### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pâchaz**, represented by `{{H6348}}`, describes something that is **unimportant or light**, with a root meaning of bubbling up or frothing like boiling water. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, used figuratively to denote a lack of substance or moral weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6348}}` is used to characterize individuals who are morally deficient and unreliable. In the book of Judges, Abimelech hires "vain{H7386} and **light**{H6348} persons{H582}" who then follow him in his violent quest for power [[Judges 9:4]]. Similarly, the prophet Zephaniah condemns the spiritual leaders of Judah, describing the prophets{H5030} as "**light**{H6348} and treacherous{H900} persons{H582}" [[Zephaniah 3:4]]. In this context, their "lightness" is directly linked to polluting the sanctuary and violating God's law.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the negative implications of being **pâchaz**:
* `{{H7386}}` **rêyq** (vain): Paired with `{{H6348}}` in [[Judges 9:4]], this word means "empty; figuratively, worthless". It highlights the hollowness and lack of principle in the men Abimelech hired.
* `{{H900}}` **bôgᵉdôwth** (treacherous): This term is coupled with `{{H6348}}` in [[Zephaniah 3:4]], defining the "light" prophets by their "treacheries". It shows that being unsubstantial leads to betrayal of trust.
* `{{H2490}}` **châlal** (pollute): In the same verse, the priests are said to have "polluted{H2490} the sanctuary{H6944}". The root meaning includes profaning a person, place, or thing, showing the tangible, destructive outcome of this spiritual "lightness".
* `{{H2554}}` **châmaç** (violence): The priests in Zephaniah's prophecy also "have done violence{H2554} to the law{H8451}", a term meaning to maltreat or be violent. This connects the internal state of being "light" to external acts of aggression against divine order.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6348}}` is found in its sharp critique of character and leadership.
* **Moral Emptiness:** The term describes a dangerous void in character. Individuals who are "light" are not merely insignificant; they are unstable, easily swayed, and available for hire for wicked purposes, as seen with Abimelech's followers [[Judges 9:4]].
* **Corruption of Authority:** When applied to prophets and priests, being "light" is a severe indictment. It signifies a betrayal of their sacred duty, leading them to be treacherous{H900} and to profane{H2490} holy things rather than uphold them [[Zephaniah 3:4]].
* **Opposition to Divine Law:** The actions of these "light" individuals stand in direct opposition to the stability and truth of God's commands. Their character results in doing violence{H2554} to the law{H8451}, undermining the very foundation of righteousness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6348}}` is a potent descriptor for a negative moral and spiritual state. More than just being unimportant, **pâchaz** signifies a frothy, unsubstantial character that leads to worthlessness, treachery, and the active desecration of what is holy. It serves as a biblical warning that a lack of moral gravity, especially in leaders, results in profound spiritual corruption and violence against divine truth.
TRV