עָקַב (a.qav)
a.qav
to assail
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb `aqab` carries the concrete image of following closely behind someone’s heels. In its most famous usage in Genesis 27:36, it describes Esau’s reaction to losing his birthright and blessing. He accuses Jacob of having “supplanted” him twice, a wordplay that links the physical act of holding the heel with the spiritual reality of being overtaken or deceived.
Beyond this narrative, the term extends into the realm of insidious attack or circumvention. In Job 5:12, it describes how God frustrates the devices of the crafty, effectively tripping up those who plan evil. The root suggests a subtle, persistent pressure rather than a frontal assault, capturing the idea of undermining someone from behind or below.
While primarily associated with deception and supplanting in the Qal stem, some scholars note a rare Piel form meaning to hold back, possibly retaining the sense of restraining one’s advance. The word remains a vivid linguistic marker for the tension between cunning strategy and divine sovereignty in the biblical text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb aqab paints a vivid picture of someone following closely on another’s heels. In Genesis, Jacob’s very name reflects this action, marking a life defined by striving and overtaking. It reminds us that human schemes often rely on cunning or pressure to gain advantage. Yet, the biblical narrative does not leave us with only the image of deception.
In Job, we see a different side of this word. God is described as one who does not hold back when He thunders in majesty. Here, the root suggests that divine power overrides every human device. When we feel overwhelmed by the strategies of others or the chaos of life, we can rest in the truth that no plan stands against God’s sovereign voice.
This word invites us to look beyond our own efforts. While we may try to secure our future through cleverness, true security comes from trusting the One who hears and acts with authority. It is a reminder that our lives are held in hands far greater than our own.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he holds back/ them1×
- and/ he has supplanted/ me1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְ֝עַקְּבֵ֗/ם1×
- וַֽ/יַּעְקְבֵ֙/נִי֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 27:36
He said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright. See, now he has taken away my blessing.” He said, “Haven’t you reserved a blessing for me?”
This verse captures the emotional weight of being overtaken, as Esau realizes his brother’s actions have permanently altered his destiny.
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Job 37:4
After it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of his majesty. He doesn’t hold back anything when his voice is heard.
Here the word describes God’s unrestrained power, showing that no human scheme can silence or stop His majesty.