's ways are described as judgment Deuteronomy 32:4, making its perversion a serious offense.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H6127 is focused on the corruption of divine standards.

• Perversion of Divine Law: The use of H6127 signifies a direct assault on God's order. It appears because the law H8451 is "slacked" H6313, allowing wrong judgment to go forth Habakkuk 1:4. This highlights a severe breakdown in the moral and legal fabric of society.
• The Siege of the Righteous: The word is used in a context where the wicked H7563 "doth compass about" H3803 the righteous H6662. This dynamic of evil enclosing or besieging the just is what leads to injustice when the law is not enforced Habakkuk 1:4.
• The Consequence of Inaction: The text explicitly links the emergence of wrong H6127 judgment to the failure of the law H8451. When the law is "slacked" and does not "go forth" H3318, a vacuum is created that is filled by perversion and wickedness.

Summary

In summary, H6127 ʻâqal, though used only once, provides a sharp and critical definition of perverted justice. It means to wrest or make wrong, and its appearance in Habakkuk 1:4 describes a scenario where the law has failed, and the wicked triumph over the righteous. The word encapsulates the severe consequences of a society where legal and moral standards are not upheld, resulting in verdicts that are twisted and unjust.