### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâshûwq**, represented by `{{H6217}}`, refers to **tyranny** or the state of being **oppressed**. It is derived from the passive participle of עָשַׁק. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, where it describes the condition of those suffering under injustice and the abstract concept of oppression itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6217}}` consistently highlights the suffering and powerlessness of victims. In [[Ecclesiastes 4:1]], the author considers all the **oppressions** happening under the sun, pointing to the tears of the oppressed who have no one to comfort them. [[Amos 3:9]] identifies the **oppressed** as being in the midst of the "great tumults" in Samaria, linking social chaos directly to injustice. Similarly, [[Job 35:9]] explains that it is because of the "multitude of **oppressions**" that people are made to cry out for help against the power of the mighty.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the cause and effect of the condition described by `{{H6217}}`:
* `{{H6231}}` **ʻâshaq** (to press upon, i.e. oppress, defraud, violate, overflow): This is the active verb describing the act of oppression that results in the state of `{{H6217}}`. The Bible repeatedly commands against this action, such as in the warning to not **oppress** the widow, the fatherless, or the stranger [[Zechariah 7:10]]. The Lord executes judgment for all who are **oppressed** [[Psalms 103:6]].
* `{{H2199}}` **zâʻaq** (to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly): This word describes the cry that oppression provokes. [[Job 35:9]] states that the multitude of oppressions makes the oppressed **cry** out. This is the same type of cry the children of Israel made from their bondage in Egypt [[Exodus 2:23]].
* `{{H7768}}` **shâvaʻ** (to halloo (for help, i.e. freedom from some trouble); cry (aloud, out), shout): Also used in [[Job 35:9]], this word signifies a desperate shout for help. It is often a cry directed to God in times of distress, with the expectation of being heard, as when the psalmist declares that God will deliver the needy when he **crieth** [[Psalms 72:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6217}}` is centered on God's response to injustice.
* **The Cry of the Afflicted:** Oppression is never silent; it elicits a cry for help. The use of `{{H6217}}` in [[Job 35:9]] explicitly connects the state of being oppressed to the resulting cries for deliverance, a theme echoed in Israel's cry from bondage [[Exodus 2:23]].
* **A Sign of Social Corruption:** The presence of the "oppressed" `{{H6217}}` is treated as a key indicator of a society in decay. The call in [[Amos 3:9]] to witness the oppressed in Samaria is presented alongside the "great tumults" there, demonstrating that injustice is a source of civic breakdown.
* **The Foundation for Divine Judgment:** God stands as the defender of those described by `{{H6217}}`. The Bible forbids the action of oppressing `{{H6231}}` the vulnerable [[Jeremiah 7:6]] and promises that the Lord will act as a "swift witness" against oppressors [[Malachi 3:5]] while executing judgment for the oppressed [[Psalms 103:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6217}}` is a potent term that defines not only the act of oppression but the profound human suffering and societal turmoil that result from it. While used sparingly, its context reveals a core biblical principle: the state of being oppressed provokes a cry that God hears and responds to with justice. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's alignment with the powerless and his judgment against those who wield power unjustly.
TRV