a primitive root; to puff, i.e. blow away; scatter into corners.
Transliteration:pâʼâh
Pronunciation:paw-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The primitive root H6284 (פָּאָה, pâʼâh) fundamentally conveys the action of "puffing" or "blowing away," leading to the sense of "scattering" or "dispersing," especially into "corners" or extremities. This suggests a thorough and pervasive act of dispersion, akin to winnowing. From this core, the meaning evolved to denote the *making* or *treating* of a "corner" or "extremity," particularly as a denominative verb derived from the noun פֵּאָה (`{{H6285}}`). Thus, its semantic range encompasses both the dynamic act of scattering and the static concept of defining or interacting with an edge or boundary.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The direct verbal form of H6284 is exceptionally rare in the Hebrew Bible. Its most notable occurrence is in [[Leviticus 19:27]], where it appears in the Hiphil stem as תַּקִּפוּ (taqqipu), typically translated as "you shall not shave around" or "you shall not round off the corners." The verse states, "You shall not shave around the sides of your head, nor shall you disfigure the edges of your beard." Here, the verb is best understood as a denominative verb from the noun פֵּאָה (`{{H6285}}`, "corner" or "side"). Therefore, פָּאָה in this context means "to make a corner" or, in the Hiphil, "to round off" or "cut off" the corners of the hair. This prohibition forms part of the Holiness Code, forbidding practices common among surrounding pagan nations, which often involved specific haircuts for idolatrous worship or mourning rituals. The command underscores the distinct identity and consecrated nature of God's people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the feminine noun פֵּאָה (pe'ah, `{{H6285}}`), which is directly derived from H6284. This noun means "corner," "side," "edge," or "extremity." It is used in various contexts:
* **Agricultural Law:** Referring to the "corners" of a field that were to be left unharvested for the poor and the sojourner ([[Leviticus 19:9]], [[Leviticus 23:22]]).
* **Physical Boundaries:** Describing the "corners" of a garment ([[Numbers 15:38]]), the "corners" of a land ([[Ezekiel 47:20]]), or the "sides" of a people/nation ([[Jeremiah 49:32]]).
* **Temporal Extremity:** Occasionally, it can refer to the "end" or "extremity" of time, as in "the ends of the earth" ([[Isaiah 11:12]]).
The close relationship between H6284 and `{{H6285}}` highlights the concept of defined boundaries, edges, and extremities, whether physical, social, or ritual.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6284 (פָּאָה) is primarily understood through its connection to the noun פֵּאָה (`{{H6285}}`) and its usage in the Mosaic Law.
* **Holiness and Distinction:** In [[Leviticus 19:27]], the prohibition against shaving the "corners" of the head or beard is a directive for Israel to maintain its distinctiveness from surrounding pagan cultures. These specific hairstyles were often associated with idolatrous practices, mourning rites, or cultic rituals. By forbidding such acts, God called His people to a unique identity, reflecting His holiness and setting them apart as a consecrated nation.
* **Compassion and Social Justice:** The command to leave the "corners" (פֵּאָה) of the field unharvested ([[Leviticus 19:9]], [[Leviticus 23:22]]) demonstrates God's profound concern for the poor, the sojourner, and the needy. This law established a divine boundary on private property rights, ensuring that the vulnerable within society had access to sustenance. It reflects God's character as provider and advocate for the marginalized.
* **Divine Order and Integrity:** The concept of "corners" or "extremities" inherently speaks to order and defined limits. Whether in the physical body, agricultural land, or geographical regions, the emphasis is on maintaining the integrity of divinely established boundaries. This reinforces the idea of a Creator God who establishes order and expects His people to live within and respect those boundaries, both physical and moral.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H6284 (פָּאָה, pâʼâh), while primitively suggesting "to puff" or "scatter into corners," primarily functions in the biblical text as a denominative verb meaning "to make a corner" or "to treat an extremity." Its most direct verbal occurrence in [[Leviticus 19:27]] prohibits the rounding off of the "corners" of the head and beard, underscoring Israel's call to holiness and separation from pagan customs. The profound theological weight of this root is largely carried by its derived noun, פֵּאָה (`{{H6285}}`), which denotes "corner" or "extremity." This noun is central to laws promoting social justice through care for the poor ([[Leviticus 19:9]]) and reinforcing Israel's distinct identity. Thus, H6284 and its cognates illuminate themes of divine order, the sanctity of boundaries, and the compassionate nature of God's covenant with His people.
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