Original Word: עֵקֶב
Part of Speech: noun masculine; adverb accusative; conjunction
Transliteration: `eqeb
Pronunciation: ay'-keb
Phonetic Spelling: (ay'-keb)
KJV: X because, by, end, for, if, reward
NASB: because, end, reward
Word Origin: [from H6117 (עָקַב - deals craftily) in the sense of H6119 (עָקֵב עִקְּבָה - heel)]

1. a heel, i.e. (figuratively) the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever)
2. also result, i.e. compensation
3. and so (adverb with preposition or relatively) on account of

because, by, end, for, if, reward

From aqab in the sense of aqeb; a heel, i.e. (figuratively) the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also result, i.e. Compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or relatively) on account of -- X because, by, end, for, if, reward.

see HEBREW aqab

see HEBREW aqeb

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
consequence, as a consequence of, because
NASB Translation
because (3), because* (7), end (2), reward (2).

עֵ֫קֶב noun [masculine] consequence, usually as

adverb accusative as a consequence of, because (that) also reward, end (see below עָקַב; and cf, heel figurative consequence, result); —

1 Isaiah 5:23 מַצְדִּיקֵי רָשָׁע עֵקֶב שֹׁחַד (adverb accusative) in consequence of a bribe. Psalm 40:16 (= Psalm 70:4) על עֵקֶב בָּשְׁתָּם (pleon.) according to the consequence of their shame, i.e. in consequence of the disgrace falling upon them. Hence as

conjunction עֵקֶב אֲשֶׁר as a consequence of (the fact) that, because, Genesis 22:18 אֲשֶׁר שָׁמַעְתָּ ׳בְּקֹלִי ע Genesis 26:5; 2 Samuel 12:6; so עֵקֶב כִּי 2 Samuel 12:10; Amos 4:12 כִּי זאת אעשׂה לך ׳ע; עֵקֶב alone, Numbers 14:24, and (followed by imperfect) Deuteronomy 7:12 תשׁמעון ׳ע in consequence of your hearkening, etc., Deuteronomy 8:20.

2 consequence = gain, reward, Psalm 19:12 בְּשָׁמְרָם עֵקֶב רָב, Proverbs 22:4 ׳עשֶׁר וגו ׳עֵקֶב עֲנָוָה (וְ)יִרְאַת י.

3 end (of time), adverb accusative, Psalm 119:33 ׳וְאֶצֳּרֶנָּה ע to the end, Psalm 119:112 לְעוֺלָם ׳ע (compare Ecclus 16:3; ᵑ7 עִקְבָּא (rare)).

Root Sense and Conceptual Flow

The noun עֵקֶב intuitively links the literal idea of “what comes after the heel” with the figurative sense of “result, consequence, or reward.” In Scripture the term almost always functions as a hinge between an action and its inevitable outcome, affirming the moral causality God has woven into His covenant dealings with humanity. Whether blessing or judgment, עֵקֶב highlights that nothing in life is random; every word of God stands and every human response has a corresponding harvest.

Covenantal Cause-and-Effect in the Torah

1. Genesis 22:18 lays the foundation: “And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” The global promise is explicitly anchored in Abraham’s obedience.
2. Genesis 26:5 extends the principle to Isaac. The enduring oath to Abraham’s seed is reiterated “because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge.” Covenant continuity is traced through עֵקֶב.
3. Numbers 14:24 contrasts Israel’s unbelief with Caleb’s faith: “But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land.” Obedience secures inheritance.
4. Deuteronomy 7:12–15 gathers the Torah blessings under one banner: “Because you listen to these judgments … the LORD your God will keep His covenant.” Literally, blessings follow at the heels of obedience.
5. Deuteronomy 8:20 reverses the logic: “Like the nations the LORD destroys before you, so you will perish if you do not obey the LORD your God.” The same term that heralds blessing also warns of ruin.

Key Insight: The word occurs at transitional moments in Israel’s redemptive story, underscoring that the Abrahamic promise, the conquest, and the Mosaic covenant all operate on the same moral axis—faith-filled obedience brings life; rebellion invites loss.

Historical Narrative: Retribution in David’s House

2 Samuel 12 employs עֵקֶב twice. First David declares that the rich man of Nathan’s parable “must pay fourfold because he did this thing and had no compassion” (2 Samuel 12:6). Immediately afterward the prophet turns the term toward David: “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me” (2 Samuel 12:10). The text masterfully demonstrates poetic justice: the king’s judgment on another becomes God’s judgment on him. The double use of עֵקֶב highlights how divine retribution mirrors human deeds.

Wisdom Literature: Reward and Endurance

• Psalm 19:11: “By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.” The statutes carry intrinsic blessing that follows their observance.
• Psalm 119 magnifies perseverance: “Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep it to the end” (Psalm 119:33); “My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end” (Psalm 119:112). Here עֵקֶב is translated “to the end,” stressing steadfast adherence until the final outcome is reached.
• Proverbs 22:4 celebrates divine recompense: “The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.” The proverb crystallizes the Old Testament ethic that humble reverence is immediately linked to tangible and eternal benefits.

Imprecatory Usage in the Psalms

Psalm 40:15 and Psalm 70:3 both petition God to shame adversaries “because they say to me, ‘Aha, aha!’” The psalmist appeals to divine justice on the basis of the enemies’ mocking words. The term situates their downfall as a fitting result of their scorn.

Prophetic Applications

• Isaiah 5:23 condemns leaders “who acquit the guilty for a bribe,” revealing that corrupt judgment carries consequences proportionate to the crime.
• Amos 4:12 warns Israel: “Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God.” The northern kingdom’s stubbornness necessitates a decisive encounter with the covenant Lord. עֵקֶב signals the inevitability of divine visitation when sin is unrepented.

Theological Trajectory

1. Retributive Justice: Every usage confirms that God’s moral government is rigorously consistent. Blessing and curse are never arbitrary but flow directly from covenant faithfulness or breach.
2. Perseverance to the End: The psalmic emphasis on keeping God’s ways “to the end” anticipates New Testament calls to endure in faith (for example, Hebrews 3:14). The link between present obedience and final reward remains seamless across covenants.
3. Christological Fulfillment: Jesus perfectly embodies the principle of עֵקֶב. His flawless obedience secures the blessing promised to Abraham for all nations (Galatians 3:14). Conversely, the judgment He bears on the cross fulfills the negative side of the equation, absorbing the consequence of human sin so that those who trust Him receive life.

Ministry and Discipleship Implications

• Preaching: Use עֵקֶב to illustrate that grace does not nullify moral order but empowers obedience that culminates in reward (Titus 2:11-14).
• Counseling: Highlight the predictable outcomes of choices—humility and fear of the LORD yield “riches and honor and life,” whereas hidden sin, like David’s, multiplies sorrow.
• Worship: Psalms employing עֵקֶב encourage congregations to celebrate the wisdom of God’s commands and to trust that faithful devotion will be vindicated.
• Missions: The Genesis promise shows that global blessing hinges on obedience. The church participates in that promise by proclaiming the gospel “because” Christ obeyed unto death.

Homiletical Outline Suggestion

1. Principle Declared: Genesis 22:18—obedience births blessing.
2. Principle Demonstrated: Caleb and David—historic narratives.
3. Principle Sung: Psalm 19:11; Psalm 119:33-112—worship and perseverance.
4. Principle Violated: Isaiah 5:23; Amos 4:12—prophetic warnings.
5. Principle Perfected: Jesus Christ—the ultimate “because.”

Key Takeaways

• עֵקֶב unites action and outcome, revealing God’s unwavering covenant logic.
• The term spans genres—law, narrative, poetry, prophecy—showing the consistency of divine justice.
• Far from promoting works-righteousness, the word points to the necessity of faith-filled obedience that trusts God’s promises.
• In Christ, believers receive the blessing He earned and are empowered to pursue the obedience that culminates in eternal reward.

עֵ֕קֶב עֵ֗קֶב עֵ֚קֶב עֵ֣קֶב עֵֽקֶב׃ עקב עקב׃ ‘ê·qeḇ ‘êqeḇ EkevInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts