### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻôsheq**, represented by `{{H6233}}`, is a term for **oppression**. It appears **15 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the root verb `{{H6231}}` **ʻâshaq** (to oppress, defraud), `{{H6233}}` specifically denotes injury, fraud, extortion, and unjust gain, often acquired through cruel and deceitful means.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical texts, `{{H6233}}` is consistently condemned as a grievous sin. Prophets frequently use it to describe the moral decay within Israel and Jerusalem. For instance, Jeremiah describes the city as "wholly **oppression** in the midst of her" [[Jeremiah 6:6]]. Ezekiel lists extortion, or **oppression**, alongside taking usury and shedding blood as reasons for God's judgment [[Ezekiel 22:12]]. The term is also presented as a corrupting influence, with Ecclesiastes noting that "surely **oppression** maketh a wise man mad" [[Ecclesiastes 7:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope and nature of `{{H6233}}`:
* `{{H6231}}` **ʻâshaq** (to oppress, defraud, do violence): As the root verb, it describes the action of which `{{H6233}}` is the result. It is used to describe those who "cruelly **oppressed**" [[Ezekiel 18:18]] and got things **deceitfully** [[Leviticus 6:4]].
* `{{H1498}}` **gâzêl** (robbery, or plunder): This term is often paired with oppression to describe the seizure of property and wealth. The Psalms warn against trusting in **oppression** or becoming vain in **robbery** [[Psalms 62:10]].
* `{{H1215}}` **betsaʻ** (covetousness, unjust gain): This word points to the greedy motive behind oppression. A heart set on **covetousness** is directly linked to committing **oppression** and violence [[Jeremiah 22:17]].
* `{{H3238}}` **yânâh** (to suppress, to maltreat): This verb describes the cruel treatment of the vulnerable, who are victims of oppression. The people of the land **vexed** the poor and needy in conjunction with using **oppression** and exercising robbery [[Ezekiel 22:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6233}}` is significant, highlighting a core aspect of biblical justice.
* **Violation of God's Law:** Oppression is a direct affront to God's commands, particularly those protecting the poor, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow ([[Ezekiel 22:7]], [[Ecclesiastes 5:8]]).
* **Symptom of Rebellion:** The act of oppression is portrayed as a sign of a heart turned from God. It is associated with falsehood, perverseness, and forgetting the Lord ([[Isaiah 59:13]], [[Isaiah 30:12]], [[Ezekiel 22:12]]).
* **Reason for Divine Judgment:** The presence of oppression within a nation or individual life invites divine judgment. Conversely, the righteous cry out to God for deliverance from the **oppression** of man [[Psalms 119:134]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6233}}` is not merely an act of mistreatment but a profound moral and spiritual failure. It encompasses everything from deceitfully gotten things [[Leviticus 6:4]] to systemic extortion that corrupts an entire society [[Ezekiel 22:29]]. The concept stands as a benchmark for injustice, representing a heart characterized by covetousness, violence, and rebellion against the righteous standards of God.
TRV