עָשׁוּקִים
a.shuq (H6217)
oppression
AI Word Study
# H6217 עָשׁוּקִים (ashuqim): Oppression in Biblical Hebrew The Hebrew term *ashuqim* denotes oppression and appears only four times in the biblical text, suggesting it carries specialized rather than common usage. As a plural noun form, the word references instances or manifestations of oppressive treatment rather than oppression as an abstract concept alone. This structural feature indicates the biblical writers employed this term to describe concrete, repeated acts of wrongdoing against vulnerable populations. The rarity of *ashuqim*—appearing in just four occurrences—distinguishes it from other Hebrew words for injustice and suffering. This limited frequency suggests the term held particular rhetorical weight when deployed. Writers likely selected *ashuqim* when they wished to emphasize systematic or deliberate mistreatment, rather than misfortune or general hardship. The plural form reinforces this sense of accumulation: multiple acts of oppression rather than isolated wrongs. While the provided data does not detail specific biblical contexts or parallel synonyms, the term's definition and scarcity pattern indicate it functioned as a pointed accusation within Hebrew literature. The word appears designed to highlight deliberate human agency in causing suffering, distinguishing it from passive conditions or divine judgment.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
“By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out. They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty.
Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
Proclaim in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, “Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria, and see what unrest is in her, and what oppression is among them.”