English · KJV
H6229

עָשַׂק

ʻâsaq /aw-sak/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root (identical with עָשַׁק)
Meaningto press upon, i.e. quarrel
KJV usagestrive with.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of ʻâsaq — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word ʻâsaq, represented by H6229, is a primitive root defined as to press upon, i.e. quarrel; strive with. It is a very specific term, appearing only 1 times in 1 unique verses in the entirety of the Bible, marking a singular moment of conflict.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H6229 is in Genesis 26:20, which details a dispute over a well. The scripture states that "the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours." The conflict was so significant that Isaac named the well Esek, a name derived directly from this word, because they strove with him. This usage firmly anchors the word's meaning to a contentious quarrel over possessions.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words found in the same passage help to illuminate the context of this strife:

  • H7378 rîyb (to wrangle, contend): This word is used in the same verse to describe the initial action of the herdmen who "did strive" with Isaac's men. It points to a broader theme of holding a controversy, as when God promises "I will contend with him that contendeth with thee" Isaiah 49:25.
  • H7462 râʻâh (to tend a flock, shepherd): This word identifies the individuals involved in the conflict as herdmen. The dispute arose between those whose profession was to care for flocks, highlighting that the contention was a practical, occupational one. The same word is used poetically to describe the LORD as a shepherd Psalms 23:1.
  • H559 ʼâmar (to say): This root frames the verbal declaration at the heart of the quarrel. The strife was not silent but was initiated by the herdmen saying, "The water is ours" Genesis 26:20. This word is frequently used to introduce divine speech, as in "Thus saith the LORD" Isaiah 48:17.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H6229, though based on a single verse, is noteworthy.

  • Conflict Over Earthly Provision: Its use in a dispute over a well highlights the theme of human strife for essential resources. The quarrel is grounded in the physical world and the need for sustenance.
  • A Memorial of Contention: The well is named Esek specifically "because they strove" Genesis 26:20, demonstrating how acts of contention can permanently define a place and serve as a memorial to a conflict.
  • Human Strife vs. Divine Action: The human act of striving, H6229, stands in contrast to God's role as a defender. While men quarrel, the related word H7378 is used when David asks God to plead his cause with those who strive against him Psalms 35:1.

Summary

In summary, H6229 is a rare biblical term whose meaning is precisely defined by its single appearance. It signifies a specific type of quarrel rooted in a claim of ownership. Its context within Genesis 26:20, supported by related terms for contending and shepherding, paints a clear picture of earthly conflict. The word serves as a lasting reminder that human strife, particularly over worldly possessions, is a recorded part of the scriptural narrative.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • הִתְעַשְּׂקוּ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H7378 רִיב or רוּב; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. hold a controversy; (b H7462 רָעָה a primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to r H559 אָמַר a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge,

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Genesis — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.