Lexical Summary iqqeshuth: Perversity, crookedness Original Word: עִקְּשׁוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance froward From iqqesh; perversity -- X froward. see HEBREW iqqesh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aqash Definition crookedness NASB Translation deceitful (1), perverse (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עִקְּשׁוּת noun feminine crookedness: — construct מֶּה ׳ע crookedness of mouth Proverbs 4:24; Proverbs 6:12 (compare עִקֵּשׁ Proverbs 19:1). Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Conceptual Background The term refers to moral and verbal crookedness—behavior or speech that bends away from uprightness. In the Hebrew worldview “straight” denotes covenant faithfulness; therefore, any twisting of the tongue or conduct represents rebellion against the God-given order. The word is used exclusively in Wisdom Literature, locating the concept within Israel’s instruction on skillful living. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Proverbs 4:24 – “Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech” (Berean Standard Bible). Both contexts appear in admonitions that contrast the way of wisdom with the way of folly and wickedness. The rarity of the word heightens its rhetorical punch, underlining how seriously Scripture views distortion in communication. Theological Implications in Wisdom Literature The sages treat perverse speech as a root sin that both reveals and reinforces inner corruption. Speech, in biblical anthropology, flows from the heart (Proverbs 4:23; Luke 6:45). When words are twisted, the speaker’s soul is shown to be estranged from the God who “is upright… and there is no unrighteousness in Him” (Psalm 92:15). Thus the term does more than describe social impropriety; it indicts the sinner before a holy God. Moral and Ethical Dimensions Perverse speech undermines community trust, aborts justice, and sows discord—vices repeatedly condemned in Proverbs (6:16-19). Because Israel’s covenant life depended on truthful testimony (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 19:15-21), any form of verbal crookedness threatened the fabric of society. The term therefore functions as a warning label: to tolerate such speech is to invite relational and spiritual collapse. Historical Usage in Ancient Israel Wisdom teaching was transmitted in family and royal settings, shaping the character of future leaders. By branding perverse speech as the hallmark of a “worthless person,” Proverbs equips parents, teachers, and magistrates to identify dangerous influences and to cultivate communities aligned with Yahweh’s righteousness. Applications for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Personal Integrity: Believers are called to examine their words, ensuring they reflect the straight path of Christ rather than the crooked way of sin. Connections with New Testament Teaching James echoes Proverbs when he warns that the tongue can be “a restless evil” (James 3:8). Paul commands believers to put away “falsehood” and to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:25). These passages continue the trajectory established in Proverbs: redeemed people must abandon all forms of crooked speech because they bear witness to the One who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Summary Strong’s 6143 pinpoints the peril of twisted words. Though the term surfaces only twice, its message reverberates throughout Scripture: God’s people are marked by straight paths and straight talk, reflecting the character of their righteous Lord. Forms and Transliterations עִקְּשׁ֣וּת עִקְּשׁ֥וּת עקשות ‘iq·qə·šūṯ ‘iqqəšūṯ ikkeShutLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 4:24 HEB: הָסֵ֣ר מִ֭מְּךָ עִקְּשׁ֣וּת פֶּ֑ה וּלְז֥וּת NAS: Put away from you a deceitful mouth KJV: Put away from thee a froward mouth, INT: Put at A deceitful mouth devious Proverbs 6:12 2 Occurrences |
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