a primitive root; to batter out; but used only as denominative from פַּח,; to spread a net; be snared.
Transliteration:pâchach
Pronunciation:paw-khakh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb פָּחַח (pâchach, `{{H6351}}`) is a primitive root, yet its primary usage in the biblical text is as a denominative verb derived from the noun פַּח (pach, `{{H6341}}`). The noun פַּח (pach) carries a dual semantic range, referring to a "thin plate" (often of metal) and, more commonly, a "trap" or "snare." Consequently, פָּחַח (pâchach) primarily means "to spread a net" or "to set a snare" in its active form, and "to be snared" or "to be caught" in its passive or Niphal/Hophal forms. While the root's primitive sense might hint at "to batter out" or "to beat flat" (perhaps relating to the making of a metal plate), this meaning is not attested in its verbal occurrences. Instead, the overwhelming contextual evidence points to the imagery of entrapment, whether by human design or divine decree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb פָּחַח (pâchach, `{{H6351}}`) appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently conveying the idea of setting or falling into a trap. Its usage often highlights danger, judgment, and the consequences of human actions.
In the Psalms, the verb frequently describes the malicious intent of the wicked who seek to ensnare the righteous:
* In [[Psalm 140:5]], the psalmist laments, "The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set traps for me." Here, פָּחַח (pâchach) is used in parallel with other terms for traps, emphasizing the deliberate and hidden nature of the adversaries' schemes.
* Similarly, [[Psalm 141:9]] contains the plea, "Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and from the traps of the evildoers," illustrating the constant threat faced by the faithful.
The concept of being snared is also used metaphorically to describe divine judgment or the inevitable consequences of sin:
* [[Jeremiah 50:24]] powerfully declares God's judgment upon Babylon: "I have laid a snare for you, and you are also caught, O Babylon, and you were not aware; you have been found and also caught, because you have contended against the LORD." Here, God Himself is depicted as the one setting the snare, indicating inescapable judgment.
* In [[Ezekiel 12:13]], God speaks of Zedekiah's capture: "I will also spread My net over him, and he shall be caught in My snare; and I will bring him to Babylon, to the land of the Chaldeans; yet he shall not see it, though he shall die there." This vividly portrays the certainty of divine retribution.
* [[Isaiah 24:17-18]] uses the imagery of terror, the pit, and the snare to describe universal judgment: "Terror and the pit and the snare are upon you, O inhabitant of the earth. And it shall be that he who flees from the sound of terror shall fall into the pit; and he who comes up from the midst of the pit shall be caught in the snare; for the windows from on high are opened, and the foundations of the earth shake." This passage uses פָּחַח (pâchach) to denote the inescapability of divine wrath.
The passive sense, "to be snared," often highlights the vulnerability of those who stray from wisdom or righteousness:
* [[Proverbs 22:5]] warns, "Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards his soul will be far from them." While פָּחַח (pâchach) itself is not present, the noun פַּח (pach, `{{H6341}}`) is, and the verse implies the outcome of being caught.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to פָּחַח (pâchach, `{{H6351}}`) is its root noun, פַּח (pach, `{{H6341}}`), meaning "trap" or "snare." This noun frequently appears in contexts similar to the verb, emphasizing literal or metaphorical entrapment.
Other Hebrew words that share the semantic field of "trap," "snare," or "net" include:
* מוֹקֵשׁ (moqesh, `{{H4170}}`): A "snare" or "trap," often used for a fowler's snare or a moral pitfall (e.g., [[Psalm 140:5]] alongside פָּחַח).
* רֶשֶׁת (reshet, `{{H7568}}`): A "net," typically for fishing or hunting (e.g., [[Psalm 140:5]] alongside פָּחַח).
* יָקַשׁ (yaqash, `{{H3369}}`): A verb meaning "to lay a snare" or "to be snared," sharing a very similar semantic range with פָּחַח (e.g., [[Psalm 38:12]]).
* לוּק (luq, `{{H3921}}`): To "catch" or "take" in a net (e.g., [[Hosea 7:12]]).
The concepts associated with פָּחַח (pâchach) thus revolve around:
* **Deception and Malice:** The intentional setting of traps by enemies.
* **Vulnerability and Folly:** The ease with which the unwary or disobedient can fall into peril.
* **Divine Justice:** God's use of circumstances as a "snare" to bring about judgment or discipline.
* **Consequences:** The inevitable outcome of certain actions, particularly sin.
### Theological Significance
The imagery of the "snare" conveyed by פָּחַח (pâchach, `{{H6351}}`) carries profound theological significance.
Firstly, it highlights the **reality of spiritual warfare and human malevolence**. The psalmist's frequent cries for deliverance from the snares of the wicked underscore the constant threat posed by those who oppose God and His people. This emphasizes the need for divine protection and vigilance against the schemes of evil.
Secondly, פָּחַח (pâchach) serves as a potent metaphor for **divine judgment and the inescapable consequences of sin**. When God is depicted as the one setting the snare, it conveys His sovereign control over history and His unwavering justice. No one can escape His judgment when their iniquity has reached its full measure. This imagery evokes a sense of awe and reverence for God's power and righteousness.
Thirdly, the concept of being "snared" speaks to the **vulnerability of humanity to temptation and the destructive nature of sin**. Just as an animal is caught unaware in a trap, so too can individuals find themselves entangled in the consequences of their choices, particularly when they deviate from God's path. This underscores the wisdom found in adhering to God's commands and seeking His guidance to avoid such pitfalls.
Finally, while the word itself often speaks of entrapment, its presence in prayers for deliverance implicitly points to God as the ultimate **Deliverer**. The very act of crying out for rescue from the snare affirms faith in a God who can break the bonds of captivity and set the captive free.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb פָּחַח (pâchach, `{{H6351}}`) is a denominative verb derived from the noun פַּח (pach, `{{H6341}}`), meaning "trap" or "snare." Its core meaning revolves around the act of "spreading a net" or "setting a snare," and conversely, "being snared" or "caught." Biblically, it is used both literally for the traps laid by adversaries and, more significantly, metaphorically to describe divine judgment, the inescapable consequences of sin, and the perils faced by the righteous from the wicked. Theologically, פָּחַח (pâchach) underscores the reality of spiritual danger, the certainty of divine justice, the destructive power of sin, and implicitly, the need for God's deliverance from all forms of entrapment.
TRV