from פָּגַר; a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image; carcase, corpse, dead body.
Transliteration:peger
Pronunciation:peh'gher
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פֶּגֶר (peger, `{{H6297}}`) derives from the root פָּגַר (pagar), meaning "to be limp" or "to fail." This etymological connection provides the core semantic range of the word, primarily denoting a "carcase" or "corpse," emphasizing the state of being lifeless and flaccid. It is applied to both human and animal remains. Beyond its literal sense, פֶּגֶר carries a significant figurative meaning, referring to "idolatrous images." This extension highlights the spiritual lifelessness and futility of false gods, equating them with inert, discarded matter. The term often carries connotations of disgrace, defilement, or the outcome of divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of פֶּגֶר in the Hebrew Bible consistently reinforce its core meanings, frequently appearing in contexts of divine judgment, defilement, and the futility of idolatry.
1. **Divine Judgment and Consequences of Rebellion:** A prominent use of פֶּגֶר describes the corpses of those who fall under God's judgment. In the wilderness narratives, the "carcases" of the generation that rebelled against YHWH are prophesied to fall in the desert, preventing them from entering the promised land ([[Numbers 14:29]], [[Numbers 14:32]], [[Numbers 14:33]]). This serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disobedience. Similarly, in prophetic condemnations, the "carcases" of enemies or the unrighteous are cast out as a sign of divine wrath ([[Isaiah 34:3]], [[Jeremiah 33:5]]).
2. **Defilement and Impurity:** Corpses, whether human or animal, were sources of ritual impurity in ancient Israel. The term פֶּגֶר underscores this defiling aspect. In [[Leviticus 26:30]], part of the covenant curses for disobedience includes YHWH casting down the "carcases" of the people's idols and their own "carcases" upon them, symbolizing utter desecration and abandonment. The prophet Ezekiel frequently uses פֶּגֶר in relation to the defilement of the sanctuary and the land by idolatry. The "carcases" of kings (often understood as their idol-kings or the bodies of their worshippers) are said to have defiled God's holy name and dwelling place ([[Ezekiel 43:7]], [[Ezekiel 43:9]]), necessitating purification.
3. **The Futility of Idolatry:** The most striking figurative use of פֶּגֶר is its application to idols. By calling idols "carcases" ([[Leviticus 26:30]], [[Ezekiel 6:4]], [[Ezekiel 6:5]], [[Ezekiel 43:7]]), the biblical authors powerfully convey their lifelessness, impotence, and utter worthlessness. This rhetorical move strips false gods of any perceived power or sanctity, equating them with discarded, inert matter. They are not living deities but dead objects, unable to act or save, in stark contrast to the living God of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of פֶּגֶר (peger, `{{H6297}}`) intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to death, defilement, and the absence of life.
* **נְבֵלָה (nevelah, `{{H5038}}`):** This term also means "carcass" or "corpse." While often used interchangeably with פֶּגֶר, *nevelah* frequently refers to an animal carcass or a human body that has fallen or is unburied, emphasizing the defiled state. *Peger* often carries a stronger connotation of being "limp" or "exhausted," and is particularly favored in contexts of judgment or the lifelessness of idols.
* **מֵת (met, `{{H4191}}`):** This is a more general term for "dead (person)" or "corpse," often functioning as an adjective or participle to describe a deceased individual. While broader, it shares the core concept of a body devoid of life.
* **Antonyms/Opposites:** The antithesis to פֶּגֶר includes terms like **חַי (chai, `{{H2416}}`)**, meaning "living" or "alive," and **נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, `{{H5315}}`)**, which can refer to "soul," "life," or "living being." These contrasts highlight the profound theological distinction between the living God and the lifelessness of idols and those under judgment.
* **Conceptual Links:** The concept of פֶּגֶר is intimately linked with **defilement (טֻמְאָה, tum'ah)**, as contact with a corpse rendered one ritually unclean. It is also deeply connected to **divine judgment**, serving as a tangible outcome of God's righteous wrath against sin and rebellion. Furthermore, in its application to idols, it underscores the **futility (הֶבֶל, hevel)** and vanity of anything that is not the living God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פֶּגֶר (peger, `{{H6297}}`) is multifaceted, deeply rooted in Israel's understanding of God's sovereignty, holiness, and the nature of true worship.
1. **God's Sovereignty Over Life and Death:** The frequent appearance of פֶּגֶר in contexts of divine judgment unequivocally demonstrates YHWH's ultimate authority over life and death. The "carcases" of the rebellious or the enemies of God serve as a chilling testament to His power to execute justice and bring about the physical dissolution of those who defy Him. This underscores a foundational tenet of biblical theology: there is no life apart from God, and rebellion leads to spiritual and often physical death.
2. **The Holiness of God and the Abhorrence of Defilement:** The term highlights the stark contrast between God's absolute holiness and the defiling nature of death and idolatry. God's presence, particularly in His sanctuary, cannot tolerate the presence of "carcases," whether human or spiritual (idols). The command to remove the "carcases" of idols and kings from the Temple precincts in Ezekiel underscores the necessity of ritual and spiritual purity for communion with a holy God. This reinforces the call for Israel to be a holy people, separated from all that is impure and an affront to YHWH.
3. **The Futility and Impotence of Idolatry:** Perhaps the most profound theological insight conveyed by פֶּגֶר is its application to idols. By equating false gods with "carcases," the text systematically demolishes any notion of their power, life, or efficacy. Idols are exposed as mere inert matter, incapable of hearing, seeing, speaking, or saving. This serves as a powerful polemic against polytheism and a call to exclusive worship of the one, living God, who alone possesses true life and power. It emphasizes that worship directed towards anything other than YHWH is ultimately directed towards that which is dead and brings no spiritual life or benefit.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פֶּגֶר (peger, `{{H6297}}`) denotes a "carcase" or "corpse," deriving from a root signifying limpness and lifelessness. While literally referring to dead bodies of humans or animals, its most potent theological application is to "idolatrous images," effectively labeling them as spiritually dead and inert. Biblically, פֶּגֶר is prominently featured in narratives of divine judgment, illustrating the dire consequences of rebellion against YHWH, as seen in the wilderness generation. It also underscores the profound defilement associated with death and false worship, emphasizing the necessity of purity in the presence of a holy God. The use of פֶּגֶר for idols serves as a powerful polemic, stripping them of any perceived power or divinity and highlighting the supreme contrast between the lifeless "carcases" of false gods and the living, sovereign God of Israel.
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