עֵקֶב
𐤏𐤒𐤁
ʻêqeb
H6118 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
ʻêqeb denotes 'heel' in a physical, anatomical sense, and more commonly by extension refers to the result or outcome that follows from an action, especially in the sense of consequence or reward. It frequently serves in adverbial constructions meaning 'as a result of,' 'because,' or 'in consequence.'
Semantic Range
heel (anatomical), rear, last part, consequence, outcome, reward, result, because (as adverbial construction), on account of
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: The term עֵקֶב derives from the root עקב, which primarily means 'heel' or 'to follow at the heel.' Its core sense relates both to the physical heel (part of the foot) and to the idea of following or being subsequent. From this, the word developed secondary meanings involving consequence, result, or something coming afterward.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Historical & Contextual Notes: In the Hebrew Bible, עֵקֶב is used literally for the 'heel' (Genesis 3:15; 25:26), and also metaphorically for consequence, reward, or result (Deuteronomy 7:12; Psalm 19:12 [11]). The notion of 'reward' or 'consequence' arises from the basic root idea of something coming 'after' or being the 'follow-up' to an action. In post-exilic texts, the term maintains this nuance, especially in legal or wisdom contexts. English translations such as 'because,' 'as a result of,' or 'reward' approximate the semantic range, but may not convey the direct link in Hebrew between the physical 'heel' and the conceptual 'outcome.' Distinction should be made from other Hebrew words for consequence or reward, such as שָׂכָר (sakar, wage/reward), which stress compensation or wage more explicitly.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עָקַב in the sense of עָקֵב; 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; [idiom] because, by, end, for, if, reward.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עקב (ʿ-q-b) — heel, follow, come after
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3290 | יַעֲקֹב | in Yaʿaqov the Heel-Grasper |
| H3291 | יַעֲקֹבָה | and Yaʿaqobah |
| H6117 | עָקַב | he supplanted |
| H6119 | עָקֵב | heel |
| H6120 | עָקֵב | my heels |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6118-01 |
עֵ֕קֶב | eqev | HNcmsa |
because | consequence | 15 |
Occurrences in Scripture
15 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6118-01 |
Genesis 22:18 | עֵ֕קֶב | eqev | HNcmsa |
because | consequence |
H6118-01 |
Genesis 26:5 | עֵ֕קֶב | eqev | HNcmsa |
because | consequence |
H6118-01 |
Numbers 14:24 | עֵ֣קֶב | eqev | HC |
because | consequence |
H6118-01 |
Deuteronomy 7:12 | עֵ֣קֶב | eqev | HNcmsc |
because | consequence |
H6118-01 |
Deuteronomy 8:20 | עֵ֚קֶב | eqev | HNcmsc |
because | consequence |
H6118-01 |
2 Samuel 12:6 | עֵ֗קֶב | eqev | HNcmsc |
because | consequence |
H6118-01 |
2 Samuel 12:10 | עֵ֚קֶב | eqev | HNcmsa |
because | consequence |
H6118-01 |
Isaiah 5:23 | עֵ֣קֶב | eqev | HNcmsc |
for | consequence |
H6118-01 |
Amos 4:12 | עֵ֚קֶב | eqev | HNcmsa |
because | consequence |
H6118-01 |
Psalms 19:12 | עֵ֣קֶב | eqev | HNcmsa |
reward | consequence |