### 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.
TRV