### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pâgash**, represented by `{{H6298}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to come in contact with**, whether by accident or violence. Appearing **14 times** in **14 unique verses**, its definition also extends figuratively to the idea of concurrence, or to meet with or together. The nature of these encounters ranges from peaceful reunions to hostile and even deadly confrontations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H6298}}` describes a wide variety of encounters. It can refer to a divinely orchestrated meeting, such as when Aaron went into the wilderness and **met** Moses at the mount of God [[Exodus 4:27]]. Conversely, it can depict a life-threatening confrontation, as when the LORD **met** Moses at an inn and sought to kill him [[Exodus 4:24]]. The term is also used in dire warnings, where God promises to **meet** a rebellious people like a bereaved bear [[Hosea 13:8]]. In a figurative sense, it describes the common ground shared by all humanity, as "The rich and poor **meet together**" under God, who is the maker of them all [[Proverbs 22:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and outcome of the encounters described by `{{H6298}}`:
* `{{H7125}}` **qirʼâh** (an encountering): This noun, often translated as "to meet," signifies the purpose of a journey. Aaron is told to go into the wilderness to **meet** Moses, and subsequently **met** `{{H6298}}` him [[Exodus 4:27]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die/kill): This word defines the potential severity of a divine meeting. In a fearsome encounter, the LORD **met** `{{H6298}}` Moses and sought to **kill** him, highlighting the violent capacity of the term [[Exodus 4:24]].
* `{{H5401}}` **nâshaq** (to kiss): This term signifies a positive and peaceful outcome of a meeting. When Aaron **met** `{{H6298}}` Moses, he **kissed** `{{H5401}}` him [[Exodus 4:27]]. Figuratively, when mercy and truth **met** `{{H6298}}`, righteousness and peace **kissed** `{{H5401}}` each other [[Psalms 85:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6298}}` is significant, often highlighting God's direct and sovereign intervention in the world.
* **Divine Initiative:** God is frequently the initiator of these encounters, whether for judgment [[Hosea 13:8]], testing [[Exodus 4:24]], or commissioning, as when he arranged the meeting between Moses and Aaron [[Exodus 4:27]].
* **Moral Order:** The proverbs use the term to establish a divine truth about society. The rich and the poor **meet together** `{{H6298}}`, a fact grounded in the reality that the LORD is the **maker** `{{H6213}}` of them all [[Proverbs 22:2]].
* **Theological Concurrence:** In a profound poetic sense, the word describes the perfect harmony of God's character. Divine attributes like **mercy** `{{H2617}}` and **truth** `{{H571}}` are said to have **met together** `{{H6298}}`, illustrating their unity in God's plan [[Psalms 85:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6298}}` moves beyond a simple definition of "to meet." It captures the significance and consequence of encounters, which can be planned, accidental, violent, or peaceful. The word is used to describe critical moments in the biblical narrative, from personal reunions and hostile standoffs to the figurative intersection of divine attributes and social realities, consistently underscoring a world where encounters are fraught with meaning and divine oversight.
TRV