עָכַס
𐤏𐤊𐤎
ʻâkaç
H5913 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To wind, twist, or bind, specifically referring to the act of fastening or placing a ring or anklet (especially around the ankle). The root sense involves actions of binding or looping, but the verb is used specifically for the putting on of anklets or bracelet-type ornaments in ancient Israelite culture.
Semantic Range
to wind or tie (an ornament), to put on anklets, to fasten jewelry (especially foot ornaments)
Root / Etymology
Root עכס, which carries the sense of twisting or winding. The verb עָכַס is a denominative formed from the noun עֶכֶס (anklet, ornamental ring), indicating the act of putting on such ornaments by winding or fastening them. The root itself suggests a basic action of twisting or binding, but the verb’s attested usage is more narrowly focused on adorning the body with such items.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested only a few times (notably in Isaiah 3:16 and 3:18), the verb עָכַס appears within critiques of ostentatious displays of wealth and adornment among Jerusalemite women prior to the Babylonian exile. The term describes the putting on of anklets—jewelry worn on the ankles, often producing a jingling or tinkling sound when walking. In these contexts, the action symbolizes both physical adornment and, in prophetic critique, luxurious or prideful behavior. The verb is denominative from עֶכֶס and is not used for general binding or tying—which are expressed by other roots—but is restricted to ornamentation, especially of the feet. English translations often obscure this nuance by rendering it as 'tinkling' or 'making a tinkling ornament,' but the primary sense is the act of putting on or wearing ankle jewelry. Later Hebrew or rabbinic uses do not extend this meaning significantly.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to tie, specifically, with fetters; but used only as denominative from עֶכֶס; to put on anklets; make a tinkling ornament.
Bantu Hebrew
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עכס (ʿ-k-s) — to wind, to twist, to bind (especially with an anklet or ring)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5913-01 |
תְּעַכַּֽסְנָה | teakasenah | HVpi3fp |
they tinkle | they will wind on anklets | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5913-01 |
Isaiah 3:16 | תְּעַכַּֽסְנָה | teakasenah | HVpi3fp |
they tinkle | they will wind on anklets |