מַעֲקָשׁ

a crook (in a road)

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַעֲקָשׁ (maʻăqâsh) refers to a crooked or twisted path, specifically a bend or a turn in a road that deviates from a straight line. It is derived from a root meaning 'to twist' or 'to pervert,' and thus carries a metaphorical sense of moral or spiritual deviation from what is right and straight. In its single biblical occurrence in Isaiah 42:16, it is used in a powerful promise from God, who declares He will lead the blind by a way they do not know, making the rough places smooth and turning darkness into light before them. Here, the 'crooked places' (KJV) or 'rough places' (ESV) represent obstacles, difficulties, or confusing paths in life that God Himself will straighten out for His people.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 42:16. It appears in a prophetic context of comfort and redemption, specifically within a 'Servant Song' describing God's faithful guidance for His people. The usage is metaphorical, describing life's difficult and confusing circumstances—not merely a physical road—which God promises to rectify and make straight as part of His saving action.

Etymology

מַעֲקָשׁ is a noun derived from the root עָקַשׁ (ʿāqash, H6140), which means 'to twist,' 'to bend,' or 'to make crooked.' This root is also the source for adjectives like עִקֵּשׁ (ʿiqqēsh, H6121), meaning 'crooked' or 'perverse,' often used to describe deceitful speech or a stubborn heart (e.g., Proverbs 8:8, Deuteronomy 32:5). The noun form thus concretizes the concept of a twisted or bent object, specifically a path.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly illustrates God's character as a faithful guide and deliverer. In Isaiah 42:16, the promise to make the 'crooked places straight' is a powerful image of divine intervention, reversing confusion and hardship for those who trust in Him. It connects to the biblical theme of God's people being led on a straight path (Proverbs 3:6) and contrasts human sin, which makes paths crooked (Proverbs 2:15), with God's saving work that brings clarity, direction, and order. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Isaiah by emphasizing that God's salvation involves actively removing the very obstacles that hinder our journey with Him.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, travel was difficult and dangerous. A 'crooked' road was not just inconvenient; it could be perilous, hiding bandits, obstacles, or leading travelers astray into wilderness. God's promise to straighten such paths would have been a deeply comforting image of provision, safety, and sure guidance in an uncertain world, directly addressing very real physical and existential fears.

עִקֵּשׁ (ʿiqqēsh, H6121) — An adjective meaning 'crooked' or 'perverse,' typically describing moral character or speech, whereas מַעֲקָשׁ is a noun for a crooked place or thing. נָתִיב (nāṯîḇ, H5410) — A 'path' or 'way,' a more general term for a road, which can be straight or crooked.

Word Details

Scripture References