a primitive root; to relax, i.e. become exhausted; be faint.
Transliteration:pâgar
Pronunciation:paw-gar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root פָּגַר (pâgar, `{{H6296}}`) is a primitive verb carrying the core meaning of "to relax" in a profound sense, leading to a state of extreme exhaustion, faintness, or even collapse. Unlike a mere cessation of activity for rest, pâgar denotes a involuntary giving way of strength, a profound physical debilitation that approaches the point of incapacitation or death. Its semantic range thus encompasses being utterly spent, losing all vigor, and succumbing to an overwhelming physical or vital depletion. It implies a critical state where the body's resources are completely depleted, leading to an inability to continue functioning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root פָּגַר (pâgar, `{{H6296}}`) appears in the Masoretic Text in only two significant instances, each illuminating its severe connotation:
1. **[[2 Samuel 21:15]]**: "And when the Philistines were again at war with Israel, David went down and his servants with him and fought against the Philistines. And David grew faint (וַיָּגַר דָּוִד)." Here, the context is intense physical exertion in battle. Even David, the mighty warrior, reaches a point of extreme fatigue where his strength fails him. This is not merely tiredness but a critical exhaustion that renders him vulnerable and unable to continue fighting, necessitating intervention from his men. It underscores the limits of human endurance, even for the most formidable.
2. **[[Lamentations 2:19]]**: "Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches! Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint (בְּפָגַר) for hunger at the head of every street." In this poignant lament, pâgar describes the dire state of children collapsing from starvation. The image is one of utter destitution and imminent death due to lack of sustenance. This usage emphasizes the life-threatening aspect of the word, depicting a body on the verge of expiring from extreme deprivation.
In both occurrences, pâgar signifies a state of profound and dangerous weakness, whether from battle fatigue or starvation, pointing to a critical failure of physical vitality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of weakness, exhaustion, and physical failure is expressed through various Hebrew terms, each with its own nuance. While pâgar (`{{H6296}}`) emphasizes a severe, almost terminal, state of collapse, other words convey different facets of debilitation:
* **`{{H5889}}` ('ayaph)**: Often translated as "faint" or "weary," it can describe general exhaustion from travel or effort, as seen in [[Genesis 25:29]] (Esau's weariness). While it can lead to collapse, it doesn't always carry the same immediate connotation of near-death as pâgar.
* **`{{H3584}}` (kashal)**: Means "to stumble," "totter," or "fail." It often describes a physical stumbling or a general failure of plans or strength, as in [[Isaiah 8:15]] or [[Psalm 27:2]]. It can imply weakness but not necessarily the utter collapse of pâgar.
* **`{{H7503}}` (raphah)**: Signifies "to sink," "relax," "grow weak," or "let go." It can describe a weakening of hands or resolve, as in [[Exodus 4:31]] (bowing their heads). While it denotes a lessening of strength, it often suggests a slackening rather than a complete, involuntary collapse.
* **`{{H2428}}` (chayil)** and **`{{H3581}}` (koach)** are antonyms, representing strength, might, and vigor, highlighting the stark contrast to the state described by pâgar.
The distinctiveness of pâgar lies in its portrayal of a body pushed beyond its limits, reaching a critical point of failure, often with life-threatening implications.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent occurrences of pâgar (`{{H6296}}`) carry significant theological weight, particularly in their stark portrayal of human frailty and dependence.
1. **Human Vulnerability**: The word underscores the inherent limitations and fragility of human existence. Even a mighty king and warrior like David can "faint" (`{{H6296}}`), demonstrating that no one is immune to the debilitating effects of physical exertion or deprivation. This vulnerability highlights the creaturely nature of humanity, distinct from the indefatigable nature of God.
2. **The Need for Divine Sustenance**: In [[Lamentations 2:19]], the children "fainting for hunger" (`{{H6296}}`) is a desperate cry for divine intervention and provision. It illustrates that when human strength and resources are utterly depleted, the only recourse is to God, the ultimate source of life and sustenance. This state of extreme weakness often serves as a catalyst for prayer and a deeper reliance on God's power.
3. **Consequences of Sin and Judgment**: In Lamentations, the widespread famine and the resulting "fainting" (`{{H6296}}`) are depicted within the context of divine judgment upon Judah for its sins. The physical suffering becomes a tangible manifestation of spiritual distress and the dire consequences of disobedience.
4. **God's Strength Perfected in Weakness**: Though not explicitly stated with pâgar, the concept resonates with the broader biblical theme that God's strength is often most evident when human weakness is at its peak (cf. `{{G2856}}` in [[2 Corinthians 12:9]]). The instances of pâgar serve as a stark reminder that human endeavor ultimately requires divine empowerment and sustenance to endure.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb פָּגַר (pâgar, `{{H6296}}`) describes a critical state of extreme exhaustion, collapse, or fainting due to overwhelming physical depletion. Its rare biblical occurrences in [[2 Samuel 21:15]] and [[Lamentations 2:19]] powerfully illustrate its meaning: David's battle fatigue and the children's starvation, respectively. Pâgar signifies a profound and dangerous failure of physical vitality, often on the verge of death. Theologically, it serves as a stark reminder of human frailty and vulnerability, emphasizing the absolute necessity of divine strength and sustenance when human resources are utterly depleted. It highlights the creaturely dependence on God, particularly in moments of dire distress and extreme physical suffering.
TRV