a primitive root (identical with פָּזַז); to solidify (as if by refining); also to spring (as if separating the limbs); leap, be made strong.
Transliteration:pâzaz
Pronunciation:paw-zaz'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H6339, *pâzaz* (פָּזַז), is a primitive root carrying a fascinating dual semantic range. At its core, it speaks to a process of **solidification and refinement**, akin to the purification of metals. This aspect suggests a transition from a crude or mixed state to one of purity, strength, and unadulterated quality. The imagery is often associated with precious metals, particularly gold, which through intense heat becomes solid and pure. Thus, *pâzaz* implies a state of being "made strong" or "made firm" through a refining process.
Concurrently, the root also conveys the meaning "to spring" or "to leap," often described as "separating the limbs." This dynamic aspect suggests agility, vigor, and sudden, powerful movement. While seemingly disparate, these two meanings might be conceptually linked in the ancient mind: the purity achieved through refinement could be seen as imparting an inherent strength or an unhindered, vibrant quality, allowing for such dynamic action. Alternatively, some scholars propose the "leaping" refers to impurities "leaping out" during refinement, or that it represents two distinct but related facets of the root's energy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verbal form of H6339, *pâzaz*, is exceedingly rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing perhaps only once in the Niphal participle in some textual traditions, conveying a sense of being "refined" or "purified." However, its conceptual force is powerfully manifest through its direct derivative, the noun *paz* (`{{H6337}}`), which consistently refers to "pure gold" or "refined gold." This noun provides the clearest biblical insight into the "solidify/refine/strong" aspect of the root H6339.
Occurrences of *paz* (`{{H6337}}`) illuminate the quality of this refined state:
* In [[Psalm 19:10]], God's judgments are declared "more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold (paz)," highlighting their supreme value, purity, and enduring quality.
* [[Psalm 21:3]] speaks of a "crown of pure gold (paz)" placed upon the king's head, signifying ultimate honor, majesty, and unblemished authority.
* [[Proverbs 8:19]] states that Wisdom's fruit is "better than gold, yea, than fine gold (paz)," underscoring the incomparable worth and integrity of divine wisdom.
* [[Isaiah 13:12]] uses *paz* to describe the preciousness of a man, making him "more precious than fine gold (paz)," emphasizing the immense value of human life in God's eyes, especially when redeemed or refined.
While the "leap" or "spring" aspect of the verb *pâzaz* is not directly attested in verbal forms, the concept of vigorous, unhindered movement often accompanies descriptions of divine power, restored life, or joyful expression in the Old Testament, even if different Hebrew roots are employed (e.g., [[Isaiah 35:6]] where the lame leap). The root H6339 itself, therefore, serves as a foundational semantic well from which the concepts of pure strength and dynamic vitality flow.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the noun *paz* (`{{H6337}}`), "pure gold" or "refined gold," which directly embodies the "solidify/refine" aspect of H6339. This connection is crucial for understanding the practical application of the root's meaning in the biblical text.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical derivatives, include:
* **Refining (`{{H6884}}` tsarap)**: This verb describes the process of purifying metals, directly aligning with the "solidify by refining" aspect of H6339. It often speaks of God's work in purifying His people through trials.
* **Strength (`{{H2388}}` chazaq, `{{H1392}}` gabar)**: These roots denote various forms of strength, firmness, and might, echoing the "be made strong" aspect of H6339.
* **Purity (`{{H2889}}` tahor)**: This term refers to ritual or moral purity, a state achieved through refinement, conceptually linked to the outcome of *pâzaz*.
* **Leaping/Running (`{{H7323}}` ruts, `{{H6923}}` qaphats)**: These verbs describe vigorous movement, conceptually relating to the "spring/leap" aspect of H6339, often in contexts of joy, swiftness, or divine intervention.
The relationship between *pâzaz* and *paz* highlights how a root describing a process (refinement, solidification) can give rise to a noun describing the outcome (pure gold), emphasizing the enduring quality and value of that which has been purified.
### Theological Significance
The dual nature of H6339, *pâzaz*, carries profound theological significance.
1. **Divine Purity and Holiness**: The "solidify by refining" aspect, particularly through its derivative *paz* (`{{H6337}}`), points to God's absolute purity and holiness. Just as gold is refined to remove all dross, God is utterly without impurity. His word, His judgments, and His character are depicted as *paz*—unblemished, perfect, and eternally true. This concept extends to the process of sanctification, where God refines His people, removing sin and impurity, to make them strong and pure like refined gold ([[Zechariah 13:9]]).
2. **Unshakeable Strength and Steadfastness**: The idea of being "made strong" speaks to God's invincible power and the steadfastness of His covenant and promises. What God establishes is firm and unyielding, like solidified, pure metal. This also applies to the strength He imparts to those who trust in Him, enabling them to stand firm against adversity.
3. **Dynamic Life and Joy**: The "leap" or "spring" aspect, though less directly attested verbally, suggests a vibrant, unhindered quality. The purity and strength derived from divine refinement do not lead to stagnation but to dynamic life and spiritual vigor. This can be seen in the joy of the redeemed, the unhindered proclamation of God's truth, or the energetic manifestation of divine power. It implies a freedom and agility that come from being purged of impurities and made strong in the Lord.
In essence, *pâzaz* encapsulates the divine work of transforming and strengthening, moving from a state of imperfection to one of purified, dynamic vitality, reflecting the glory and character of God Himself.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H6339, *pâzaz*, is a rare yet significant primitive root embodying two primary semantic fields: **to solidify or be made strong through refining**, and **to spring or leap with vigor**. While the verbal form is seldom found in the biblical text, its core meaning is profoundly expressed through its derivative noun, *paz* (`{{H6337}}`), which consistently refers to "pure" or "refined gold." This connection highlights the root's emphasis on purity, unadulterated quality, and enduring strength achieved through a process of purification. The "leap" aspect suggests a dynamic, unhindered vitality that can be conceptually linked to the vigor that accompanies true purity and divine strength. Theologically, *pâzaz* speaks to God's inherent holiness and refining work, the unshakeable strength of His character and promises, and the vibrant, dynamic life imparted to those who are purified and made strong in Him.
TRV