Lexical Summary maashaqqah: Oppression, extortion Original Word: מַעֲשַׁקָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oppression, oppressor From ashaq; oppression -- oppression, X oppressor. see HEBREW ashaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ashaq Definition extortionate act NASB Translation oppressor (1), unjust* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַעֲשַׁקָּה] noun feminine extortionate act; — plural absolute רַב מַעֲשַׁקּוֺת Proverbs 28:16 great in extortions; ׳בֶּצַע מ Isaiah 33:15 gain of extortions. Topical Lexicon Overview מַעֲשַׁקָּה portrays the unlawful squeezing of advantage—oppression, extortion, or dishonest gain—by which the strong enrich themselves at the expense of the weak. Though the word occurs only twice, its thematic reach runs through the whole canon: God abhors plunder that distorts justice, and He blesses those who refuse every form of exploitative profit. Scriptural Context “A leader who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days”. Here מַעֲשַׁקָּה exposes a ruler’s character. The proverb contrasts inept tyranny with godly leadership that renounces corrupt gain. Longevity—often a covenant blessing—belongs not to power-hungry officials but to those who resist predatory economics. 2. Isaiah 33:15 “He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who rejects gain from extortion, who shakes his hands free of taking a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil—he will dwell on the heights”. In Isaiah’s vision of Zion’s future, the man who refuses מַעֲשַׁקָּה enjoys divine protection. Escape from judgment and secure habitation stem from rejecting every form of coerced gain. Historical Background Ancient Near Eastern agrarian societies depended on equitable land use and just courts. When kings or local officials manipulated taxes, interest rates, or property rights, families lost ancestral holdings (1 Kings 21:1-16). Prophets identified these practices as covenant violations (Micah 2:1-2). Wisdom literature, crafted for court and community alike, addressed both public administration and private commerce. In post-exilic Judah, renewed emphasis on Torah righteousness (Nehemiah 5:1-13) further highlighted the sin of מַעֲשַׁקָּה. Theological Significance • God’s character: “The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed” (Psalm 103:6). Exploitation contradicts His nature. Practical and Ministry Implications • Leadership integrity: Elders, pastors, and civic leaders must deliberately “hate dishonest profit,” guarding budgets, offerings, and resources from misuse (1 Peter 5:2-3). Related Themes and Cross References Oppression forbidden: Exodus 22:21-24; Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15 Prophetic denunciations: Amos 5:11-12; Micah 6:10-12; Zechariah 7:10 Wisdom parallels: Proverbs 22:22-23; Proverbs 29:4 New Testament resonance: Luke 3:13-14; James 5:1-6 Together these passages clarify that מַעֲשַׁקָּה, though sparsely attested, represents a moral fault line: to embrace it is to invite divine resistance; to reject it is to walk the path of life and safety under the Lord’s favor. Forms and Transliterations מַעֲשַׁקּ֑וֹת מַעֲשַׁקּ֗וֹת מעשקות ma‘ăšaqqōwṯ ma·‘ă·šaq·qō·wṯ maashakKotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 28:16 HEB: תְּ֭בוּנוֹת וְרַ֥ב מַעֲשַׁקּ֑וֹת [שֹׂנְאֵי כ] NAS: who is a great oppressor lacks KJV: [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth INT: understanding great oppressor enemy unjust Isaiah 33:15 2 Occurrences |
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