עַכְשׁוּב
𐤏𐤊𐤔𐤅𐤁
ʻakshûwb
H5919 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A venomous serpent, specifically referring to a kind of snake known for its dangerous bite, possibly an asp or adder; used as a figurative reference for harmful or treacherous entities. The term connotes elements of stealth or lurking, suggesting a serpent that hides or coils in wait. Its primary meaning relates to a poisonous snake, but it is rarely attested.
Semantic Range
a venomous or poisonous snake (asp, adder), figuratively: a person or entity that is treacherous or dangerous
Root / Etymology
Root: עכש (ʿ-kh-sh), likely linked to the concept of twisting or coiling, but the root is not attested elsewhere in Biblical Hebrew. The form עַכְשׁוּב (ʿakshûv) appears to be formed after the pattern of noun-forming roots indicating types of creatures or objects characterized by danger or distinctive behavior. Etymology uncertain beyond probable association with coiling or twisting motion of snakes.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עַכְשׁוּב occurs only in Psalm 140:4 (MT v. 5) where it is grouped among dangerous creatures, and the context strongly supports its identification as a venomous serpent. Its rarity means identification with specific species is conjectural; however, ancient translators (e.g., LXX, Vulgate) reflect traditions linking it to asp, adder, or similar snakes. Unlike the more commonly attested נָחָשׁ (nāḥāsh, 'serpent') or צִפְעֹנִי (ṣiph‘onî, 'viper'), עַכְשׁוּב may indicate a particularly feared species or may emphasize the threatening, lurking aspect of such snakes. Later Jewish tradition sometimes understands it as an asp. Standard English translations vary between 'adder,' 'asp,' and 'poisonous snake,' but the biblical data is too limited to be certain about the precise species. The term is not a generic term, but rather denotes a specific, dangerous type of snake known to ancient Israelites.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from an unused root meaning to coil; an asp (from lurking coiled up); adder.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עכש (ʿ-kh-sh) — to coil, to twist
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5919-01 |
עַכְשׁ֑וּב | akheshuv | HNcmsa |
of viper | coiling venomous serpent | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5919-01 |
Psalms 140:4 | עַכְשׁ֑וּב | akheshuv | HNcmsa |
of viper | coiling venomous serpent |