a primitive root (identical with עָשַׁק); to press upon, i.e. quarrel; strive with.
Transliteration:ʻâsaq
Pronunciation:aw-sak
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H6229 (ʻâsaq) is a primitive root primarily conveying the sense of "to press upon." From this core meaning, its semantic range expands to encompass "quarreling" and "striving with." The note regarding its identity with H6231 (ʻâshaq) is crucial, as H6231 more commonly signifies "to oppress, defraud." This connection suggests that the "pressing upon" inherent in H6229 often carries a nuance of aggressive or unjust imposition, leading to contention. It describes a situation where one party exerts pressure or makes a claim that incites dispute, often related to rights, resources, or territory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6229 are few but highly illustrative, concentrated within the narrative of Isaac in Genesis:
* **[[Genesis 26:20]]**: "And the herdsmen of Gerar *quarreled* (וַיָּרִיבוּ, from H7378, and *strove* עָשַׂק) with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, 'The water is ours.'" This verse directly links H6229 with the act of disputing over a vital resource, water. The naming of the well "Esek" (עֵשֶׂק), derived from this root, memorializes the contention. The conflict arises from a perceived encroachment on their rights or territory.
* **[[Genesis 26:21]]**: "Then they dug another well, and they *quarreled* (וַיַּעֲשִׂקוּ, from H6229) over it also, so he named it Sitnah." The repetition underscores the persistent nature of the strife. The Gerarites continued their aggressive "pressing upon" Isaac's right to dig and use wells. The naming of this well "Sitnah" (שִׂטְנָה), meaning "enmity" or "accusation," further highlights the adversarial relationship.
These contexts reveal H6229 describing active, often repeated, disputes arising from competition for essential resources. It portrays a situation where one party aggressively asserts a claim, leading to a direct confrontation or struggle.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **H6231 (ʻâshaq)**: As noted, H6229 is identical to H6231. While H6229 focuses on the *act* of quarreling or striving, H6231 more broadly signifies "to oppress, defraud, extort." This strong semantic link suggests that the "striving" of H6229 is rarely a neutral disagreement but often involves an element of unjust pressure or an attempt to wrongfully seize or deny.
* **H7378 (rîḇ)**: This verb means "to strive, contend, dispute, plead." Often used in legal or judicial contexts, it describes the act of engaging in a formal or informal argument. In [[Genesis 26:20]], H6229 and H7378 are used in parallel, indicating a close relationship between "striving" and "quarreling."
* **H7379 (rîḇ)**: The noun form of H7378, meaning "strife, contention, dispute."
* **H4800 (māṣṣāh)**: This noun also means "contention, strife," often appearing in contexts of conflict.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of human conflict, often rooted in perceived injustice, disputed claims, or aggressive demands. H6229 specifically captures the active "pressing upon" that precipitates such strife, emphasizing the direct and often persistent nature of the contention.
### Theological Significance
The use of H6229 in the Genesis narrative carries significant theological weight. It illustrates the reality of conflict and contention in a fallen world, particularly over resources and territory. This reflects humanity's tendency towards self-interest and a lack of trust, leading to disputes that threaten peace and well-being.
Crucially, Isaac's response to the ʻâsaq of the Gerarites provides a powerful theological lesson. Rather than retaliating or escalating the conflict, Isaac repeatedly withdraws, digging new wells and seeking peace. His naming of the wells—Esek (contention), Sitnah (enmity), and finally Rehoboth (spaciousness/broad places)—charts a theological progression. It demonstrates that faithfulness, patience, and a willingness to yield can lead to divine blessing and expansion, even in the face of persistent opposition. Isaac's actions embody a principle of non-retaliation and trust in God's ultimate provision, highlighting that true prosperity comes not from winning every dispute but from walking in obedience and seeking peace. The connection to H6231 further subtly suggests that the "striving" faced by God's people often carries an element of oppression, requiring a response rooted in faith rather than worldly conflict.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H6229 (ʻâsaq) denotes "to press upon," leading to "quarreling" or "striving." Its primary biblical occurrences in Genesis highlight concrete disputes over vital resources, particularly water wells, emphasizing the aggressive and often persistent nature of human contention. The semantic overlap with H6231 (ʻâshaq), "to oppress," suggests that this "striving" frequently involves an element of unjust imposition. Theologically, H6229 underscores the reality of conflict in human experience and, through Isaac's example, illustrates a profound principle of responding to contention with patience, peace-seeking, and trust in divine provision, ultimately leading to blessing rather than prolonged strife.
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