from עָקַשׁ; distorted; hence, false; crooked, froward, perverse.
Transliteration:ʻiqqêsh
Pronunciation:ik-kashe'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective עִקֵּשׁ (ʻiqqêsh), Strong's number `{{H6141}}`, is derived from the verbal root עָקַשׁ (`{{H6127}}`), meaning "to twist," "to distort," or "to make crooked." As an adjective, ʻiqqêsh therefore describes something or someone that is "distorted," "crooked," or "twisted." While it can carry a literal sense of physical deviation from straightness, its predominant usage in the biblical text is figurative, referring to moral or ethical perversion. It denotes a character or action that is devious, false, froward, or perverse—a deliberate turning away from what is upright, true, or righteous. It implies a moral defect, a lack of integrity, and a tendency toward deceit or rebellion against a standard of rectitude.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻiqqêsh (`{{H6141}}`) appears primarily in the wisdom literature, especially the book of Proverbs, and in the Pentateuch, consistently carrying a negative moral connotation.
* In [[Deuteronomy 32:5]], Moses describes a rebellious Israel as "a perverse and crooked generation," highlighting their moral deviation from God's covenant and their failure to reflect His character. Here, ʻiqqêsh underscores their spiritual deformity and disloyalty.
* The book of Proverbs frequently uses ʻiqqêsh to characterize the wicked or foolish, contrasting them with the wise and righteous:
* [[Proverbs 2:15]] speaks of "those whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways," referring to the evil man who leads astray. The term emphasizes the deceptive and indirect nature of their conduct.
* In [[Proverbs 8:8]], Wisdom personified declares, "All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing crooked or perverse in them." This verse establishes divine wisdom as the antithesis of ʻiqqêsh, signifying its absolute truthfulness, straightforwardness, and integrity.
* God's abhorrence for such character is evident in [[Proverbs 11:20]]: "The Lord detests men of perverse heart." This reveals the deep theological significance of ʻiqqêsh as a quality fundamentally opposed to God's nature.
* The consequences of perversity are highlighted in [[Proverbs 17:20]]: "A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble." This links ʻiqqêsh directly to a lack of success and impending disaster, emphasizing the inherent self-destructive nature of such a character.
* [[Proverbs 19:1]], [[Proverbs 28:6]], and [[Proverbs 28:18]] all contrast the "man whose ways are perverse" with the "poor man whose walk is blameless," asserting the moral superiority of integrity over material wealth and predicting the downfall of the perverse.
Across these contexts, ʻiqqêsh consistently describes a person whose moral compass is fundamentally skewed, whose actions are deceptive, and whose character is rebellious against divine standards.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻiqqêsh (`{{H6141}}`) includes several closely related terms derived from the same root עָקַשׁ (`{{H6127}}`):
* עָקֵשׁ (`{{H6140}}`): An adjective, virtually synonymous with ʻiqqêsh, also meaning "crooked" or "perverse." It appears in passages like [[Psalm 18:27]] (though some translations use different wording) and [[Proverbs 2:15]] alongside ʻiqqêsh.
* עִקְּשׁוּת (`{{H6142}}`): A feminine noun meaning "perverseness" or "crookedness," referring to the quality or state of being ʻiqqêsh.
Antonyms and contrasting concepts are crucial for understanding ʻiqqêsh:
* יָשָׁר (yashar, `{{H3477}}`): "Straight," "upright," "righteous," "just." This is the primary contrast, particularly in Proverbs, where the "straight path" of wisdom is set against the "crooked ways" of the perverse.
* תָּמִים (tamim, `{{H8549}}`): "Complete," "blameless," "sound," "perfect." This term denotes moral integrity and wholeness, standing in direct opposition to the distorted nature of ʻiqqêsh.
Thematic connections include deceit (מִרְמָה, `{{H4820}}`), falsehood (שֶׁקֶר, `{{H8267}}`), folly (אִוֶּלֶת, `{{H200}}`), and wickedness (רֶשַׁע, `{{H7562}}`), all of which are manifestations or consequences of a ʻiqqêsh character.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻiqqêsh (`{{H6141}}`) is profound, touching upon core biblical doctrines:
* **Divine Standard of Rectitude:** The term underscores the absolute straightness and truth of God's character and His commandments. God is inherently not ʻiqqêsh; His ways are perfect and just. Wisdom, as an attribute of God, speaks only what is true and straight ([[Proverbs 8:8]]). This establishes a divine standard against which all human conduct is measured.
* **Human Depravity and Rebellion:** ʻiqqêsh vividly describes the fallen human condition, characterized by a willful turning away from God's path. It is not merely a mistake but a fundamental distortion of character and action, often leading to rebellion against divine authority. The "perverse generation" of Israel in [[Deuteronomy 32:5]] exemplifies this spiritual rebellion and moral decay.
* **Moral Consequences:** The consistent message in Proverbs is that a ʻiqqêsh heart or way leads to ruin, instability, and a lack of prosperity. Such a character is an abomination to the Lord ([[Proverbs 11:20]]), implying divine judgment and alienation from God's blessing. This serves as a strong warning against embracing a crooked path.
* **Call to Integrity:** By highlighting the detestable nature and dire consequences of ʻiqqêsh, the biblical text implicitly calls believers to integrity, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to God's "straight" and righteous ways. It emphasizes the importance of a heart and life that are aligned with divine truth, rather than twisted by self-interest or sin.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עִקֵּשׁ (ʻiqqêsh), Strong's number `{{H6141}}`, signifies a state of moral distortion, crookedness, or perversity. Derived from the verb "to twist" (`{{H6127}}`), it describes individuals whose character, actions, or words are devious, false, or rebellious against what is right and true. Predominantly found in the wisdom literature and Deuteronomy, ʻiqqêsh consistently portrays a negative character trait that is fundamentally opposed to God's nature and His righteous standards. It stands in stark contrast to "straightness" or "uprightness" (e.g., `{{H3477}}`) and is detestable to the Lord, leading inevitably to negative consequences for the individual. The term powerfully emphasizes the biblical call to integrity and adherence to God's "straight" path, serving as a solemn warning against the dangers of moral deviation and the inherent self-destructive nature of a perverse heart.
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