or פִּגֻּל; from an unused root meaning to stink; properly, fetid, i.e. (figuratively) unclean (ceremonially); abominable(-tion, thing).
Transliteration:piggûwl
Pronunciation:pig-gool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פִּגּוּל (piggûwl), transliterated as *piggûwl*, derives from an unused root meaning "to stink" or "to be fetid." This etymological root provides the foundational semantic range: something that is literally foul-smelling. However, its primary biblical usage is figurative, referring to something that is ceremonially unclean, detestable, or abominable in the eyes of God. It signifies a state of severe ritual defilement, particularly in the context of sacrificial offerings. When an offering becomes *piggûwl*, it is not merely impure but has become so utterly offensive that it is an abomination, rendering the offering null and void, and bringing guilt upon the offerer. The term implies a profound rejection by the divine due to its offensive nature, akin to a putrid odor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *piggûwl* appears five times in the Old Testament, predominantly within the Levitical laws concerning sacrifices and in the prophetic book of Ezekiel, highlighting its specific and severe connotations.
In [[Leviticus 7:18]] and [[Leviticus 19:7]], *piggûwl* is used to describe the meat of a peace offering (זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים, *zevach shlamim*) that has been kept beyond its prescribed time for consumption (two days for a peace offering, one day for a thank offering). If any of the meat is eaten on the third day, it is declared *piggûwl*, and the offering is no longer acceptable. The one who eats it bears their iniquity, and the offering itself is not reckoned to them. This demonstrates a strict adherence to divine timing and procedure in worship; a violation of this renders the sacred profane and offensive to God. The consequence is not merely that the offering is ineffective, but that it actually brings guilt upon the offerer, indicating a profound spiritual breach.
In Ezekiel, the term expands slightly in its application, though retaining its core meaning of detestable defilement. In [[Ezekiel 4:14]], the prophet laments the prospect of eating bread defiled with human dung, equating it to the "abominable things" (*piggûl*) and unclean meat that the Israelites would be forced to eat in exile. This highlights the severity of the famine and the desperate measures required, which would lead to consumption of ritually abhorrent food, a direct violation of Mosaic law. Here, *piggûl* is used in parallel with "unclean" (טָמֵא, *tame'*) food.
[[Ezekiel 7:20]] uses *piggûl* to describe the idols made from the people's beautiful ornaments, which they turned into "abominable images" (*piggûl*). Here, the term is applied to idolatry, emphasizing the detestable nature of false worship in God's eyes. The idols are not merely wrong; they are an abomination, a stench to God.
Finally, [[Ezekiel 33:25]] uses *piggûl* in a broader condemnation of the inhabitants of the land who engage in various sins: eating meat with the blood, lifting up their eyes to idols, and shedding blood. The eating of meat with the blood is explicitly linked with *piggûl*, reinforcing the idea that specific dietary and ritual transgressions are deeply offensive to God.
Across these contexts, *piggûl* consistently denotes something that is fundamentally offensive to God due to a violation of His sacred laws, whether concerning the proper handling of sacrifices, the consumption of food, or engagement in idolatry. It signifies a profound state of defilement that evokes divine rejection.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Piggûl* is closely related to several key concepts and terms within the Hebrew Bible concerning purity and defilement:
* **`{{H2931}}` טָמֵא (tame'):** Meaning "unclean" or "impure," this is a broader term for ritual impurity. While *piggûl* is a specific and severe form of uncleanness, particularly tied to the offensive nature of a defiled offering, *tame'* encompasses a wider range of states, from touching a dead body to having a skin disease. *Piggûl* can be seen as an extreme manifestation of *tame'*, especially when it pollutes a sacred offering.
* **`{{H8441}}` תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah):** This term, often translated "abomination" or "detestable thing," carries a broader moral and ethical weight, frequently applied to idolatry, sexual perversions, and unjust practices. While *piggûl* is specific to the ritual defilement of offerings or food, it shares the sense of being utterly offensive and repugnant to God, much like a *to'evah*. Indeed, Ezekiel uses *piggûl* in conjunction with idols, which are also *to'evah*.
* **`{{H6942}}` קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh):** Meaning "holiness" or "sacred," this is the direct antithesis of *piggûl*. God is *qodesh*, and His people and worship are called to reflect His holiness. Anything that becomes *piggûl* is a desecration of the *qodesh*, transforming what was intended to be holy into something abhorrent.
* **Sacrificial Law:** The concept of *piggûl* is deeply embedded in the intricate sacrificial system of the Mosaic Covenant. The precise regulations for offerings (timing, type, preparation) were not arbitrary but designed to maintain the purity and acceptability of worship before a holy God. *Piggûl* highlights the severity of violating these divine stipulations.
* **Idolatry:** In Ezekiel, *piggûl* is explicitly linked to idols, reinforcing the idea that false worship is not merely a mistake but a detestable offense against the true God, akin to a putrid stench in His nostrils.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *piggûl* is profound and multi-layered. Primarily, it underscores the absolute holiness of God and His demand for purity in worship and in the lives of His people. The concept reveals that:
1. **God's Holiness Demands Purity:** The meticulous regulations concerning *piggûl* emphasize that God is not content with mere outward ritual. The offering must be presented according to His precise will, in a state of purity, and within the prescribed timeframe. Any deviation renders the offering not just ineffective, but actively offensive. This teaches that God's holiness is so absolute that even a slight imperfection or disobedience in sacred matters can result in utter rejection.
2. **The Seriousness of Defilement:** To eat or offer *piggûl* was not a minor transgression; it brought guilt upon the individual, severing their connection to the atoning power of the sacrifice. This highlights the severe consequences of defiling sacred things or violating God's commands, demonstrating that sin is not merely a mistake but an affront to God's character.
3. **Worship Must Be Acceptable:** *Piggûl* serves as a stark warning against perfunctory or disobedient worship. It implies that God is not honored by offerings that are not presented in spirit and truth, according to His revealed will. This resonates with prophetic condemnations of ritualistic worship devoid of genuine righteousness (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:11-15]], [[Amos 5:21-24]]).
4. **Beyond Ritual to Heart:** While *piggûl* is rooted in ritual law, its application in Ezekiel to idolatry and broader moral failings suggests a deeper spiritual principle. Just as a physical offering can become a "stench" to God, so too can the spiritual offerings of a people—their worship, their lives, their justice—become *piggûl* if they are not in alignment with God's character and commands.
5. **Antithesis to Christ's Sacrifice:** In the New Testament, the perfect, unblemished sacrifice of Jesus Christ stands in stark contrast to any *piggûl* offering. His sacrifice was "without spot or blemish" ([[1 Peter 1:19]]), fulfilling all righteousness and perfectly acceptable to God, unlike the defiled offerings that could become *piggûl*. This underscores the unique and ultimate efficacy of Christ's atoning work.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פִּגּוּל (*piggûwl*) signifies something that is utterly fetid, detestable, or abominable, primarily in a ceremonial context. Rooted in the idea of a foul smell, it describes sacrificial meat that has become ritually defiled by being kept beyond its prescribed time, rendering it unacceptable to God and bringing guilt upon the offerer ([[Leviticus 7:18]], [[Leviticus 19:7]]). In Ezekiel, its usage expands to include defiled food during famine ([[Ezekiel 4:14]]) and, significantly, idols and other grave transgressions ([[Ezekiel 7:20]], [[Ezekiel 33:25]]), emphasizing their detestable nature in God's sight. The theological significance of *piggûl* lies in its profound articulation of God's absolute holiness, His demand for meticulous purity in worship, and the severe consequences of defiling sacred things or violating His commands. It highlights that true worship must be offered according to God's will, lest it become a spiritual stench in His nostrils.
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