Original Word: מַעֲשַׁקָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: ma`ashaqqah
Pronunciation: mah-ash-ak-kaw'
Phonetic Spelling: (mah-ash-ak-kaw')
Definition: Oppression, extortion
Meaning: oppression

oppression, oppressor

From ashaq; oppression -- oppression, X oppressor.

see HEBREW ashaq

Word Origin
from ashaq
Definition
extortionate act
NASB Translation
oppressor (1), unjust* (1).

[מַעֲשַׁקָּה] noun feminine extortionate act; — plural absolute רַב מַעֲשַׁקּוֺת Proverbs 28:16 great in extortions; ׳בֶּצַע מ Isaiah 33:15 gain of extortions.

Word Origin: Derived from the root עָשַׁק (ashaq), which means "to oppress" or "to exploit."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek term in the Strong's Concordance is G93, ἀδικία (adikia), which translates to "injustice" or "unrighteousness." This Greek term similarly conveys the idea of moral wrongness and is used in the New Testament to describe actions that are contrary to God's standards of justice and righteousness.

Usage: This noun is used in the context of social injustice, where individuals or groups are subjected to unfair treatment, often involving the abuse of power or authority. It is typically used to describe situations where the vulnerable are taken advantage of by those in positions of power.

Context: The Hebrew term מַעֲשַׁקָּה appears in the Old Testament to describe acts of oppression and extortion, often in the context of social and economic injustice. It is a term that highlights the moral and ethical violations against individuals, particularly the poor and marginalized, by those who wield power. The concept of מַעֲשַׁקָּה is closely tied to the prophetic literature, where prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah denounce the leaders and people of Israel for their oppressive practices. For instance, in Ezekiel 22:12, the prophet condemns the people for their extortion and dishonest gain, illustrating the societal decay and the need for repentance and justice.

The term underscores the biblical call for justice and righteousness, emphasizing that God is concerned with how people treat one another, particularly the vulnerable. The Bible consistently portrays God as a defender of the oppressed, and מַעֲשַׁקָּה serves as a reminder of the divine expectation for justice and equity in human relationships.

מַעֲשַׁקּ֑וֹת מַעֲשַׁקּ֗וֹת מעשקות ma‘ăšaqqōwṯ ma·‘ă·šaq·qō·wṯ maashakKotInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts