עִקֵּשׁ (iq.qesh)
iq.qesh
Ikkesh
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name ‘Iqqesh (Strong’s H6142) is a rare Hebrew proper noun meaning “twisted” or “crooked.” It appears only three times in the Old Testament, primarily within the genealogical lists of David’s mighty warriors found in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. The word derives from the root ‘qash, which carries the sense of bending or turning aside.
Its most notable occurrence identifies a specific Tekoite warrior who was the father of Ira. This individual is listed among those who served King David during the United Monarchy period (2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 11:28, 27:10). The name likely functioned as a descriptive nickname or a reference to physical characteristics, distinguishing this warrior within the royal military records.
The brevity of its biblical usage highlights how personal names in Scripture often preserved unique historical details about ordinary individuals who served in significant roles. While the exact connotation of “twisted” remains open to interpretation—whether referring to posture, personality, or lineage—the text preserves his identity as part of the loyal retinue that supported David’s reign.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ikkesh, meaning "twisted" or "crooked," appears in the Bible as a rare proper noun attached to a specific warrior from Tekoa. Though the term might suggest physical deformity or a bent posture, its use here likely served as a distinguishing nickname within King David’s military records. It reminds us that God values individuals not for their polished appearance, but for their loyalty and service.
Scripture preserves the names of ordinary men like Ikkesh, whose sons served faithfully in difficult times. This detail shows that your unique background or physical traits do not disqualify you from being part of God’s story. Even those with "crooked" paths or unusual characteristics are woven into the larger narrative of faithfulness.
When we read these genealogies, we see that every name has a place. Your life, with all its twists and turns, is recorded and valued by God. He uses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes, offering hope that your current struggles or differences are not obstacles to His plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ikkesh3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עִקֵּ֖שׁ2×
- עִקֵּשׁ֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 23:26
Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,
This verse identifies Ikkesh as the father of Ira, establishing his lineage within David’s elite warriors.
-
I Chronicles 11:28
Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite,
The chronicler lists Ikkesh alongside other notable captains, highlighting the importance of this family in Israel’s military history.
-
I Chronicles 27:9
The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite. In his division were twenty-four thousand.
This passage specifies that Ira, son of Ikkesh, commanded a large division of twenty-four thousand men, showing his significant role.