Lexical Summary takak: To subdue, to humble, to bring low Original Word: תָּכָךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance deceitful From an unused root meaning to dissever, i.e. Crush -- deceitful. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as tok, q.v. Topical Lexicon Entry OverviewStrong’s Hebrew 8501 תָּכָךְ designates “one who oppresses or extorts.” The single biblical appearance, Proverbs 29:13, places the word within a wisdom context that contrasts the powerless and the powerful while asserting the sovereign oversight of the Lord. Scriptural Usage Proverbs 29:13: “The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.” The pairing of רָשׁ (“poor”) and תָּכָךְ (“oppressor”) forms an antithetic dyad typical of Hebrew wisdom literature. The statement does not minimize the moral gulf between the two; rather, it underscores that both exist under the same divine gaze and depend on the same Creator for the very faculty of sight. The verse thereby levels all social distinctions before God, anticipating themes of impartial judgment found throughout Scripture (for example, Job 34:19; Romans 2:11). Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, socioeconomic disparities were often extreme. Kings and officials might conscript labor, exact heavy taxes, or seize property (1 Kings 21:1-16). Wisdom teaching emerged as a corrective voice, warning that such misuse of power invites divine retribution (Proverbs 14:31; 22:16). The term תָּכָךְ captures this predatory posture: it evokes the imagery of crushing the vulnerable for gain. Yet Proverbs 29:13 simultaneously reminds hearers that God grants even the oppressor’s next breath, thereby holding him accountable. Literary Context within Proverbs 29 Proverbs 29 collects sayings that critique unjust governance (29:2), warn rulers against flattery (29:12), and indict bribery (29:4). Verse 13 stands as a hinge: it affirms the common origin of ruler and subject, grounding the chapter’s ethical directives in a theology of creation. The “light” God gives to both is not merely physical sight; it also connotes moral perception (Psalm 36:9). If the oppressor refuses that light, his culpability increases. Theological Significance 1. Divine Impartiality The Lord “does not show favoritism nor regard the rich more than the poor” (Job 34:19). Proverbs 29:13 sharpens this truth by naming the very actor who denies equity—yet still receives God’s sustaining grace. Common grace thus becomes a summons to repentance. 2. Human Responsibility Because God enlightens the eyes of oppressor and oppressed alike, moral blindness is willful (John 3:19-20). The verse foreshadows prophetic declarations that the light will one day expose every hidden deed (Isaiah 10:1-3). 3. Eschatological Hope Scripture looks beyond temporal inequalities to a final reckoning in which oppression is abolished (Revelation 21:4). Proverbs 29:13 seeds this hope by asserting God’s present, active oversight. Ministry and Pastoral Application • Calling the Powerful to Account Leaders within church or civil structures must recognize that authority is derivative. Like the oppressor in Proverbs 29:13, they live by God’s light. Teaching this verse encourages humility, transparency, and servant leadership (Mark 10:42-45). • Comforting the Afflicted The poor often feel invisible, yet the proverb assures them that the same Lord who sees the oppressor also illuminates their path. Pastors can use this text to affirm dignity, encourage perseverance, and direct believers to the ultimate vindication found in Christ. • Gospel Witness Jesus applied Isaiah 61:1 to Himself: “He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18). The gospel confronts oppressive structures and transforms oppressors into benefactors (Luke 19:8-9). Proverbs 29:13, therefore, supports evangelistic appeals that call every class to repentance and faith. Canonical Connections • Old Testament Law: Exodus 22:21-24 condemns exploitation, promising divine wrath upon oppressors. Christological Insight The crucifixion unmasked the ultimate oppression—condemning the Innocent One—while simultaneously revealing that Jesus bore judgment for both victims and victimizers (Isaiah 53:6). Proverbs 29:13 hints at this redemptive scope: the same Lord who enlightens all eyes also offers salvation to all who believe (2 Corinthians 4:6). Summary Though תָּכָךְ occurs only once, its solitary placement in Proverbs 29:13 amplifies a foundational biblical truth: every human being, regardless of social status, exists by God’s sustaining illumination and stands accountable to Him. The verse calls the oppressor to repentance, comforts the oppressed with the assurance of divine oversight, and directs all to the light of the gospel that alone can transform both. Forms and Transliterations תְּכָכִ֣ים תככים tə·ḵā·ḵîm techaChim təḵāḵîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 29:13 HEB: רָ֤שׁ וְאִ֣ישׁ תְּכָכִ֣ים נִפְגָּ֑שׁוּ מֵ֤אִיר־ KJV: The poor and the deceitful man INT: the poor man and the deceitful have gives 1 Occurrence |
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