The meaning of “עָקַב”
Understanding ʻâqab reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
take by the heel, stay, supplant, [idiom] utterly. - to seize by the heel - figuratively, to circumvent (as if tripping ...
עָקַב
take by the heel, stay, supplant, [idiom] utterly. - to seize by the heel - figuratively, to circumvent (as if tripping up the heels) - also to restrain (as if holding by the heel) 1) to supplant, circumvent, take by the heel, follow at the heel, assail insidiously, overreach 1a) (Qal) to supplant, overreach, attack at the heel 1b) (Piel) to hold back
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 27:36 | “And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?” Word: עָקַב (ʻâqab) | |
| Job 37:4 | “After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.” Word: עָקַב (ʻâqab) | |
| Jeremiah 9:4 | “Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.” Word: עָקַב (ʻâqab) | |
| Hosea 12:3 | “He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:” Word: עָקַב (ʻâqab) |