Original Word: עַקְרָב
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: `aqrab
Pronunciation: ahk-RAHB
Phonetic Spelling: (ak-rawb')
KJV: scorpion
NASB: scorpions
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. a scorpion
2. (figuratively) a scourge or knotted whip

scorpion

Of uncertain derivation; a scorpion; figuratively, a scourge or knotted whip -- scorpion.

Word Origin
from the same as eqer
Definition
scorpion
NASB Translation
scorpions (6).

עַקְרָב noun masculine scorpion (apparently quadriliteral; Late Hebrew id.; Assyrian a‡rabu; Ethiopic ; Arabic ; ᵑ7 עַקְרַבָּא); **< [feminine] as in Late Hebrew, Syriac, Mandaean, Arabic (Levy gives Talmud [Aramaic] as masculine, but are readings correct?), Nöldeke (privately). — absolute עַקְרָב Deuteronomy 8:15 (collective; of wilderness), plural עַקְרַבִּים Ezekiel 2:6 (figurative of enemies); ׳יִסַּר בָּע 1 Kings 12:11,14 2Chronicles 10:11,14, i.e. scourges with points, stings. — See also מַעֲלֵה עַקְרַבִּים.

Overview

עַקְרָב (ʿaqrāḇ) designates the scorpion in its literal sense and a barbed whip in its figurative sense. Both ideas carry the common thread of piercing pain—either inflicted by the arachnid’s venom or by a cruel instrument of punishment. The word occurs six times in the Old Testament and clusters around two primary themes: wilderness peril and oppressive rule.

Occurrences and Immediate Contexts

• Deuteronomy 8:15 evokes Israel’s forty-year trek “through the vast and dreadful wilderness with its fiery serpents and scorpions”. Here scorpions exemplify the extreme hazards from which the LORD preserved His people.
• 1 Kings 12:11, 1 Kings 12:14; mirrored in 2 Chronicles 10:11, 2 Chronicles 10:14. Rehoboam rejects elder counsel and threatens, “My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions!”. The term pictures a multi-thonged lash tipped with metal barbs—governmental tyranny that will “sting” the nation.
• Ezekiel 2:6 records God’s charge to the prophet: though he must live “among scorpions,” he is not to fear their hostility. The imagery depicts rebellious hearers whose resistance bites like venom.

Scorpions in the Ancient Near East

Scorpions thrive in rocky, arid terrain similar to Israel’s Negev and Sinai deserts. Their sting can produce intense pain and, in antiquity, could be fatal without intervention. Outside Israel, Mesopotamian texts speak of scorpion-men guarding the rising of the sun, symbolizing deadly obstruction. Scripture, however, keeps the focus on the creature’s real and figurative threat, underscoring God’s supremacy over both.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

1. Wilderness Preservation: Deuteronomy sets scorpions alongside serpents to magnify God’s sustaining grace. What should have killed Israel only highlighted divine protection, urging gratitude and obedience (Deuteronomy 8:16-20).
2. Tyrannical Rule: Rehoboam’s “scorpions” expose how ungodly leadership weaponizes power. The consequent division of the kingdom (1 Kings 12:16-19) warns that oppressive policies provoke covenantal judgment.
3. Prophetic Hardness: In Ezekiel, scorpions illustrate the painful rejection awaiting faithful proclamation. The prophet’s call models steadfastness: the messenger’s courage must exceed the audience’s sting.
4. Wider Canon Echoes: Luke 10:19 promises disciples authority “to trample on snakes and scorpions,” recalling Deuteronomy and asserting Christ’s dominion over all harm—physical, political, or spiritual. Revelation 9 portrays demonic locusts with scorpion power; the apocalyptic amplification reminds believers that final victory belongs to the Lamb.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Pastoral Care in Hostile Settings: Ezekiel’s mandate encourages modern servants to preach truth despite “scorpion-like” opposition, resting in divine assurance.
• Leadership Ethics: Rehoboam’s folly challenges Christian leaders to prefer servanthood over coercion (cf. Mark 10:42-45).
• Spiritual Warfare: Luke 10:19 legitimizes bold intercession against forces that seek to poison faith communities.
• Gratitude and Remembrance: Regular testimony of God’s past deliverances—in health, danger, or persecution—builds congregational resilience, mirroring Moses’ exhortation.

Christological Connections

The scorpion motif highlights Christ as the One who absorbs and nullifies every venomous threat. On the cross He faced the ultimate “sting” of sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). In resurrection power He grants believers authority over all the power of the enemy, ensuring that “nothing will harm you” (Luke 10:19).

Summary

עַקְרָב weaves together concrete wilderness danger, the cruelty of ungodly rule, and the animosity faced by God’s messengers. Across these settings the Lord remains the shield of His people, the judge of oppressive powers, and the encourager of prophetic courage. The scorpion’s sting, though sharp, is circumscribed by the sovereign grace that leads, disciplines, and equips the saints until the day when every hostile force is finally rendered powerless.

בָּֽעֲקְרַבִּֽים׃ בָּעֲקְרַבִּֽים׃ בָּעַקְרַבִּֽים׃ בעקרבים׃ וְעַקְרָ֔ב ועקרב עַקְרַבִּ֖ים עקרבים ‘aq·rab·bîm ‘aqrabbîm akrabBim bā‘aqrabbîm bā‘ăqrabbîm bā·‘aq·rab·bîm bā·‘ăq·rab·bîm baakrabBim veakRav wə‘aqrāḇ wə·‘aq·rāḇInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts