עוּק
𐤏𐤅𐤒
ʻûwq
H5781 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
A verb meaning to twist, bend, wrap, or wind together, often with an implication of being compressed, entangled, or put under pressure. The word appears with reference to actions that constrain or distort, such as winding or packing tightly, or the condition of being pressed or made convoluted.
Semantic Range
to twist, to bend, to wind together, to pack tightly, to be pressed, to be in distress, to constrain or entangle
Root / Etymology
Root: עוק. The root carries the underlying sense of twisting, winding, or being curved. The verb form denotes the action of making something crooked, winding, or pressed together. The root is attested in related Semitic languages (e.g., Aramaic עוק, Arabic 'ūq) with senses of twisting, distorting, or turning, which supports the semantic development in Biblical Hebrew.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עוּק is a rare and distinctive verb in Biblical Hebrew, occurring only in poetic and post-biblical contexts. Its usage implies more than mere physical pressing; it evokes the sense of being bent, twisted, or forced into a difficult or narrowed position. The action can be literal (physically twisted or packed) or metaphorical (being in dire straits, pressed by hardship). The related noun עוּקָה (distress, constraint) in post-biblical Hebrew and later traditions reinforces this sense of pressure or narrowness. Later translations sometimes render occurrences of this root with terms like 'distress' or 'anguish', but the lexical foundation is a physical twisting or constraining action. The word is especially notable for suggesting not just tight packing, but an active pressing or distorting force, distinguishing it from other Hebrew verbs for simple binding or compressing.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to pack; be pressed.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עוק (ʿ-w-q) — to twist, to bend, to wind, to press
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5781-02 |
תָּעִיק֙ | taiq | HVhi3fs |
presses | she will compress | 1 |
H5781-01 |
מֵעִ֖יק | meiq | HVhrmsa |
pressing | the one who constrains | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences