The Hebrew word ʻăqallâthôwn, represented by H6129, means crooked or tortuous. Derived from the root word עָקַל, it appears only a single time in one verse in the entire biblical text, yet it carries significant descriptive weight in its sole context.
The single appearance of H6129 is in Isaiah 27:1, a prophecy describing a future day of judgment. In this verse, the LORD H3068 wields a "sore and great and strong sword" to punish Leviathan. The text uses H6129 to specifically describe Leviathan as the "crooked serpent," highlighting its twisted and winding nature as it faces divine retribution. This descriptor is paired with the parallel phrase "piercing serpent," creating a powerful image of a formidable but condemned foe.
Several related words in Isaiah 27:1 illuminate the context of ʻăqallâthôwn:
- H3882 livyâthân (leviathan): The entity described as "crooked." It is defined as "a wreathed animal, i.e. a serpent (especially the crocodile or some other large sea-monster); figuratively, the constellation of the dragon; also as a symbol of Babylon" Isaiah 27:1.
- H5175 nâchâsh (serpent): The specific type of creature Leviathan is called. The word simply means "a snake (from its hiss); serpent" Isaiah 27:1.
- H1281 bârîyach (piercing): A parallel descriptor for Leviathan in the same verse, defined as "a fugitive, i.e. the serpent (as fleeing), and the constellation by that name; crooked, noble, piercing" Isaiah 27:1.
- H8577 tannîyn (dragon): The creature that is slain in the sea in the same prophetic action, reinforcing the theme of divine power over monstrous sea-creatures. It is defined as "a marine or land monster, i.e. sea-serpent or jackal" Isaiah 27:1.
The theological weight of H6129 is tied exclusively to its use in Isaiah 27:1.
- Symbol of Opposition: The term "crooked" is applied to Leviathan, a powerful serpent that is the object of God's punishment H6485, positioning it as a significant adversary.
- Object of Divine Judgment: Its usage is set within the context of "that day" H3117, a time of ultimate judgment. The serpent's "crooked" nature is part of the characterization of that which the LORD H3068 will punish with His "great and strong sword" (H1419, H2389, H2719).
- Entity Destined for Defeat: The verse concludes with the promise that God "shall slay the dragon that is in the sea" (H2026, H8577, H3220). The adjective "crooked" thus describes a mighty but ultimately doomed enemy of God.
In summary, H6129 is a rare but impactful word. As crooked or tortuous, it vividly characterizes the "leviathan" in Isaiah 27:1. Though it appears only once, it contributes to a powerful prophetic image of the LORD's absolute authority and His final, decisive victory over formidable, serpent-like powers that stand in opposition to Him.
TRV