English · KJV
H8626

תָּקַן

tâqan /taw-kan'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto equalize, i.e. straighten (intransitive or transitive); figuratively, to compose
KJV usageset in order, make straight.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of tâqan — 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 word tâqan, represented by H8626, is a primitive root meaning to equalize or straighten. Figuratively, it is used to describe the act of composing or setting something in order. It is a rare term, appearing only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Ecclesiastes.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, H8626 primarily explores the theme of unchangeable realities and human limitations. It is used twice to assert that what is crooked (H5791) cannot be made straight Ecclesiastes 1:15. This concept is framed as a matter of divine sovereignty, asking who can possibly make straight what God himself has made crooked Ecclesiastes 7:13. In a different context, the word describes an intellectual or creative act. The preacher (H6953), in his wisdom, is said to have set in order many proverbs as part of his work of teaching the people knowledge Ecclesiastes 12:9.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H8626 is found:

  • H5791 ʻâvath (to wrest; bow self, (make) crooked): This word serves as the direct antonym to tâqan. It describes the state of being bent or perverted, which is presented as something that man cannot make straight Ecclesiastes 1:15.
  • H2713 châqar (to examine intimately; find out, seek out): This term is used in parallel with tâqan to describe the preacher's process. Before he could set in order the proverbs, he had to first seek them out Ecclesiastes 12:9.
  • H4912 mâshâl (a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; proverb): This word identifies the object that the preacher set in order. The act of ordering was applied to these wise sayings to create a body of teaching Ecclesiastes 12:9.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H8626 is centered on the wisdom literature of Ecclesiastes.

  • Divine Sovereignty: The word is used to emphasize God's ultimate power over the created order. Man cannot make straight what God has ordained to be crooked, highlighting the futility of challenging or attempting to "fix" God's work Ecclesiastes 7:13.
  • Human Limitation: The statement that what is crooked cannot be made straight serves as a maxim on the inherent limits of human agency and understanding in a fallen world. It is paired with the idea that what is wanting (H2642) cannot be numbered Ecclesiastes 1:15.
  • The Ordering of Wisdom: In its sole positive human application, the word describes the constructive act of a wise teacher who sets in order proverbs. This act of composing and arranging knowledge is presented as a valuable pursuit for instructing the people (H5971) Ecclesiastes 12:9.

Summary

In summary, H8626 carries a focused and dual meaning within scripture. It powerfully illustrates the profound difference between divine and human capabilities, establishing that man cannot alter the fundamental order God has established. At the same time, it affirms the value of human wisdom in its proper sphere: to study, arrange, and set in order knowledge for the benefit of others.

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 verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — 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.

  • תַקֵּן
  • תִּקֵּן
  • תְקֹן

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.

H5791 עָוַת a primitive root; to wrest; bow self, (make) crooked., falsifying, overthrow, deal perversely, pervert, subvert, turn up H6953 קֹהֶלֶת feminine of active participle from קָהַל; a (female) assembler (i.e. lecturer); abstractly, preaching (used as a 'nom de H2713 חָקַר a primitive root; properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately; find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound H4912 מָשָׁל apparently from מָשַׁל in some original sense of superiority in mental action; properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metap H2642 חֶסְרוֹן from חָסֵר; deficiency; wanting. H5971 עַם from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or

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

3 verses, all in Ecclesiastes — 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.