עוּק (uq)
uq
to totter
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb uq appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in Amos 2:6. In this single instance, it is used in the Hiphil stem to describe an action that causes someone to totter or stumble. The precise nature of this movement remains a subject of scholarly debate, with some translations suggesting a physical crushing or being trampled underfoot, while others emphasize the resulting instability of the victim.
Its rarity makes it difficult to pin down a broader semantic range. Because it does not appear elsewhere in Scripture, we cannot compare its usage to other contexts to refine its meaning. The lexicon sources note that the exact nuance is uncertain, leaving translators to choose between images of physical force and those of destabilizing shame or defeat.
This solitary occurrence highlights how a word can carry significant weight despite limited data. In Amos, it contributes to a powerful indictment of social injustice, portraying the vulnerable as being pushed to the brink of collapse. The ambiguity of the term allows it to encompass both the physical act of crushing and the resulting state of trembling instability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word uq appears only once in Scripture, in Amos 2:6, where it describes the vulnerable being pushed to the brink of collapse. It paints a picture of someone tottering under immense weight, unable to stand firm against injustice. This rare verb captures the physical and emotional instability that comes from systemic oppression.
When we read this, we see God’s heart for those who are crushed by powerful systems. The imagery reminds us that God sees the trembling of the weak. It is a call to recognize the dignity of every person and to stand against forces that make others stumble. In our own lives, it invites empathy for those carrying burdens too heavy for them alone.
This single occurrence carries significant weight because it highlights God’s concern for social justice. It shows that He notices when people are pushed to the edge. We can trust that He sees our struggles and cares deeply about how we treat one another.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it totters1×
- [am] about to make totter1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תָּעִיק֙1×
- מֵעִ֖יק1×