a primitive root; to scatter, whether in enmity or bounty; disperse, scatter (abroad).
Transliteration:pâzar
Pronunciation:paw-zar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H6340 pâzar is a primitive root fundamentally meaning "to scatter" or "to disperse." Its semantic range is notably broad, encompassing actions that are both destructive and benevolent. On one hand, it denotes a scattering associated with enmity, judgment, and the breaking apart of entities, often with negative consequences such as military defeat or exile. On the other hand, it also describes a scattering that is positive, reflecting bounty, generosity, and the widespread distribution of good things, such as charitable giving or the dissemination of wisdom. This duality in meaning requires careful contextual analysis to discern the specific nuance intended by the biblical author.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6340 pâzar across the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications:
* **Scattering in Judgment and Warfare:** Often, pâzar describes divine judgment or military action. In [[Psalm 18:14]] (paralleled in [[2 Samuel 22:15]]), God is depicted as scattering His enemies with arrows and lightning, a powerful image of divine intervention in battle. Similarly, [[Psalm 144:6]] uses pâzar to describe God's scattering of foes. [[Psalm 68:30]] speaks of God scattering the peoples who delight in war, emphasizing divine retribution against the wicked. For Israel, pâzar is used to describe the consequences of disobedience, as God threatens to "scatter" them before their enemies ([[Jeremiah 18:17]]) or among the nations ([[Ezekiel 12:15]]; [[Ezekiel 22:15]]), signifying exile and dispersion as a form of covenant judgment. This also extends to the desecration of idolatrous sites, where bones are scattered ([[Ezekiel 6:5]]). In [[Proverbs 20:26]], a wise king is said to "scatter" the wicked, indicating the administration of justice and the removal of evil from society.
* **Scattering in Generosity and Bounty:** In stark contrast, pâzar is also employed to describe acts of generosity and the spread of good. [[Psalm 112:9]] extols the righteous person who "scatters abroad and gives to the poor," highlighting open-handed charity as a hallmark of piety. This positive sense is reinforced in [[Proverbs 11:24]], which presents a paradox: "There is one who scatters, yet increases more," advocating for liberality that paradoxically leads to greater blessing. Furthermore, [[Proverbs 15:7]] states that "the lips of the wise disperse knowledge," indicating the active and widespread sharing of wisdom.
* **Miscellaneous Contexts:** [[Daniel 11:24]] uses pâzar in the context of a king scattering plunder, which, while not inherently negative, often arises from conquest. [[Nahum 3:18]] describes the people of Assyria being scattered like sheep without a shepherd after the fall of Nineveh, depicting a state of disarray and vulnerability resulting from judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of "scattering" in Hebrew is rich, with H6340 pâzar interacting with several other key terms:
* [[H6327 pûts]] (פוּץ): Often translated "to be dispersed" or "to be scattered," particularly used for the scattering of people, frequently in the context of exile or breaking apart. It shares a strong thematic overlap with pâzar regarding dispersion.
* [[H2236 zâra‛]] (זָרַע): "To sow," specifically referring to the scattering of seeds in an agricultural context. While pâzar can imply bounty, zâra‛ is more directly tied to planting.
* [[H2219 zârâh]] (זָרָה): "To scatter," "to winnow." This term is often used for winnowing grain by scattering it to the wind, but also for scattering people, similar to pûts and pâzar.
* [[H5310 nâphats]] (נָפַץ): "To dash in pieces," "to break," "to scatter." This term often implies a more violent or destructive form of scattering.
Conversely, the conceptual antonyms of pâzar include verbs of gathering:
* [[H6908 qâbats]] (קָבַץ): "To gather," "to collect," "to assemble." This is frequently used in prophetic contexts for the future gathering of Israel from exile, directly contrasting the "scattering" of pâzar.
* [[H622 asaph]] (אָסַף): "To gather," "to collect," often used for harvesting or assembling people.
Thematically, pâzar is closely linked to concepts of divine judgment, exile, warfare, but also to righteousness, generosity, and the spread of wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The dual nature of H6340 pâzar carries profound theological significance.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** The frequent depiction of God "scattering" His enemies or His disobedient people underscores His absolute sovereignty over nations and history. It highlights His role as a righteous judge who brings consequences for sin, demonstrating His power and unwavering commitment to justice. The scattering of Israel into exile, though a painful judgment, was also part of God's larger redemptive plan, leading to purification and a future ingathering.
2. **The Paradox of Generosity:** The use of pâzar in [[Psalm 112:9]] and [[Proverbs 11:24]] reveals a counter-intuitive spiritual principle: true abundance is found not in hoarding, but in generous giving. To "scatter" one's resources for the benefit of the poor is an act of faith that God will provide and even multiply what is given. This challenges a worldly mindset of scarcity and self-preservation, promoting a theology of open-handed stewardship.
3. **The Nature of Wisdom and Influence:** The scattering of knowledge by the wise ([[Proverbs 15:7]]) illustrates that divine wisdom is not meant to be confined but to be freely shared, illuminating and guiding others. This reflects the outward-focused nature of God's truth and the call for His people to be a light to the world.
4. **Redemptive Purpose in Dispersion:** While often a sign of judgment, the scattering of people (e.g., Israel) also sets the stage for future divine acts of gathering and restoration. It is through the experience of dispersion that God's faithfulness and power to reassemble His people are most clearly demonstrated.
### Summary
H6340 pâzar is a potent Hebrew verb signifying "to scatter" or "to disperse." Its rich semantic range allows it to describe both destructive acts of judgment and warfare, as well as benevolent acts of generosity and the widespread dissemination of good. Biblically, it illuminates God's sovereign power in executing justice upon His enemies and disobedient people through dispersion and defeat. Simultaneously, pâzar powerfully conveys the theological principle that open-handed generosity leads to divine blessing and increase, and that true wisdom is meant to be freely shared. Thus, pâzar encapsulates a divine paradox where dispersion can serve both punitive and redemptive purposes, ultimately testifying to God's multifaceted character and providential care.
TRV