אָבַק

From the study of Genesis 32:24

Range of meaning

Found only in Gen 32:24–25 (Hebrew 32:25–26), so its meaning has to be worked out from context, from related words and from early translations. The context makes the general sense clear: close-quarters grappling, body against body, with one fighter trying to pin or overpower the other (v.25 "he could not prevail against him"). The verb form used here describes two people acting on each other.

Against the English

"Wrestled" is right, but modern readers may picture a sport with rules, a referee and rounds. The scene is a night assault by a stranger at a river crossing, with real danger: Jacob ends up with a dislocated hip and later marvels that he survived (v.30).

Used elsewhere in the period

There are two old explanations. (1) It comes from the noun ʾāḇāq, "fine dust" (Exod 9:9; Isa 5:24; Nah 1:3), so it means "to roll in the dust, get dusty" while fighting. BDB gives this option, and Rashi mentions it on this verse. (2) It is related to Aramaic ʾbq, "to clasp, become entwined", and perhaps to Hebrew ḥāḇaq, "to embrace". Rashi himself prefers this one: the fighters "became entangled" as people do when they grapple. The Greek Septuagint uses epalaien, the ordinary verb for athletic wrestling. The Latin Vulgate has luctabatur, "was struggling". Targum Onqelos (the early Aramaic translation) uses a verb meaning "struggled, exerted himself".