אַבְרֵךְ (av.rekh)
av.rekh
to bow
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew word av.rekh appears only once in the Old Testament, recorded in Genesis 41:43 as Egyptians cleared a path for Joseph’s chariot. The exact meaning remains uncertain, with scholars proposing it was either a shout of command or an onomatopoeic cry mimicking the sound of a vehicle approaching.
Two primary interpretations have emerged from the text. One view suggests it means "bow," commanding people to kneel before the new ruler. Another links it to the Aramaic word for "knee," implying a shout that signaled others to bend their knees in respect.
This rare term captures a moment of sudden transition in Joseph’s life, moving from prisoner to viceroy. Its ambiguity reflects the historical distance we have from ancient Egyptian court rituals, leaving readers to imagine the specific gesture or sound that marked his elevation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word av.rekh appears just once in Scripture, marking a dramatic shift in Joseph’s life. In Genesis 41:43, this cry announces his rise from prison to power as he rides in the second chariot of Egypt. It captures a moment where human authority is suddenly elevated, serving as a reminder that God can change circumstances overnight.
While scholars debate whether it was a command to bow or a shout mimicking approaching wheels, the core message remains clear: God exalts those who trust Him. This rare term invites us to see how divine timing often looks like sudden promotion to the world, even when it feels like waiting to us. It encourages patience during seasons of obscurity.
Joseph’s journey shows that elevation is not about personal merit but about God’s sovereign plan. When we face uncertainty, we can rest in the truth that our ultimate standing comes from Him alone. This word reminds us that every season has a purpose, even the quiet ones before the chariot rolls.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bend [the] knee1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַבְרֵ֑ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:43
He made him ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, “Bow the knee!” He set him over all the land of Egypt.
This occurrence marks the precise moment Joseph’s status changes from prisoner to viceroy, using a unique term that signals public submission to his new authority.