from פּוּחַ; a powder (as easily puffed away), i.e. ashes or dust; ashes.
Transliteration:pîyach
Pronunciation:pee'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6368}}` (pîyach), transliterated as "pîyach," denotes a fine powder, specifically "ashes" or "soot." Its etymological root is found in the verb `{{H6315}}` (pûwach), meaning "to breathe," "to blow," or "to puff." This derivation is crucial to understanding the nuanced meaning of `{{H6368}}`, emphasizing not merely the substance of ashes, but its inherent quality of being light, easily dispersed, and capable of being "puffed away" by a breath or wind. Thus, the semantic range primarily encompasses the physical residue of combustion, but with an intrinsic connotation of lightness and dispersibility, highlighting its powdery, fine nature. It is distinct from more general terms for "ashes" like `{{H665}}` (ʾēpher), which can refer to dust or ashes used in mourning or as a sign of repentance. `{{H6368}}` specifically points to the fine, almost airborne particulate matter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H6368}}` appears exclusively in the book of Exodus, and only twice, within the narrative of the sixth plague against Egypt:
* [[Exodus 9:8]]: "And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh."
* [[Exodus 9:10]]: "And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast."
In both instances, `{{H6368}}` refers to "ashes of the furnace" (פִּיחַ הַכִּבְשָׁן, pîyach hakkibshān). This specific designation is significant. Furnaces were central to Egyptian industry, particularly in brick-making, a task that enslaved the Israelites. The ashes from these furnaces, symbols of Egyptian labor and oppression, are divinely repurposed as an instrument of judgment. Moses is commanded to take these ashes and "sprinkle" (זָרַק, zāraq) them towards the heavens in the sight of Pharaoh. The act of sprinkling, a gesture that naturally disperses fine powder, aligns perfectly with the inherent meaning of `{{H6368}}` as something easily "puffed away." Upon being cast into the air, these seemingly innocuous ashes miraculously transform into a plague of boils and blains afflicting both humans and animals throughout Egypt. The immediate and widespread effect underscores the potency of this otherwise light and ephemeral substance when wielded by divine power.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, the most directly related word is the verbal root `{{H6315}}` (pûwach), "to blow," "to puff," or "to breathe." This etymological connection emphasizes the dispersible nature of `{{H6368}}`. Other Hebrew terms for "ashes" or "dust" include:
* `{{H665}}` (ʾēpher): A more general term for ashes, often associated with mourning, repentance, or destruction (e.g., [[Job 2:8]], [[Jonah 3:6]]). Unlike `{{H6368}}`, `{{H665}}` does not inherently carry the connotation of being easily dispersed.
* `{{H6083}}` (ʿāphār): Refers to dry earth, dust, or clay, often symbolizing human mortality or humility (e.g., [[Genesis 2:7]], [[Genesis 3:19]]). While also a fine particulate, its primary meaning is distinct from the residue of combustion.
The concept of divine judgment and the use of seemingly insignificant elements to manifest God's power are also related. The plagues themselves are a series of escalating judgments, each demonstrating God's sovereignty over aspects of creation worshipped by the Egyptians. The transformation of `{{H6368}}` from inert matter into a pervasive affliction highlights God's ability to repurpose and empower the mundane for His purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6368}}` is profound, despite its limited occurrences. Its singular appearance in the narrative of the sixth plague underscores several key themes:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The use of `{{H6368}}` demonstrates God's absolute control over creation, even over the most basic and seemingly inert elements. The ashes of the furnace, products of human toil and Egyptian oppression, are transformed into an instrument of divine wrath. This highlights that even the mundane aspects of human existence can be co-opted by God for His redemptive and punitive purposes.
2. **Repurposing of Oppression:** The ashes originate from the very furnaces where Israelite slaves toiled. God takes the byproduct of their suffering and turns it against their oppressors, symbolizing His active intervention on behalf of His people and His judgment against those who inflict injustice.
3. **The Nature of the Plague:** The fine, dispersible nature of `{{H6368}}` is crucial to the plague's effect. When sprinkled into the air, the ashes would spread widely and quickly, manifesting as boils upon "man and beast" throughout the land. This immediate and pervasive affliction visually and physically communicates the inescapable nature of God's judgment. The "puffed away" quality of the ashes is harnessed by God to ensure the widespread impact of the plague.
4. **Symbolism of Power:** A handful of fine ashes, a seemingly weak and insignificant substance, becomes the catalyst for a debilitating plague. This powerfully illustrates that God does not require grand or mighty instruments to accomplish His will; His power can imbue the most humble elements with devastating efficacy.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6368}}` (pîyach) refers to fine, dispersible ashes or soot, deriving its nuance from the root `{{H6315}}` (pûwach), meaning "to blow" or "to puff." Its sole biblical appearances are in [[Exodus 9:8]] and [[Exodus 9:10]], where it denotes the "ashes of the furnace" used by Moses as the catalyst for the sixth plague upon Egypt. The act of sprinkling these light, easily dispersed ashes into the air directly correlates with the word's inherent meaning, leading to a miraculous and widespread outbreak of boils. Theologically, `{{H6368}}` powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty, His ability to repurpose the instruments of oppression for judgment, and His capacity to use seemingly insignificant elements to manifest profound and far-reaching divine power against those who defy Him.
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