Lexical Summary aqah: To bend, twist, distort Original Word: עָקָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oppression From uwq; constraint -- oppression. see HEBREW uwq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom uq Definition pressure NASB Translation pressure (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עָקָה] noun feminine pressure (si vera lectio, Aramaic word, ᵑ7 עָֽקְתָא, Syriac  ); — only construct מִמְּנֵי עָקַת רָשָׁע Psalm 55:4 because of the pressure of the wicked; > read צַעֲקַת ("" קוֺל; Ol and others), which means cry for help. Topical Lexicon Semantic Field and Nuance עָקָה serves as an intensely emotive word that gathers up ideas of constriction, crushing pressure, and the inward groan that rises when external hostility weighs on the soul. Rather than denoting a passing inconvenience, it pictures a force that pins the heart in a vice grip—social, psychological, even spiritual. Biblical Context: Psalm 55 Psalm 55 is David’s anguished lament over treachery from both public enemies and a trusted companion. In verse 3 the psalmist cries, “because of the voice of the enemy, because of the pressure of the wicked. For they bring down disaster upon me and revile me in their anger” (Berean Standard Bible). The “pressure” (עָקָה) names the suffocating atmosphere produced by relentless accusations and plots. It introduces the lament, frames the petitions that follow, and explains why David seeks refuge “in the wilderness” (verse 7) and ultimately in God’s covenant faithfulness (verse 16). Theological Themes 1. Spiritual Warfare: עָקָה exposes the personal dimension of opposition against God’s servants. It is not merely political unrest but the hostility of the wicked toward righteousness (Psalm 55:15, 23). Historical and Cultural Setting David likely composed Psalm 55 during Absalom’s rebellion or a similar incident when political conspiracy and personal betrayal converged. Ancient Near Eastern culture considered betrayal by a covenant partner particularly heinous, so the emotional impact of עָקָה would have resonated deeply with Israelite worshipers who knew the fragility of social stability in a tribal monarchy. Literary Placement in Israel’s Worship The term appears in a Psalm appointed for both individual lament and corporate singing. When sung in temple or synagogue, עָקָה allowed assembled Israel to vocalize collective memories of national oppression—whether under Pharaoh, Philistine aggression, or later imperial powers—while also granting space for private sorrows. Intertextual Echoes and Related Passages Though the exact word is unique to Psalm 55, the concept intertwines with: Together these build a biblical theology of God as refuge amid crushing stress. New Testament Resonance Psalm 55 is repeatedly viewed as typological of Christ’s experience (John 13:18 alluding to Psalm 41:9, a companion text). The pressure of wicked men that weighed on David foreshadows Gethsemane where Jesus, “in great anguish” (Luke 22:44), bore the ultimate עָקָה for His people. Paul later speaks of being “under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure” (2 Corinthians 1:8), echoing the psalmist’s vocabulary and hope. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Counseling: When believers face slander or betrayal, Psalm 55 furnishes language for prayers that are honest yet faith–filled. Practical Devotional Use 1. Identify the source of pressure. Conclusion Though occurring only once, עָקָה distills the reality of crushing oppression into a single, unforgettable cry. Its inclusion in Scripture assures believers that no pressure is too intense for God’s sustaining grace and that every experience of overwhelming anguish can become a springboard for deeper trust in the covenant-keeping Lord. Forms and Transliterations עָקַ֣ת עקת ‘ā·qaṯ ‘āqaṯ aKatLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 55:3 HEB: אוֹיֵ֗ב מִפְּנֵ֣י עָקַ֣ת רָשָׁ֑ע כִּי־ NAS: Because of the pressure of the wicked; KJV: because of the oppression of the wicked: INT: of the enemy because of the pressure of the wicked for |
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