עֲקַלָּתוֹן

עֲקַלָּתוֹן

tortuous

Definition

The Hebrew word עֲקַלָּתוֹן (ʻăqallâthôwn) means 'tortuous,' 'crooked,' or 'winding.' It describes something that is twisted, bent, or not straight, often implying a sense of deviousness or moral perversion. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 27:1, it is used metaphorically to describe the serpent Leviathan as a 'crooked serpent' or 'tortuous serpent,' emphasizing its dangerous, elusive, and twisted nature. This imagery contrasts with God's direct and righteous power, which will ultimately defeat such chaotic forces.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 27:1. It is used in a prophetic, poetic context to describe the mythological sea monster Leviathan. The usage is metaphorical, applying the physical characteristic of being twisted or coiled to symbolize the chaotic, evil, and deceptive power that opposes God. The pattern is singular and highly symbolic, fitting within Isaiah's themes of God's judgment and victory over cosmic enemies.

Etymology

Derived from the root עָקַל (ʻāqal, H6127), which means 'to twist,' 'to be crooked,' or 'to pervert.' This root conveys the core idea of deviation from a straight line, both literally and morally. The noun form עֲקַלָּתוֹן is an intensive or descriptive form, emphasizing a state or characteristic of being thoroughly twisted or winding. Cognate words in Semitic languages carry similar meanings of bending or distorting.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is used in a key eschatological passage (Isaiah 27:1) depicting God's final victory over evil. Describing Leviathan as 'tortuous' personifies cosmic chaos and opposition to God's order. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by highlighting the symbolic depth of biblical poetry—evil is not just powerful but is deceitful, convoluted, and twisted in nature. It points to God's ultimate power to straighten what is crooked and defeat all forms of spiritual rebellion. In the ancient Near Eastern cultural context, Leviathan was a well-known symbol of primordial chaos and evil, often depicted as a multi-headed sea serpent or dragon. Describing it as 'tortuous' or 'crooked' would resonate with audiences familiar with myths of chaotic, twisting monsters that gods had to conquer to establish order. This differs from a modern, purely literal understanding of 'crooked,' as it carries heavy mythological and symbolic weight about the nature of cosmic evil. עָקַל (ʻāqal, H6127) — the root verb meaning 'to twist' or 'to pervert.' עִקֵּשׁ (ʻiqqēsh, H6141) — meaning 'crooked,' 'perverse,' often used for moral distortion (e.g., Proverbs 2:15). לָוְיָתָן (livyāthān, H3882) — Leviathan, the serpentine creature itself, which this word describes.

Word Details