### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun עִקְּשׁוּת (ʻiqqᵉshûwth, `{{H6143}}`) is derived from the verbal root עָקַשׁ (ʻaqash), meaning "to twist" or "to make crooked." The related adjective עִקֵּשׁ (ʻiqqêsh, `{{H6140}}`) describes something or someone as "twisted," "perverse," or "crooked." Consequently, עִקְּשׁוּת denotes the *quality* or *state* of being twisted, perverse, or froward. Its semantic range encompasses moral distortion, deviousness, and an inherent turning away from what is straight, right, or true. It signifies a disposition characterized by obstinate opposition to rectitude, often manifesting in speech or behavior that is morally oblique or deceptive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun עִקְּשׁוּת (ʻiqqᵉshûwth, `{{H6143}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Proverbs:
* **[[Proverbs 4:24]]**: "Put away from you a froward mouth, and crooked lips put far from you."
In this sole occurrence, עִקְּשׁוּת is translated as "froward" (KJV) or "perverse" (ESV, NASB, NIV) and is directly associated with the "mouth" (פֶּה, peh) and "lips" (שְׂפָתַיִם, sefatayim). The verse is part of a father's instruction to his son within the wisdom tradition of Proverbs, urging him to guard his heart (לֵב, lev, [[Proverbs 4:23]]) and, by extension, his words. The "froward mouth" and "crooked lips" refer to speech that is twisted, deceitful, malicious, or morally corrupt. This counsel emphasizes the importance of integrity in communication, warning against verbal expressions that betray a perverse inner disposition. The context highlights that such speech is a manifestation of a heart that is not aligned with wisdom and righteousness, and it must be actively rejected and distanced from one's life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is the adjective עִקֵּשׁ (ʻiqqêsh, `{{H6140}}`), from which עִקְּשׁוּת is derived. This adjective is used more frequently in Proverbs to describe individuals, ways, or hearts that are "perverse" or "crooked" (e.g., [[Proverbs 2:15]], [[Proverbs 8:8]], [[Proverbs 11:20]], [[Proverbs 17:20]]).
Other semantically related terms include:
* תַּהְפֻּכָה (tahpukah, `{{H8419}}`): "perversity," "distortion," often used in Proverbs to describe perverse speech or ways (e.g., [[Proverbs 2:12]], [[Proverbs 6:14]], [[Proverbs 8:13]], [[Proverbs 10:32]]). This word is a strong parallel to עִקְּשׁוּת in its application to speech and moral deviation.
* רָשָׁע (rasha, `{{H7563}}`): "wicked," "guilty," denoting a broader concept of unrighteousness.
* עָוֹן (avon, `{{H5771}}`): "iniquity," "guilt," referring to moral crookedness and its consequences.
* Antonyms for עִקְּשׁוּת and related terms would be words signifying straightness, uprightness, and integrity:
* יָשָׁר (yashar, `{{H3477}}`): "straight," "upright," "righteous."
* תָּמִים (tamim, `{{H8549}}`): "complete," "blameless," "perfect" (in integrity).
The concept of עִקְּשׁוּת also connects to the broader biblical theme of the power of the tongue and the importance of righteous speech, as seen in other wisdom texts and the New Testament (e.g., [[James 3:1-12]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of עִקְּשׁוּת in [[Proverbs 4:24]] carries significant theological weight within the wisdom tradition. It highlights the moral nature of sin as a fundamental distortion or crookedness of the human will and character, rather than merely isolated acts.
1. **Moral Deviation from Divine Standard:** The concept of "perversity" inherently implies a deviation from a standard of "straightness" or "uprightness." Theologically, this standard is God's own character and His righteous commands. עִקְּשׁוּת underscores that human sin is a turning away from the divine path, which is always straight and true (e.g., [[Psalm 119:128]]).
2. **Heart-Mouth Connection:** The application of עִקְּשׁוּת to the mouth and lips reinforces a crucial biblical principle: speech is an outflow of the heart. Perverse speech (עִקְּשׁוּת) reveals a perverse heart (e.g., [[Matthew 12:34]], [[Luke 6:45]]). The call to "put away" such speech is therefore a call to cultivate a righteous heart, from which only good and truthful words can flow.
3. **Consequences of Folly:** In Proverbs, the path of the perverse is contrasted with the path of wisdom, leading to ruin, deception, and alienation from God's blessing. עִקְּשׁוּת is a characteristic of the foolish and wicked, who reject divine instruction and choose a path that is inherently self-destructive.
4. **Emphasis on Integrity:** The warning against עִקְּשׁוּת in speech serves as a strong exhortation to integrity, truthfulness, and moral uprightness in all forms of communication. It is a reminder that words are not neutral but carry moral weight and reflect the inner state of the speaker.
### Summary
עִקְּשׁוּת (ʻiqqᵉshûwth, `{{H6143}}`) is a potent Hebrew noun signifying the quality or state of perversity, crookedness, or frowardness. Derived from a root meaning "to twist," it denotes moral distortion and a deliberate deviation from rectitude. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Proverbs 4:24]] applies this perversity specifically to the "mouth" and "lips," condemning speech that is twisted, deceitful, or morally corrupt. This usage underscores the profound connection between one's inner moral state and one's outward expression, particularly through words. Theologically, עִקְּשׁוּת highlights sin as a fundamental crookedness of the heart that stands in stark opposition to God's straight and righteous ways, emphasizing the critical importance of cultivating integrity in both thought and speech to walk in wisdom.
TRV