a primitive root; to pinch, i.e. (partially) to bite the lips, blink the eyes (as a gesture of malice), or (fully) to squeeze off (a piece of clay in order to mould a vessel from it); form, move, wink.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qârats**, represented by `{{H7169}}`, is a primitive root with a dual meaning revolving around the action of pinching or squeezing. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses**. This term can describe a subtle, malicious gesture like winking the eyes or biting the lips, but it can also refer to the physical act of squeezing off a piece of clay to form a vessel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7169}}` most often carries a negative connotation of conspiracy and malice. Those who hate without a cause `{{H2600}}` are described as those who "wink `{{H7169}}` with the eye" [[Psalms 35:19]]. This action is linked to causing sorrow `{{H6094}}` in [[Proverbs 10:10]] and is part of a series of non-verbal cues used by a wicked person [[Proverbs 6:13]]. Similarly, "moving `{{H7169}}` his lips" is an action that brings evil `{{H7451}}` to pass [[Proverbs 16:30]]. In stark contrast, the word is used in a neutral, creative sense in [[Job 33:6]], where the speaker acknowledges, "I also am formed `{{H7169}}` out of the clay."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H7169}}` is used:
* `{{H5869}}` **ʻayin** (an eye (literally or figuratively)): This word is frequently paired with `{{H7169}}` to specify the act of "winking with the eye" as a signal of contempt or plotting ([[Proverbs 10:10]], [[Psalms 35:19]]).
* `{{H2563}}` **chômer** (mire or clay): This is the material that is "formed" `{{H7169}}` in [[Job 33:6]]. This word is often used in the context of God as the potter and humanity as the clay [[Isaiah 64:8]].
* `{{H8193}}` **sâphâh** (the lip; by implication, language): The action of "moving" `{{H7169}}` the lips is directly tied to bringing about evil, highlighting how physical gestures are connected to malicious speech or intent [[Proverbs 16:30]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (bad or (as noun) evil): This is the direct result of the malicious actions described by `{{H7169}}`. The gesture of moving the lips is what "bringeth evil to pass" [[Proverbs 16:30]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual significance of `{{H7169}}` is found in its portrayal of both human malice and divine creation.
* **The Language of Malice:** Winking the eye or moving the lips is depicted as a secretive language used by the wicked. It is a gesture used by an adversary `{{H341}}` to rejoice `{{H8055}}` wrongfully [[Psalms 35:19]] and by one who devises `{{H2803}}` froward things `{{H8419}}` [[Proverbs 16:30]].
* **A Sign of a Corrupt Heart:** The physical act of winking is an outward sign of inner foolishness and hatred. The one who "winketh with the eye" causes sorrow [[Proverbs 10:10]], and the action is associated with those who hate `{{H8130}}` God's people "without a cause" `{{H2600}}` [[Psalms 35:19]].
* **The Act of Formation:** In its single positive usage, the word describes being "formed" from clay [[Job 33:6]]. This connects the simple physical act of pinching or squeezing to the foundational theological concept of God `{{H410}}` as the potter who shapes humanity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7169}}` is a versatile word that illustrates a profound contrast. It overwhelmingly describes the subtle, non-verbal communication of those with malicious intent, linking a simple wink or movement of the lips to sorrow, evil, and godless hatred. Yet, its root meaning also provides a picture of the creative act of formation, reminding us that the same physical action of "pinching" can be used to describe both the plotting of evil men and the sovereign power of God shaping his creation.
TRV