English · KJV
H6232

עֵשֶׁק

ʻÊsheq /ay-shek'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom עָשַׁק
Meaningoppression; Eshek, an Israelite
KJV usageEshek.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of ʻÊsheq — 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 name ʻÊsheq, represented by H6232, identifies a specific Israelite. It appears just 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. The word is derived from a root meaning oppression, but its sole biblical usage is as the proper name Eshek.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The only appearance of H6232 is in a genealogical record within the book of Chronicles. In this context, Eshek is identified as an Israelite and the father of three sons: Ulam, Jehush, and Eliphelet. The passage explicitly notes his relationship as a brother to another individual and lists his sons in order of birth 1 Chronicles 8:39.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words in the passage help to define Eshek's familial role and context:

  • H1121 bên (a son): This word establishes Eshek's identity as a father and is used to list his descendants 1 Chronicles 8:39.
  • H251 ʼâch (a brother): This term defines Eshek's relationship to another individual within the same genealogical line 1 Chronicles 8:39.
  • H1060 bᵉkôwr (firstborn): This designates the status of Eshek's first son, Ulam, highlighting the importance of birthright within family structures 1 Chronicles 8:39.

Theological Significance

The significance of H6232 is purely genealogical, helping to establish lineage within the biblical narrative.

  • Genealogical Record: Eshek's inclusion in the biblical text serves to document the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin. The record of his sons—Ulam, Jehush, and Eliphelet—is a key part of this historical accounting 1 Chronicles 8:39.
  • Role of the Firstborn: The specific mention of Ulam as the firstborn H1060 underscores the cultural importance of birth order in ancient Israel, which often determined inheritance and family leadership 1 Chronicles 8:39.
  • Tribal Affiliation: Through his descendants, Eshek's line is identified with the tribe of Benjamin. The sons of his firstborn, Ulam, are later described as "mighty men of valour" and part "of the sons of Benjamin" 1 Chronicles 8:40.

Summary

In summary, H6232 ʻÊsheq is not a theological concept but the name of a person. Its single occurrence firmly places him within the post-exilic genealogies of Israel, specifically within the tribe of Benjamin. The mention of Eshek and his sons contributes to the meticulous preservation of family lines, which was vital for the identity and structure of the Israelite people.

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 noun 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.

  • עֵשֶׁק

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.

H1121 בֵּן from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, inclu H251 אָח a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance ( H1060 בְּכוֹר from בָּכַר; firstborn; hence, chief; eldest (son), firstborn(-ling).

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 1 Chronicles — 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.