Original Word: עָקְבָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `oqbah
Pronunciation: ok-bah'
Phonetic Spelling: (ok-baw')
KJV: subtilty
NASB: cunning
Word Origin: [feminine of an unused form from H6117 (עָקַב - deals craftily) meaning a trick]

1. trickery

subtilty

Feminine of an unused form from aqab meaning a trick; trickery -- subtilty.

see HEBREW aqab

Word Origin
from the same as aqeb
Definition
insidiousness
NASB Translation
cunning (1).

עָקְבָה noun feminine insidiousness, 2 Kings 10:19 זְיֵהוּא ׳עָשָׂה בְע.

Definition and Concept

In Scripture, עָקְבָה denotes calculated cunning or deliberate deceit used to outwit an opponent. It is strategic rather than habitual, describing a single act of guile deployed for tactical advantage.

Biblical Occurrence

Only 2 Kings 10:19 contains the term: “But Jehu acted with deception in order to destroy the servants of Baal”. Jehu assembles every prophet, priest, and devotee of Baal under the pretense of a “great sacrifice,” then seals the doors and commands their execution (2 Kings 10:19-25).

Historical Setting

Circa 841 B.C., Jehu had just been anointed king of Israel to carry out the prophecy of Elijah against Ahab’s dynasty (1 Kings 21:21-24; 2 Kings 9:6-10). Baalism, championed by Ahab and Jezebel, dominated public worship (1 Kings 16:30-33). Jehu’s ruse—termed עָקְבָה—forms part of a divinely sanctioned purge that culminates in the destruction of Baal’s temple, later turned into a latrine (2 Kings 10:27). External records (e.g., the Tel Dan Stele) confirm the violent upheavals of Jehu’s reign.

Theological Insights

1. Divine Sovereignty in Judgment

God may employ human craft to accomplish His word. Jehu’s deceit fulfilled Elijah’s oracle, illustrating that even cunning is pressed into service for divine purposes (cf. Job 5:13).

2. The Priority of Covenant Purity

The episode underscores the Lord’s intolerance of idolatry. Jehu’s stratagem wiped out institutional Baal worship, anticipating later reforms under Hezekiah and Josiah.

3. Imperfect Human Instruments

Although Jehu’s deceit achieved its immediate goal, he later clung to the sins of Jeroboam (2 Kings 10:29-31). Success through cunning does not exempt anyone from the call to ongoing obedience.

Ethical Reflection

Scripture forbids falsehood (Exodus 20:16; Colossians 3:9) yet records instances where deception serves a redemptive or protective role (Exodus 1:15-21; Joshua 2:4-6). Jehu’s עָקְבָה sits within this tension. The narrative is descriptive, not prescriptive: it demonstrates that divine judgment can appropriate human guile without universally endorsing deceit as a moral strategy. Believers are to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16), coupling discernment with integrity.

Practical Application for Ministry

• Discernment in Strategy: Leaders must differentiate Spirit-guided shrewdness from manipulative tactics.
• Zeal Against Idolatry: Jehu’s passion challenges modern Christians to confront cultural idols—materialism, sensuality, and syncretism—within their own spheres.
• Ongoing Faithfulness: Initial victories do not guarantee lifelong obedience; continual alignment with God’s Word is essential to avoid Jehu’s later compromises.

Related Biblical Passages

Job 5:13; Psalm 83:3; Proverbs 12:5; Joshua 9:4-6; Mark 14:1; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Ephesians 4:14

בְעָקְבָּ֔ה בעקבה ḇə‘āqəbāh ḇə·‘ā·qə·bāh veakeBahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts