אֶכֶף
a load; by implication, a stroke (others dignity)
Definition
The Hebrew noun אֶכֶף (ʼekeph) primarily means 'a load' or 'burden,' referring to something that is carried or borne. By implication, it can also denote a 'stroke' or 'blow,' likely extending from the idea of a heavy burden or pressure being applied. In its single biblical occurrence in Job 33:7, it is translated as 'hand' in the KJV, where Elihu says, 'Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.' Here, the sense is of a pressing or burdensome hand, aligning with the concepts of pressure or weight.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Job 33:7. It is used in the poetic dialogue of the book of Job, specifically in Elihu's speech where he seeks to comfort Job by assuring him that his 'hand' (representing his argument or reproof) will not be a heavy burden. The context is metaphorical, describing the weight of Elihu's discourse or correction as not being oppressive.
Etymology
אֶכֶף derives from the root אָכַף (ʼākaph, H404), which means 'to press' or 'to urge.' This root conveys the idea of applying pressure or force. The noun form thus naturally carries meanings related to a load or burden, stemming from this sense of pressure. Cognates in other Semitic languages support the concept of something being pressed or weighed down.
Semantic Range
Though rare, אֶכֶף contributes to the theological theme of burden and relief in Scripture. In Job 33:7, it illustrates how divine or human correction can be perceived as a heavy hand, yet Elihu aims to offer gentle reproof. This enriches the reading of Job by highlighting the contrast between oppressive judgment and compassionate discourse, reflecting God's ultimate desire to restore rather than crush the repentant (cf. Psalm 38:4).
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the concept of a 'load' or 'burden' was often associated with physical labor, such as carrying goods or bearing yokes, as well as with metaphorical weights like oppression or sin. The use in Job taps into this understanding, where a 'heavy hand' symbolized authority, punishment, or hardship. This differs slightly from modern usage, where 'hand' alone may not inherently convey such weight or pressure.
מַשָּׂא (massaʼ, H4853) — a load or burden, often prophetic; עֹל (ʿol, H5923) — a yoke, emphasizing servitude or submission; סֶבֶל (sevel, H5447) — a burden or load, typically physical or labor-related.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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