הֲפַכְפַּךְ (ha.phakh.pakh)
ha.phakh.pakh
crooked
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective ha.phakh.pakh describes something that is crooked or perverted. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Proverbs 21:8. In this specific context, it characterizes the way of a guilty person, contrasting sharply with the straightforward path of the innocent.
The word conveys a sense of moral distortion rather than simple physical irregularity. It suggests a life that has been twisted away from what is right and just. The imagery points to a character that is devious or warped, unable to walk in integrity.
Translators typically render this term as "crooked" or "perverted." This choice highlights the ethical dimension of the word. It serves as a warning against lives that are bent out of shape by sin, urging readers toward a path of uprightness and honesty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ha.phakh.pakh describes a path that is twisted or devious. It appears in Proverbs 21:8 to describe the way of the guilty person. This imagery goes beyond physical shape to show moral distortion. A crooked life is one that avoids straight paths of honesty and integrity.
When we face difficult choices, it is easy to find shortcuts or hide the truth. This word reminds us that sin often bends our steps away from what is right. It does not just mean making a mistake; it suggests a character that has been warped by deception. God desires for us to walk with clarity and honesty.
Instead of following twisted routes, we are invited to seek uprightness. The innocent person in this proverb walks a clear path because they do not hide their actions. As you navigate your own decisions, ask for wisdom to keep your way straight. May your steps be guided by truth and integrity, reflecting the light of God's justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] crooked1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֲפַכְפַּ֬ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 21:8
The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
This verse uses the word to contrast the devious path of the guilty with the upright conduct of the innocent.