Lexical Summary ashoq: Oppression, extortion Original Word: עָשׁוֹק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oppressor From ashaq; oppressive (as noun, a tyrant) -- oppressor. see HEBREW ashaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ashaq Definition oppressor, extortioner NASB Translation oppressor (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עָשׁוֺק noun [masculine] oppressor, extortioner; — Jeremiah 22:3 (= עשֵׁק Jeremiah 21:12). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context Jeremiah 22:3 is the sole Old Testament verse employing עָשׁוֹק. The prophet, speaking in the waning days of Judah’s monarchy, conveys the Lord’s charge to King Jehoiakim’s court: “Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place” (Jeremiah 22:3). Here the word portrays a person already injured—one whose property, dignity, or life has been unjustly violated. The verse places that injured party alongside traditionally vulnerable groups, highlighting God’s unchanging concern for anyone deprived of protection. Historical Setting Jeremiah’s oracle came amid rampant exploitation by the royal house, including forced labor (Jeremiah 22:13–17). Archaeological and extrabiblical data confirm social stratification and economic abuse during this period. The “victim of robbery” therefore represents a real demographic: citizens crushed by royal greed and corrupt officials. Jeremiah’s call anticipates the Babylonian exile by showing that social injustice, no less than idolatry, invokes covenant curses (Deuteronomy 24:14–15; Deuteronomy 28:29). Theological Significance 1. Reflection of God’s Character: Scripture repeatedly reveals a God who “executes justice for the oppressed” (Psalm 146:7). The singular use of עָשׁוֹק crystallizes that attribute in a royal court setting, demanding that earthly rulers mirror divine justice. Christological Fulfillment Jesus epitomizes God’s redemptive answer for all עָשׁוֹק victims. At His Nazareth inauguration He proclaimed, “He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18). His atoning work rescues humanity from the ultimate oppression—sin and death—while His earthly ministry models lifting the downtrodden (Matthew 11:5). Ministerial and Pastoral Application • Advocacy: Churches are to “rescue the victim” by confronting modern systems that defraud or exploit (James 1:27; Proverbs 31:8–9). Eschatological Hope The promise of a Messianic kingdom guarantees lasting deliverance for every עָשׁוֹק. “He will deliver the needy who cry out, and the afflicted who have no helper” (Psalm 72:12). Revelation 21:4 pictures the final elimination of all oppression, certifying that Jeremiah’s call will find complete fulfillment in the reign of Christ. Summary Though occurring only once, עָשׁוֹק anchors a sweeping biblical motif: God’s unwavering defense of the wronged. Jeremiah 22:3 urges leaders, believers, and communities to mirror that divine priority, anticipating the day when Christ’s kingdom secures perfect justice for every oppressed soul. Forms and Transliterations עָשׁ֑וֹק עשוק ‘ā·šō·wq ‘āšōwq aShokLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 22:3 HEB: גָז֖וּל מִיַּ֣ד עָשׁ֑וֹק וְגֵר֩ יָת֨וֹם NAS: from the power of [his] oppressor. Also do not mistreat KJV: out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, INT: has been robbed the power of oppressor to the stranger the orphan 1 Occurrence |
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