Lexical Summary aqar: To pluck up, to root up, to tear away Original Word: עָקַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dig down, pluck up, root up A primitive root; to pluck up (especially by the roots); specifically, to hamstring; figuratively, to exterminate -- dig down, hough, pluck up, root up. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from eqer Definition to pluck or root up NASB Translation uproot (1), uprooted (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עָקַר] verb denominative pluck or root up — Qal Infinitive construct לַעֲקוֺר with accusative Ecclesiastes 3:2 (opposed to נָטַע). Niph`al Imperfect3feminine singular עֶקְרוֺן תֵּעָקֵר Zephaniah 2:4 (word-play). עִקֵּר verbPi`eldenom (from עֵקַר or other like word = (root-sinew), hamstring; — hamstring horses (on Arabic funeral usage, with camel and horse see WeHeid. 2, 181): Perfect3masculine singular ׳ע Joshua 11:9, Imperfect3masculine singularוַיְעַקֵּר 2 Samuel 8:4 = 1 Chronicles 18:4, 2masculine singularתְּעַקֵּר Joshua 11:6 all with accusative; Perfect3masculine plural עִקְּרוּ שׁוֺר Genesis 49:6they hamstrung an ox. Topical Lexicon Root Imagery and Semantic Range עָקַר paints the picture of forceful removal—whether severing the tendons of war-horses, uprooting plants, or dislodging cities and peoples. The shared thread is decisive deprivation of strength or permanence, a vivid reminder that the LORD alone grants stability and power. Occurrences and Narrative Contexts • Genesis 49:6 introduces the verb in Jacob’s oracle over Simeon and Levi: “in their self-will they hamstrung oxen.” Their violence against innocent creatures illustrates a rash and ungoverned spirit that later costs their tribes territory and influence. • Joshua 11:6, 9 record Yahweh’s command and Joshua’s obedience to “hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.” Disabling Canaanite cavalry ensured Israel would depend on divine help rather than military technology, safeguarding covenant faithfulness at the very outset of possessing the land. • 2 Samuel 8:4 and 1 Chronicles 18:4 describe David’s similar action against Hadadezer. Even in a mature monarchy David honors the earlier command, refusing to accumulate the engines of imperial aggression. The practice demonstrates continuity between conquest and kingdom under God’s rule. • Ecclesiastes 3:2 sets עָקַר within the rhythms of life: “a time to plant and a time to uproot.” What is cultivated for a season must eventually be plucked up, underscoring human limitation and the transitory nature of earthly endeavors. • Zephaniah 2:4 projects the verb onto Philistine cities: “Ekron will be uprooted.” The same action once exercised upon animals and vegetation now falls on nations, showing that persistent rebellion invites total displacement. Theological Themes Dependence on God: Hamstringing horses dismantles a strategic advantage. Israel’s victories arise from covenant obedience, not superior armament (Psalm 20:7). Judgment and Mercy: Uprooting is never random; it is either corrective (as with Simeon and Levi’s rebuke) or punitive (as with Philistia). Yet even judgment points to mercy, for “the LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel” (Psalm 147:2). The God who tears down also restores. Sovereign Timing: Ecclesiastes reminds believers that every activity—including removal—operates under God’s appointed seasons. Disciples must discern when it is time to remove entrenched sin or fruitless endeavors (Hebrews 12:1). Prophetic and Eschatological Overtones Zephaniah’s oracle anticipates a final day when every proud power is uprooted (Zephaniah 3:8). Revelation echoes this imagery as the rider on the white horse strikes the nations, rendering human weaponry futile (Revelation 19:11-16). The hamstringing of horses previews Christ’s ultimate subjection of all hostile forces. Practical Ministry Applications Spiritual Warfare: Leaders may draw on Joshua’s example to “hamstring” modern idols of self-reliance—programs, budgets, or charisma—so that congregations trust the Spirit. Church Discipline: Like Jacob’s prophetic critique, decisive action against unrepentant sin protects the flock (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). Personal Sanctification: Believers are called to “uproot” bitterness and worldly affections (Hebrews 12:15; James 1:21). The same grace that removes can also replant in righteousness. Christological Reflections The Prince of Peace fulfills the prophetic pattern by dismantling instruments of war. Zechariah foresees the Messiah who will “cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem” (Zechariah 9:10). Jesus’ triumphal entry on a colt rather than a war-stallion embodies the hamstrung horse: power under control, victory through humility. Summary עָקַר serves as a sobering emblem of God’s right to disable, displace, and discipline. Whether applied to livestock, crops, cities, or sinful habits, the action urges God’s people to forsake misplaced confidence and yield to the One who “plucks up and plants” according to His perfect wisdom (Jeremiah 1:10). Forms and Transliterations וַיְעַקֵּ֤ר ויעקר לַעֲק֥וֹר לעקור עִקְּרוּ־ עִקֵּ֔ר עקר עקרו־ תְּעַקֵּ֔ר תֵּעָקֵֽר׃ תעקר תעקר׃ ‘iq·qə·rū- ‘iq·qêr ‘iqqêr ‘iqqərū- ikKer ikkeru la‘ăqōwr la·‘ă·qō·wr laaKor tê‘āqêr tə‘aqqêr tê·‘ā·qêr tə·‘aq·qêr teaKer teakKer vayakKer way‘aqqêr way·‘aq·qêrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 49:6 HEB: אִ֔ישׁ וּבִרְצֹנָ֖ם עִקְּרוּ־ שֽׁוֹר׃ KJV: and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. INT: men their self-will down oxen Joshua 11:6 Joshua 11:9 2 Samuel 8:4 1 Chronicles 18:4 Ecclesiastes 3:2 Zephaniah 2:4 7 Occurrences |
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