עָכַר (a.khar)
a.khar
to trouble
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb a.khar means to disturb or stir up, often describing the agitation of water or the disruption of peace. In the Old Testament, it appears twelve times, with a notable concentration in Proverbs and historical books like Joshua and 1 Kings. The word captures a sense of physical or social turbulence, where calm is broken by an external force or internal unrest.
A key distinction lies in its usage: while it can describe literal stirring, such as muddy water becoming unclear, it frequently applies to human relationships. For instance, Proverbs 25:26 uses it to illustrate how a righteous person yielding to the wicked is like a muddied spring or polluted well. Here, the disturbance is moral and relational, ruining clarity and trust.
The term’s root suggests a violent shaking or churning. In Joshua 7, it describes the trouble brought upon Israel by Achan’s sin, showing how individual actions can stir up calamity for the whole community. Translators often render it as "trouble" or "disturb," reflecting its power to disrupt order and purity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a deep disturbance that clouds clarity and disrupts peace. It often appears in the context of relationships or community life, where actions stir up trouble much like mud churning in a clear spring. When we act with cruelty or greed, we do not just affect ourselves; we muddy the waters for everyone around us.
Understanding this helps us see how our choices ripple outward. A single harsh word or selfish decision can break trust and create tension that is hard to settle. The Bible invites us to consider the impact of our behavior on others, encouraging a life that preserves harmony rather than stirring up conflict.
By choosing kindness and integrity, we help keep the waters of our relationships clear. This simple shift in focus allows for deeper connection and peace, reflecting a heart that values the well-being of others above temporary gain or pride.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you have troubled1×
- trouble1×
- he will bring trouble to/ you1×
- he has troubled1×
- have you brought trouble to/ us1×
- and/ you will trouble1×
- and/ [is] troubling1×
- among/ [those who] trouble/ me1×
- [who] troubled1×
- [one who] troubles1×
- [is] troubling1×
- O [one who] troubles1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עוֹכֵ֣ר2×
- עֹכֵ֥ר1×
- עֹכֵ֣ר1×
- עָכַ֥ר1×
- עָכַ֙רְתִּי֙1×
- עֲכַרְתָּ֔/נוּ1×
- עֲכַרְתֶּ֣ם1×
- נֶעְכָּֽרֶת\׃1×
- יַעְכֳּרְ/ךָ֥1×
- וַ/עֲכַרְתֶּ֖ם1×
- וְ/עֹכֵ֥ר1×
- בְּ/עֹֽכְרָ֑/י1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 15:6
In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
This verse contrasts the abundance found in a righteous home with the trouble brought by wicked gains, highlighting how moral choices affect domestic peace.
-
Joshua 7:25
Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? Yahweh will trouble you today.” All Israel stoned him with stones, and they burned them with fire and stoned them with stones.
Here Joshua confronts Achan, showing how hidden sin can stir up calamity for an entire community, breaking the covenant trust.
-
Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
The text links mercy to self-care, warning that cruelty ultimately troubles one's own flesh, emphasizing the personal cost of harshness.
-
I Kings 18:17
When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?”
Ahab accuses Elijah of being a troubler of Israel, illustrating how political leaders often blame prophets for the unrest caused by their own idolatry.