### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H6375}}` (pîyq) is derived from the verbal root `{{H6373}}` (puwq), which fundamentally signifies "to totter," "to waver," "to stagger," or "to stumble." Consequently, `{{H6375}}` carries the core meaning of "a tottering" or "a stumbling." The additional nuance "smite together" in its base definition suggests the impact or sound associated with such instability—perhaps the knocking of knees due to fear or the collapse of something unstable. It encapsulates the state or act of losing balance, being dislodged, or experiencing instability, whether physical or metaphorical.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is noteworthy that `{{H6375}}` (pîyq) does not appear in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. Its meaning is primarily inferred from its root `{{H6373}}` (puwq), which is attested in various contexts. For instance, `{{H6373}}` is used to describe a physical stumble ([[Psalm 38:16]]), the wavering of the foundations of the earth ([[Psalm 82:5]]), or the dislodging of a person from their position ([[Psalm 18:36]]). Though `{{H6375}}` itself is absent, its conceptual meaning of "tottering" is vividly portrayed through its root and related terms, often in contexts depicting human frailty, divine judgment, or the steadfastness of God in contrast to human instability.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H6375}}` is its root verb `{{H6373}}` (puwq), meaning "to totter, waver, stagger, stumble, be dislodged." Other Hebrew words that share a semantic field of instability, falling, or shaking include:
* `{{H4131}}` (mûṭ): "to totter, shake, slip," often used of foundations or individuals facing adversity ([[Psalm 62:2]]).
* `{{H3782}}` (kāshal): "to stumble, fall," frequently used in both literal and metaphorical senses, referring to moral or spiritual failure ([[Proverbs 24:16]]).
* `{{H4571}}` (ma'ad): "to slip, totter," often implying a near fall or loss of footing ([[Psalm 38:17]]).
* `{{H7493}}` (ra'ad): "to tremble, quake," denoting a more general shaking or quivering, often due to fear or divine presence ([[Exodus 15:15]]).
Concepts closely associated with `{{H6375}}` include instability, weakness, human frailty, fear, divine judgment (causing one to stumble), and moral failure or spiritual wavering.
### Theological Significance
Despite its absence as a distinct word in the Hebrew Bible, the theological concept of "tottering" or "stumbling" (as conveyed by its root `{{H6373}}` and related terms) is profoundly significant. It underscores several crucial biblical themes:
1. **Human Vulnerability and Frailty:** Humanity, left to its own devices, is prone to physical and moral stumbling. The psalmist frequently laments his "tottering" steps or the instability of his life without divine support ([[Psalm 73:2]]). This highlights the inherent weakness and dependence of humanity upon God.
2. **Divine Steadfastness and Support:** In stark contrast to human instability, God is consistently portrayed as the one who prevents stumbling and provides stability. He is the rock and fortress who keeps His people from tottering ([[Psalm 37:24]], [[Psalm 121:3]]). The righteous are promised that they will not be moved or caused to totter ([[Psalm 55:22]]).
3. **Consequences of Sin and Disobedience:** Stumbling can be a direct consequence of sin or divine judgment. For the wicked, their path is often described as one leading to stumbling and ruin ([[Proverbs 4:19]]). The prophets speak of nations or individuals who "stumble" due to their rebellion against God ([[Isaiah 8:14-15]]).
4. **The Messiah as a Stumbling Block:** Paradoxically, the Messiah, who brings stability and salvation, is also prophesied to be a "stone of stumbling" ([[Isaiah 8:14]]) for those who reject Him, a concept later echoed in the New Testament ([[Romans 9:32-33]], [[1 Peter 2:8]]). This indicates that the very source of stability becomes a cause of falling for those who refuse to believe.
### Summary
`{{H6375}}` (pîyq) is a rare Hebrew noun, derived from `{{H6373}}` (puwq), meaning "a tottering" or "a stumbling," implying instability or the impact of a fall. While it does not appear in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, its conceptual meaning is deeply embedded in biblical theology through its root and related terms. This concept highlights human vulnerability and propensity to stumble, contrasting it with God's unwavering faithfulness and power to uphold. It underscores the critical need for divine support to navigate life's challenges and avoid moral or spiritual collapse, portraying God as the ultimate source of stability in a world prone to tottering.
TRV