of uncertain derivation; a scorpion; figuratively, a scourge or knotted whip; scorpion.
Transliteration:ʻaqrâb
Pronunciation:ak-rawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H6137 (ʻaqrâb) denotes primarily a "scorpion," a venomous arachnid indigenous to the arid regions of the Near East. Its literal meaning refers to the creature itself, known for its painful and sometimes deadly sting. The base definition indicates an uncertain derivation, but the semantic range is clear. Beyond its literal sense, H6137 also carries a significant figurative meaning, referring to a "scourge" or a "knotted whip." This metaphorical extension arises from the scorpion's characteristic sting, which is likened to the sharp, painful impact of a severe lashing instrument. Thus, the word encompasses both the natural creature and a potent symbol of intense pain, severe punishment, or oppressive harshness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6137 appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but each instance is highly impactful:
1. **The Wilderness Journey:** In [[Deuteronomy 8:15]], ʻaqrâb is mentioned alongside "fiery serpents" as one of the dangers of the "great and terrifying wilderness" through which God led Israel. This context emphasizes the extreme peril of the environment and, by extension, God's miraculous provision and protection for His people in the face of such threats. The presence of scorpions underscores the severity of the trials Israel endured, highlighting the divine sustenance that preserved them.
2. **Rehoboam's Oppression:** The most prominent figurative use of ʻaqrâb occurs in the narrative of Rehoboam, Solomon's son. In [[1 Kings 12:11]] and [[1 Kings 12:14]] (paralleled in [[2 Chronicles 10:11]] and [[2 Chronicles 10:14]]), Rehoboam famously declares to the people, "My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions." Here, "scorpions" unequivocally refers to a form of severe, excruciating punishment or oppressive rule, far more grievous than ordinary "whips" (`{{H7626}}`). This metaphor vividly portrays Rehoboam's intention to intensify the burdens and harshness placed upon the people, ultimately leading to the division of the kingdom.
3. **Ezekiel's Prophetic Commission:** In [[Ezekiel 2:6]], God tells the prophet Ezekiel, "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions." Here, "scorpions" symbolizes the hostile, rebellious, and spiritually venomous nature of the people to whom Ezekiel is sent. It underscores the profound difficulty and danger inherent in his prophetic ministry, requiring divine courage and unwavering resolve in the face of intense opposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of ʻaqrâb intersects with several related biblical themes and terms:
* **Dangerous Creatures:** Often paired with "serpents" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 8:15]]), ʻaqrâb belongs to a category of dangerous desert creatures that symbolize threat, wilderness, and divine testing. Other related terms include `{{H5175}}` (nachash, serpent) and `{{H8577}}` (tannin, sea monster/dragon), which also carry connotations of danger and opposition.
* **Chastisement and Punishment:** The figurative use of ʻaqrâb as a "scourge" relates it to words for discipline, chastisement, and affliction, such as `{{H7626}}` (shebet, rod/staff/scepter) and `{{H3256}}` (yasar, to discipline/chastise). It represents the most severe end of this spectrum.
* **Wilderness Theology:** The mention of scorpions in the wilderness context connects to the broader biblical theme of the wilderness as a place of testing, purification, and divine revelation, often fraught with natural perils.
* **Prophetic Opposition:** In Ezekiel, ʻaqrâb relates to the concept of a "stiff-necked" or rebellious people, a common challenge faced by prophets throughout the Old Testament.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6137 is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Providence and Protection:** The presence of scorpions in the wilderness narrative of Deuteronomy highlights the profound dangers Israel faced. Yet, God's leading them through such a perilous environment underscores His sovereign protection and miraculous provision. It serves as a reminder that even in the most hostile circumstances, God is able to preserve His people.
2. **The Severity of Oppression and Judgment:** Rehoboam's declaration, "I will chastise you with scorpions," powerfully illustrates the nature of severe, unjust, and oppressive rule. The metaphor conveys the excruciating pain and heightened suffering inflicted by such governance. Theologically, it reflects the consequences of human sin and the allowance of harsh, even tyrannical, leadership as a form of divine judgment or a test for a rebellious people.
3. **The Challenge of Prophetic Ministry:** For Ezekiel, dwelling "among scorpions" encapsulates the spiritual hostility and moral venom of a people resistant to God's word. This signifies the immense courage and divine empowerment required for prophetic ministry in the face of intense opposition and spiritual danger. It also speaks to the nature of spiritual warfare, where the messenger of God confronts forces that seek to sting and harm.
4. **Symbol of Evil and Spiritual Adversaries:** While H6137 itself is an Old Testament term, the concept of the scorpion as a symbol of harmful, stinging evil extends into the New Testament (e.g., `{{G4651}}` in [[Luke 10:19]], [[Revelation 9:3]], [[Revelation 9:5]], [[Revelation 9:10]]). This continuity underscores the enduring biblical understanding of scorpions as representing dangerous, often malevolent, forces, whether natural, human, or spiritual.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6137 (ʻaqrâb) signifies both a literal "scorpion" and, figuratively, a "scourge" or "knotted whip," emphasizing intense pain and severe punishment. Its biblical occurrences reveal its use in three primary contexts: symbolizing the natural dangers of the wilderness from which God protected Israel ([[Deuteronomy 8:15]]); serving as a vivid metaphor for the harsh, oppressive rule of Rehoboam, leading to national division ([[1 Kings 12:11, 12:14]]); and representing the hostile, spiritually venomous environment faced by the prophet Ezekiel in his ministry ([[Ezekiel 2:6]]). Theologically, ʻaqrâb highlights divine protection in peril, the severity of human oppression and divine judgment, and the profound challenges of prophetic proclamation in a rebellious world. It stands as a potent symbol of danger, pain, and spiritual adversity throughout the biblical narrative.
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