a primitive root; to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur; meet (with, together).
Transliteration:pâgash
Pronunciation:paw-gash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6298 (pâgash) is a primitive root signifying the act of "coming into contact with." Its semantic range is remarkably broad, encompassing a spectrum of encounters from the accidental and incidental to the intentional and even violent. At its most neutral, it describes simply meeting someone or something, as when two paths intersect or individuals cross paths. However, pâgash can also denote a deliberate rendezvous, a planned encounter between parties. Crucially, the term extends to hostile confrontations, describing the clash of adversaries in battle or a sudden, aggressive encounter. Figuratively, it can express the concurrence or agreement of abstract concepts, suggesting a harmonious convergence. Thus, pâgash is a versatile term, its precise nuance determined by the surrounding context, ranging from a casual passing by to a life-altering confrontation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6298 (pâgash) throughout the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications:
* **Neutral/Friendly Encounters:** In [[Genesis 32:17]] and [[Genesis 33:8]], Jacob instructs his servants regarding how they will "meet" Esau, anticipating a potentially fraught but hoped-for reconciliation. The meeting of Moses and Aaron in the wilderness is described with pâgash in [[Exodus 4:27]], highlighting a divinely orchestrated reunion for a sacred purpose. Similarly, the term describes David's encounter with Goliath in [[1 Samuel 17:31]], though this "meeting" quickly escalates to combat. In [[2 Samuel 17:16]], Absalom's forces are urged to "meet" the king's forces, indicating a strategic encounter.
* **Hostile/Violent Confrontations:** The word frequently appears in contexts of warfare and conflict. For instance, in [[2 Samuel 10:9]], the term describes the "meeting" of battle lines, where armies confront each other. In [[1 Samuel 25:20]], Abigail "meets" David and his men, unknowingly averting a violent confrontation. A particularly striking usage is in [[Exodus 4:24]], where the Lord "met" Moses and sought to put him to death. This divine encounter is not friendly but rather a terrifying, disciplinary confrontation, underscoring the serious implications of neglecting divine commands.
* **Figurative/Abstract Concurrence:** One of the most profound uses of pâgash is found in [[Psalm 85:10]], where "Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed." Here, pâgash describes the harmonious convergence of divine attributes, signifying their alignment in God's redemptive plan. This metaphorical usage elevates the term beyond mere physical contact to a profound theological reality.
The context invariably shapes the meaning of pâgash, whether it signifies a planned meeting, an unexpected encounter, or a direct, often forceful, confrontation.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H6298 (pâgash) broadly means "to meet," it differentiates itself from other Hebrew terms with similar semantic fields by often implying a more direct, sometimes abrupt, or even confrontational coming into contact.
* **`{{H7122}}` (qara')**: This word also means "to meet" or "to happen upon," but often carries a stronger sense of fortuity or an incidental encounter. While pâgash can be accidental, it frequently implies a more active or purposeful "coming at" or "coming against."
* **`{{H5703}}` ('ad)**: While not a direct synonym for "meet," this word can be used in phrases like "to pass by" or "to cross over," which might involve an encounter, but the focus is on the movement rather than the contact itself.
* **`{{H3212}}` (yalak)**: "To go" or "to walk." While one might "go to meet" someone, yalak describes the motion, whereas pâgash describes the point of contact.
* **`{{H6971}}` (qabats)**: "To gather." This term refers to the act of assembling people or things, implying a collective coming together, which is distinct from the one-on-one or group-to-group contact of pâgash.
Pâgash often emphasizes the *directness* and *immediacy* of the contact, whether it's two individuals, two armies, or even abstract concepts. It frequently sets the stage for what follows – be it reconciliation, battle, or divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6298 (pâgash) lies in its portrayal of crucial interactions within the biblical narrative, particularly those involving God and humanity, and the dynamics of human relationships.
* **Divine Initiative and Judgment:** The Lord "meeting" Moses in [[Exodus 4:24]] is a profound example of divine initiative. Such encounters are often not benign but carry the weight of divine judgment, instruction, or a testing of faith. It underscores God's active involvement in human affairs, sometimes in ways that are unexpected or even terrifying, demanding obedience and accountability.
* **Human Reconciliation and Conflict:** The encounters described by pâgash between individuals or groups (e.g., Jacob and Esau, rival armies) highlight the complexities of human relationships. These meetings can be moments of profound reconciliation, demonstrating the power of forgiveness and grace, or they can be catalysts for intense conflict, revealing the brokenness and sinfulness of humanity. The outcome often reflects the heart condition of those involved.
* **The Harmony of Divine Attributes:** The metaphorical usage in [[Psalm 85:10]], where mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace "meet," speaks to the integrated nature of God's character and His redemptive plan. It signifies that God's attributes, though distinct, are not in conflict but work in perfect harmony to bring about salvation and justice. This "meeting" points to the Messiah, in whom all these divine qualities are perfectly embodied and reconciled.
* **Sovereignty and Providence:** The various "meetings" described by pâgash, whether accidental or intentional, often serve God's overarching purposes. They illustrate divine sovereignty, where even seemingly random encounters or hostile confrontations are part of a larger providential design, moving the biblical narrative towards its ultimate fulfillment.
### Summary
H6298 (pâgash) is a foundational Hebrew verb denoting "to come into contact with" or "to meet." Its semantic range extends from neutral or friendly encounters to violent confrontations and even the figurative convergence of abstract concepts. Context is paramount in determining its precise nuance, as seen in its usage describing reunions, battles, and the terrifying divine encounter with Moses. Compared to related terms, pâgash often emphasizes the directness and immediacy of the contact. Theologically, it illuminates God's active involvement in human lives through encounters of judgment and grace, the intricate dynamics of human reconciliation and conflict, and the harmonious interplay of divine attributes in salvation. Ultimately, pâgash highlights the significance of every "meeting" within the biblical narrative, often revealing profound truths about God's character and His interaction with His creation.
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