a primitive root; to knot or distort; figuratively, to pervert (act or declare perverse); make crooked, (prove, that is) perverse(-rt).
Transliteration:ʻâqash
Pronunciation:aw-kash'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H6140, ʻâqash (עָקַשׁ), is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to knot" or "to distort." This literal sense implies a physical twisting, bending, or making something crooked, deviating from a straight or smooth path. Figuratively, and more commonly in its biblical usage, ʻâqash extends to the moral and ethical realm, signifying "to pervert," "to make perverse," or "to act/declare perversely." It describes a deliberate distortion of truth, justice, or a right way of living. The semantic range thus moves from a physical deviation to a profound moral and spiritual one, characterizing a person's character, actions, or speech as fundamentally twisted or devious, in direct opposition to integrity and uprightness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While H6140 appears relatively few times in the Hebrew Bible, its occurrences are potent and illustrative of its meaning:
* **Deuteronomy 32:5**: "They have dealt corruptly with him; they are no longer his children, because of their blemish; they are a perverse and crooked generation." Here, ʻâqash describes the moral state of Israel, characterizing them as a "perverse" (עִקֵּשׁ, H6142, a derivative of H6140) generation. This indictment, part of the Song of Moses, highlights their unfaithfulness and deviation from God's covenant, emphasizing a deep-seated moral distortion.
* **Proverbs 10:9**: "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out." In this wisdom saying, ʻâqash (in the Hiphil, "to cause to be crooked" or "to make crooked") is contrasted with walking in integrity (תֹּם, `{{H8537}}`). The verse teaches that a life characterized by perversion—a deliberate deviation from the straight path of righteousness—inevitably leads to exposure and negative consequences.
* **Proverbs 17:20**: "A man of crooked heart finds no good, and one with a perverse tongue falls into trouble." The term ʻiqqēš (H6142), derived from ʻâqash, is used to describe both a "crooked heart" (or "perverse mind") and a "perverse tongue." This highlights how the internal state of perversion manifests outwardly in speech and action, leading to ruin.
* **Proverbs 19:1**: "Better is a poor man who walks in integrity than one who is crooked in his ways, though he be rich." And **Proverbs 28:6**: "Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in his ways, though he be rich." These two verses reiterate the contrast between integrity and a "crooked" or "perverse" way of life, underscoring the spiritual value of uprightness over material wealth. The "crooked" person is one whose life path is twisted, deviating from God's standards.
Across these contexts, ʻâqash consistently denotes a moral and ethical deviation, a deliberate twisting away from what is right, true, and upright. It describes a character flaw that impacts one's actions, speech, and ultimate destiny.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻâqash is enriched by examining its derivatives and contrasting terms:
* **Derivatives:**
* H6141 (עִקְּשׁוּת, ʻiqqəšût): A feminine noun meaning "crookedness" or "perverseness," representing the state or quality of being ʻâqash.
* H6142 (עִקֵּשׁ, ʻiqqēš): An adjective meaning "perverse," "crooked," or "devious," describing a person or their attributes. This adjective is frequently used in Proverbs (e.g., [[Proverbs 2:15]], [[Proverbs 8:8]], [[Proverbs 17:20]], [[Proverbs 28:6]]).
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:**
* **Straightness/Uprightness:** `{{H3477}}` (yashar), meaning "straight," "upright," or "righteous."
* **Integrity/Blamelessness:** `{{H8537}}` (tôm), signifying "completeness," "integrity," or "blamelessness." This is the direct contrast in Proverbs 10:9, 19:1, 28:6.
* **Truth:** `{{H571}}` ('emeth), denoting "firmness," "truth," or "faithfulness." Perversion is a distortion of truth.
* **Justice/Righteousness:** `{{H6666}}` (tsedeq), referring to "righteousness," "justice," or "equity." ʻâqash represents a perversion of justice.
* **Associated Concepts:**
* **Wickedness/Evil:** `{{H7451}}` (ra') and `{{H7489}}` (rasha'). Perversity is a manifestation of wickedness.
* **Deceit/Treachery:** Actions that are ʻâqash often involve deceit or treachery, as they are not straightforward.
These related terms illuminate the specific nature of ʻâqash as a moral failing characterized by a deliberate deviation from the divine standard of integrity and truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻâqash is profound, particularly in its portrayal of human sinfulness and the divine standard of righteousness.
1. **Violation of Divine Order:** The concept of ʻâqash fundamentally speaks to a disruption or distortion of God's intended order. God is depicted as straightforward, righteous, and true. To be ʻâqash is to act contrary to God's nature and His will for humanity.
2. **Covenant Unfaithfulness:** In Deuteronomy 32:5, the "perverse and crooked generation" refers to Israel's unfaithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh. This highlights that perversity is not merely a personal flaw but a breach of the sacred relationship with God, leading to spiritual alienation.
3. **Ethical Foundation in Wisdom Literature:** Proverbs frequently uses ʻâqash and its derivatives to delineate between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. The "perverse" person is one who rejects wisdom's straight path (`{{H734}}`, orach) and chooses a devious course that leads to ruin and separation from God's blessing. This emphasizes the moral choice inherent in ʻâqash behavior.
4. **Consequences of Perversion:** The biblical texts clearly link ʻâqash to negative outcomes: being "found out" ([[Proverbs 10:9]]), falling into "trouble" ([[Proverbs 17:20]]), and failing to find "good" ([[Proverbs 17:20]]). This underscores God's justice, where perversion does not go unpunished.
5. **Call to Integrity:** By contrasting ʻâqash with integrity (`{{H8537}}`), the Scriptures issue a strong call for uprightness, honesty, and a steadfast adherence to God's ways. The absence of perversity is a mark of true wisdom and righteousness, reflecting a heart aligned with divine truth.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H6140, ʻâqash, fundamentally means "to knot" or "to distort," moving from a literal sense of physical crookedness to a powerful figurative meaning of moral and ethical perversion. In biblical contexts, particularly in Deuteronomy and Proverbs, ʻâqash describes individuals, generations, or actions characterized by a deliberate deviation from integrity, truth, and the straight path of God's commands. It signifies a twisted character, perverted speech, or devious ways that stand in stark contrast to uprightness and blamelessness. Theologically, ʻâqash highlights humanity's capacity for sin and unfaithfulness, serving as a severe indictment of those who violate God's righteous standards. It underscores the profound consequences of choosing a perverse path, ultimately leading away from divine blessing and towards ruin, while simultaneously affirming the value and necessity of integrity in the eyes of God.
TRV