עִקֵּשׁ

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew name ʻIqqêsh, represented by H6142, is defined as perverse; Ikkesh, an Israelite; Ikkesh. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The name serves to identify a specific individual within the genealogical and administrative records of Israel.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H6142 is used exclusively to identify the father of a man named Ira. All three occurrences frame him in this paternal role, as in the phrase "Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite" (2 Samuel 23:26, 1 Chronicles 11:28). His name appears within lists of notable Israelite men. One passage further specifies that his son, Ira, was a military commander, serving as "the sixth captain for the sixth month," with a division of "twenty and four thousand" men under his command 1 Chronicles 27:9.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Ikkesh and his family:

• H5896 ʻÎyrâʼ (wakefulness; Ira, the name of three Israelites; Ira): This is the name of Ikkesh's son, a prominent individual identified as a military captain from Tekoah 1 Chronicles 27:9.
• H1121 bên (a son): This essential term establishes Ikkesh's role as a father, as he is only mentioned in relation to "Ira the son of Ikkesh" 1 Chronicles 11:28.
• H8621 Tᵉqôwʻîy (a Tekoite or inhabitant of Tekoah): This identifier specifies the family's geographical origin from the town of Tekoah, providing important context for their lineage 2 Samuel 23:26.

Theological Significance

The narrative significance of H6142 is centered on lineage and social structure.

• Paternal Lineage: The name ʻIqqêsh exists in scripture solely to identify his son, Ira. His mention emphasizes the patrilineal system of identification in ancient Israel, where a man's identity was often tied to his father 2 Samuel 23:26.
• Connection to Military Command: Though Ikkesh's own deeds are not recorded, his family is linked to significant national service. His son, Ira, was a captain over a course H4256 of twenty-four thousand H505 men, positioning the family within the kingdom's military organization 1 Chronicles 27:9.
• Tekoite Heritage: The consistent designation of his family as Tekoite H8621 grounds them in the history and geography of Judah. This connects them to the town of Tekoah and its people 1 Chronicles 11:28.

Summary

In summary, ʻIqqêsh H6142 is a biblical figure whose identity is preserved through his son, Ira. While the meaning of his name is perverse, his narrative function is purely genealogical, identifying him as a Tekoite and the father of a captain. The three occurrences of his name underscore the importance of paternal lineage and service within the historical records of ancient Israel.