The Hebrew word ʻâshôwq, represented by H6216, defines an oppressor or tyrant. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, highlighting a specific and severe form of injustice. The term is derived from a root meaning "oppressive" and is used as a noun to identify the one who commits such acts.
In its sole biblical appearance, H6216 is central to a divine command for social justice. In Jeremiah 22:3, the LORD H3068 instructs His people: "Execute H6213 ye judgment H4941 and righteousness H6666, and deliver H5337 the spoiled H1497 out of the hand H3027 of the oppressor H6216". This places the act of oppression in direct opposition to God's requirements for justice and righteousness.
Several related words in the same passage illuminate the context of the oppressor's actions:
- H1497 gâzal (to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob; spoil): This term identifies the victim of the oppressor, the one who has been robbed or stripped of their possessions. The primary command in Jeremiah 22:3 is to "deliver H5337 the spoiled H1497" from the oppressor's hand.
- H3238 yânâh (to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat; do no wrong): This verb describes the unjust actions forbidden by God in the same command. The people are told to "do no wrong H3238" to the vulnerable, which stands in contrast to the actions of an oppressor.
- H2554 châmaç (to be violent; by implication, to maltreat; do violence): This word denotes the violence that the oppressor perpetrates. The command explicitly forbids doing "violence H2554 to the stranger H1616, the fatherless H3490, nor the widow H490" Jeremiah 22:3.
The appearance of H6216 carries significant theological weight, framing oppression as a direct violation of God's will.
- A Command for Active Intervention: The Lord does not merely forbid oppression; He commands His people to "deliver H5337 the spoiled H1497 out of the hand H3027 of the oppressor H6216" Jeremiah 22:3. This requires active involvement in the pursuit of justice.
- Special Concern for the Vulnerable: The command specifically names the "stranger H1616, the fatherless H3490, nor the widow H490" as those who must not be wronged or violated. This highlights God's particular concern for the marginalized and powerless in society.
- Defining Righteousness: The confrontation with the oppressor is presented as a core component of executing "judgment H4941 and righteousness H6666" Jeremiah 22:3. This shows that true righteousness involves actively opposing injustice and protecting its victims.
In summary, while ʻâshôwq H6216 is a rare word, its singular use in scripture is powerful. It defines the oppressor not just as a wrongdoer, but as a direct target for those commanded by God to execute justice. The term functions within a clear directive to defend the spoiled, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, making the opposition to oppression a fundamental tenet of biblical righteousness.
TRV