The Hebrew word sâqar, represented by H8265, is a primitive root defined as to ogle, i.e. blink coquettishly; wanton. This specific and evocative term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a pointed illustration of a particular kind of prideful and provocative behavior being condemned.
The sole appearance of H8265 is in Isaiah 3:16, within a prophecy of judgment from the Lord. The verse states: "Moreover the LORD H3068 saith H559, Because H3282 the daughters H1323 of Zion H6726 are haughty H1361, and walk H3212 with stretched forth H5186 necks H1627 and wanton H8265 eyes H5869, walking H1980 and mincing H2952 as they go H3212, and making a tinkling H5913 with their feet H7272". The term is part of a detailed description of arrogance manifested through physical posture and actions.
Several related words in Isaiah 3:16 help construct the full picture of the behavior being judged:
- H1361 gâbahh (haughty): This root means to be lofty or, figuratively, to be haughty. It identifies the underlying sin of pride that motivates the outward actions. Scripture warns that a "haughty" heart precedes destruction Proverbs 18:12.
- H2952 ṭâphaph (mince): Meaning to trip with short steps coquettishly, this word also appears only once in the Bible, in this same verse. It describes the specific manner of walking that accompanies the "wanton eyes," reinforcing the theme of a provocative display.
- H1627 gârôwn (neck): While literally meaning the throat, it is used here to describe the "stretched forth necks." This posture, combined with the other actions, conveys a sense of arrogance and defiance.
The theological significance of H8265 is found in its context as part of a divine rebuke.
- Condemnation of Pride: The Lord's judgment is initiated "Because" H3282 the daughters of Zion are "haughty" H1361. The use of "wanton" eyes is presented as a direct symptom of this inner pride, an attitude God opposes Psalms 131:1.
- Outward Actions Reflect Inner State: The detailed list of behaviors in Isaiah 3:16—from the stretched neck to the wanton eyes and mincing walk—illustrates how an internal attitude of haughtiness is expressed through external actions.
- Divine Scrutiny: The passage is a direct statement from the LORD H3068, showing that God observes and judges such specific behaviors. While man may look on the "outward appearance" H5869, the LORD's judgment addresses both the action and the prideful heart behind it 1 Samuel 16:7.
In summary, H8265 sâqar is a highly specific term for a coquettish or wanton glance. Though rare, its single use in Isaiah 3:16 is powerful, serving as a key detail in a larger portrait of arrogance. It vividly demonstrates how a specific physical mannerism can be an outward expression of a prideful heart that incurs divine judgment, showing that God sees and judges both action and intent.
TRV