Original Word: עִקֵּשׁ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Iqqesh
Pronunciation: ik-KAYSH
Phonetic Spelling: (ik-kashe')
KJV: Ikkesh
NASB: Ikkesh
Word Origin: [the same as H6141 (עִקֵּשׁ - perverse)]

1. perverse
2. Ikkesh, an Israelite

Ikkesh

The same as iqqesh; perverse; Ikkesh, an Israelite -- Ikkesh.

see HEBREW iqqesh

Word Origin
from aqash
Definition
a Tekoan
NASB Translation
Ikkesh (3).

II. עִקֵּשׁ proper name, masculine a Tekoan 2 Samuel 23:26 = 1 Chronicles 11:28; 1 Chronicles 27:9; Εισκα, Εκκις, etc.

Identification

Ikkesh is a Tekoite Israelite mentioned only as the father of the warrior Ira. His name appears three times—in the honor rolls of David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 11:28) and among the monthly commanders of David’s standing army (1 Chronicles 27:9). Although Scripture gives no direct information about Ikkesh’s own deeds, the context in which his name is preserved offers valuable insights into his spiritual and historical significance.

Family Connections

Ira son of Ikkesh ranks among “the Thirty,” the elite corps that fought at King David’s side. The consistent mention of the father alongside the son suggests a family of standing and repute in Judah, and possibly a household that nurtured qualities of courage, loyalty, and devotion to the covenant God of Israel. In biblical narrative, the naming of a parent—especially in military or priestly lists—often signals that the parent’s faith and character helped shape the offspring (compare with Exodus 31:2; 2 Timothy 1:5).

Tekoa and Its Heritage

Tekoa lay in the hill country of Judah, roughly six miles south of Bethlehem. The region produced figures noted for wisdom (2 Samuel 14:1–2), prophetic boldness (Amos 1:1), and military prowess (Ira son of Ikkesh). The association of Ikkesh with Tekoa places his family within a community known for forthright speech and stalwart commitment to the kingdom. Tekoa’s elevated terrain and proximity to wilderness demanded vigilance and resilience—traits reflected in Ira’s battlefield achievements.

Service in the Kingdom of David

1 Chronicles 27:9 records Ira son of Ikkesh as commander of the sixth division, responsible for twenty-four thousand troops during the sixth month. Such an appointment implies that Ikkesh’s household enjoyed the king’s trust and that Ira possessed the leadership skills and godly fear prized in David’s army (2 Samuel 23:3). The successes of David’s reign rested on families like that of Ikkesh, who supplied courageous men willing to stake their lives on the promises God made to David.

Theological Themes

Legacy: The repeated formula “Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite” underlines generational faithfulness. Scripture often ties a person’s destiny to the spiritual climate of the home (Proverbs 22:6).

Hidden Influence: Ikkesh himself remains behind the scenes, yet his impact endures through his son. God frequently works through unnamed or little-known believers whose faithfulness equips others for visible ministry (John 1:40–41; Acts 16:1–2).

Community and Kingdom: Tekoa’s contribution to David’s forces illustrates how every town and clan played a role in the unified kingdom, anticipating the New Testament picture of the body of Christ where each member supplies what is lacking in another (Ephesians 4:16).

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Parents and mentors shape the future heroes of the faith. Prioritizing godliness in the home prepares sons and daughters to serve Christ’s kingdom with distinction.
2. Obscurity does not equal insignificance. Ikkesh’s quiet faithfulness contributed to national strength; likewise, believers who serve without acclaim advance God’s purposes.
3. Congregational life benefits when each locality, family, and individual offers their unique gifts, echoing Tekoa’s role in David’s day. Encouraging participation across generational and geographical lines builds a resilient church able to confront spiritual battles.

Selected Scripture

“Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite.” (2 Samuel 23:26)

“The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division there were twenty-four thousand men.” (1 Chronicles 27:9)

Though mentioned only through his son, Ikkesh stands as an enduring reminder that God weaves the faithfulness of unseen believers into the fabric of redemptive history.

עִקֵּ֖שׁ עִקֵּשׁ֙ עקש ‘iq·qêš ‘iqqêš ikKeshInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts