### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâqash**, represented by `{{H6140}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to knot or distort**. It is used figuratively to signify the act of perverting something, declaring it perverse, or making it crooked. This term appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently highlighting a deviation from a straight or upright standard.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H6140}}` is frequently contrasted with righteousness and integrity. The book of Proverbs warns that while one who "walketh uprightly" walks securely, "he that perverteth his ways shall be known" [[Proverbs 10:9]]. This theme is echoed in the warning that one who is "perverse in his ways" will "fall at once" [[Proverbs 28:18]]. Isaiah uses the term to describe those who "have made them crooked paths," resulting in a complete lack of peace [[Isaiah 59:8]]. The prophet Micah confronts the leaders of Israel for abhorring judgment and choosing to "pervert all equity" [[Micah 3:9]]. The term can also describe a state of being, as Job fears that even if he claims to be perfect, his own mouth would "prove me perverse" [[Job 9:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of distortion and perversion:
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action): This word is directly modified by `{{H6140}}` in passages that speak of perverting one's ways ([[Proverbs 10:9]], [[Proverbs 28:18]]), illustrating that perversion is a distortion of one's entire life path.
* `{{H1980}}` **hâlak** (to walk): This verb often establishes the context for `{{H6140}}`, contrasting one who "walketh uprightly" with one who "perverteth" his ways, tying the concept of perversion to one's daily conduct and behavior ([[Proverbs 10:9]], [[Proverbs 28:18]]).
* `{{H3477}}` **yâshâr** (straight; figuratively, equity, just, right): This is the direct moral opposite of `{{H6140}}`. While `yâshâr` represents the divine standard of equity, `ʻâqash` is the act of twisting or perverting that standard [[Micah 3:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6140}}` is significant in understanding the nature of sin.
* **Moral Accountability:** The use of `{{H6140}}` consistently links perverse actions to negative consequences. A perverse path leads to being exposed [[Proverbs 10:9]] and sudden collapse [[Proverbs 28:18]], while an upright walk leads to safety (`{{H983}}`) and salvation (`{{H3467}}`).
* **Distortion of Divine Order:** Perversion is portrayed as the active rejection of God's principles. Those who make their paths crooked (`{{H6140}}`) do not know peace (`{{H7965}}`) and operate where there is no judgment (`{{H4941}}`) [[Isaiah 59:8]]. It is an action that replaces divine equity with human distortion [[Micah 3:9]].
* **Inherent Crookedness:** The term points to a condition that goes beyond outward actions. In Job, a man's own mouth can reveal his perverse state, even in the face of self-justification [[Job 9:20]]. This suggests that perversity is a deep-seated distortion of the heart that cannot ultimately be concealed.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6140}}` **ʻâqash** encapsulates the concept of active, willful distortion. It is more than simple wrongdoing; it is the twisting of what should be straight—whether it be a person's life path, a standard of equity, or the state of one's own heart. The word stands as a stark biblical warning against deviating from the path of integrity, illustrating that such perversion leads to exposure, a lack of peace, and eventual downfall. It defines sin not merely as a mistake, but as a deliberate choice to make the straight ways crooked.
TRV