Lexical Summary asaq: To oppress, to extort, to exploit Original Word: עָשַׂק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance strive with A primitive root (identical with ashaq); to press upon, i.e. Quarrel; --strive with. see HEBREW ashaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to contend NASB Translation contended (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עָשַׂק] verb Hithpa`el contend (perhaps originally cling to (in strife), compare Arabic  cling with love (LagBN 143); Syriac  , Ethpa`al be difficult (i.e. indignant, hostile); Late Hebrew עָסַק, ᵑ7 עֲסַק, busy oneself, Late Hebrew עֵסֶק business, occupation); — Perfect3plural הִתְעַשְּׂקוּ עִמּוֺ Genesis 26:20 they contended with him. Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Nuance עָשַׂק (Strong’s Hebrew 6229) conveys the idea of pressing upon someone or something so as to bring about strife, contention, or harassment. In its single biblical appearance it pictures a forceful insistence on one’s own rights at another’s expense. The word therefore sits within the larger biblical theme of interpersonal conflict and the misuse of power, standing in contrast to the covenant ideals of peace, righteousness, and neighbor-love. Biblical Occurrence Genesis 26:20 is the sole occurrence: “But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, ‘The water is ours!’ So he named the well Esek because they contended with him.” Historical and Cultural Context In the arid Negev, a well meant survival. Digging one required both labor and divine favor (Genesis 26:18–22). Possession of water rights implied economic security, territorial claim, and social status. The herdsmen of Gerar, by אסַק-ing Isaac, sought to assert dominance over Abraham’s heir. Their behavior reflects typical ancient Near-Eastern land disputes in which stronger groups squeezed weaker ones to protect scarce resources. Theology of Strife and Peacemaking 1. Strife arises from covetousness (James 4:1–2) and is contrary to God’s righteousness (Romans 1:29). Ministry and Practical Application • Conflict Resolution: Church leaders may draw on Isaac’s example when counseling believers to relinquish non-essential rights for the sake of unity (Romans 14:19). Christological and New Testament Connections Isaac’s quiet endurance under עָשַׂק foreshadows Christ, “who, when He suffered, He did not threaten” (1 Peter 2:23). The conflict over physical water contrasts with Jesus’ offer of “living water” (John 4:10), freely given and inexhaustible, eliminating any ground for selfish contention among His followers. Illustrative Insights for Teaching and Preaching • Title: “From Esek to Rehoboth—Moving Beyond Contention.” Trace Isaac’s journey from strife (Esek) through persistent opposition (Sitnah) to spacious provision (Rehoboth), challenging listeners to trust God amid relational pressure. Relevant Cross-References Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 20:3; Romans 12:17–21; 1 Corinthians 6:7–8; Galatians 5:15; James 3:14–18. Forms and Transliterations הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ התעשקו hiṯ‘aśśəqū hiṯ·‘aś·śə·qū hitasseKuLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 26:20 HEB: עֵ֔שֶׂק כִּ֥י הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ עִמּֽוֹ׃ NAS: Esek, because they contended with him. KJV: Esek; because they strove with him. INT: Esek because contended they 1 Occurrence |
    |