עָשׁוֹק (a.shoq)
a.shoq
oppressor
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun a.shoq refers to an oppressor or extortioner, specifically one who uses power or legal manipulation to seize what belongs to others. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 15:10, where the prophet laments being targeted by such figures.
This term highlights the abuse of authority rather than simple conflict. The sources identify the a.shoq as someone who extorts, suggesting a systematic taking of resources through force or deceit. In its single biblical occurrence, it underscores the vulnerability of the righteous against those who wield social or political power to exploit the weak.
Its rarity in Scripture makes this specific instance in Jeremiah particularly significant. The word captures a distinct type of injustice where the oppressed are not just harmed, but systematically drained by those in positions of influence. This usage preserves the memory of how economic and legal systems can be twisted to serve the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ashoq describes a specific kind of injustice. It is not just a person who causes trouble, but one who uses power or legal tricks to take what belongs to others. In Jeremiah 15:10, the prophet feels the weight of this abuse. He sees how systems can be twisted by those in charge to hurt the vulnerable.
This word reminds us that God cares deeply about fairness. It is not enough to simply avoid conflict; we must actively protect those who cannot protect themselves. When you see someone being taken advantage of, remember that God sees it too. He calls His people to stand with the weak and reject these unfair practices.
May you find comfort in knowing that justice belongs to the Lord. Even when the world feels broken, His standard remains clear: treat others with kindness and refuse to exploit anyone for your own gain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an oppressor1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָשׁ֑וֹק1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 22:3
Yahweh says: “Execute justice and righteousness, and deliver him who is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong. Do no violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Don’t shed innocent blood in this place.
This verse commands deliverance from the oppressor, showing that God's justice requires active intervention to protect the vulnerable from systemic exploitation.