from פָּכָה; a flask (from which a liquid may flow); box, vial.
Transliteration:pak
Pronunciation:pak
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פַּךְ (pak, `{{H6378}}`) derives from the root פָּכָה (pakah), which likely conveys the idea of dripping or flowing. As such, its core meaning refers to a small container designed to hold and dispense liquids, typically in controlled amounts. The base definition provided includes "flask," "vial," or "box," but its primary biblical usage narrows its semantic range considerably. In context, pak almost exclusively denotes a small vessel, often made of clay or horn, used for pouring precious liquids, most notably anointing oil. This specialized function imbues the term with a sacral connotation, elevating it beyond a mere utilitarian container to an instrument of divine purpose and consecration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פַּךְ (pak, `{{H6378}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant, primarily in the context of anointing for kingship:
* **Anointing of Saul:** In [[1 Samuel 10:1]], the prophet Samuel takes a "vial" (פַּךְ) of oil and pours it on Saul's head, declaring, "Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?" This act is the public and definitive sign of Saul's divine appointment as Israel's first king. The pak here is the instrument of God's choice, mediating the sacred oil that sets Saul apart.
* **Anointing of Jehu:** Later, in [[2 Kings 9:1]], the prophet Elisha instructs one of his prophetic disciples to take a "flask" (פַּךְ) of oil and go to Ramoth-gilead to anoint Jehu king over Israel, specifically to carry out God's judgment against the house of Ahab. This anointing is performed quickly and in relative secrecy, emphasizing the urgency and divine decree behind Jehu's violent commission.
In both instances, the pak is the essential vessel for the anointing oil, signifying a divinely ordained transfer of authority and a sacred commissioning for a specific role in God's plan. Its presence marks a pivotal moment in the historical narrative of Israelite leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and significance of פַּךְ (pak, `{{H6378}}`) are deeply intertwined with several key biblical terms and concepts:
* **Oil (שֶׁמֶן, `{{H8081}}`):** The pak is primarily the container for anointing oil, which symbolizes divine presence, blessing, consecration, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit (in a proto-pneumatological sense). The vessel is meaningless without its sacred content.
* **Anoint (מָשַׁח, `{{H4886}}`):** This verb describes the action performed with the pak. The act of anointing, whether of kings, priests, or sacred objects, signifies setting apart for a holy purpose and is central to the ritual and theological significance of the pak.
* **King (מֶלֶךְ, `{{H4428}}`):** The primary recipients of anointing via the pak are kings, highlighting its role in legitimizing royal authority as divinely bestowed rather than merely humanly acquired.
* **Prophet (נָבִיא, `{{H5035}}`):** Significantly, it is the prophets (Samuel, Elisha's disciple) who wield the pak in these narratives, underscoring their unique role as mediators of God's will, particularly in the appointment and deposition of rulers.
* **Consecration/Sanctification (קָדַשׁ, `{{H6942}}`):** The anointing performed with the pak is an act of consecration, setting the anointed individual apart as holy and dedicated to God's service.
### Theological Significance
The פַּךְ (pak, `{{H6378}}`) holds profound theological significance, despite its limited occurrences:
* **Divine Appointment and Legitimacy:** The pak serves as the tangible instrument through which God's chosen leaders are visibly and ritually set apart. The pouring of oil from the pak signifies that authority is not merely humanly derived but divinely bestowed, imbuing the recipient with a sacred mandate. This underscores God's sovereignty over human leadership.
* **Impartation of Divine Spirit/Power:** While the Old Testament does not explicitly equate the anointing oil with the Holy Spirit in the New Testament sense, the anointing often symbolizes divine power, blessing, and enablement. The pak thus becomes a conduit for this divine impartation, preparing the individual for their God-ordained task and empowering them for service.
* **Prophetic Mediation:** The fact that prophets are the ones who use the pak to anoint kings highlights the critical role of prophetic authority in mediating God's will for leadership. Prophets are God's spokespersons, acting on His behalf to install or remove rulers according to His sovereign plan.
* **Symbol of Covenant and Oath:** The anointing performed with the pak often marks a pivotal moment in the covenant relationship between God and His people, particularly concerning leadership. It is a public declaration of God's choice and His commitment to His chosen one.
* **Foreshadowing of the Messiah:** The concept of the "Anointed One" (מָשִׁיחַ, *Mashiach*, `{{H4899}}`), from which "Messiah" derives, finds its roots in these Old Testament anointings. Jesus, the ultimate Anointed One, is anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power (cf. [[Acts 10:38]]), fulfilling and transcending the ritual anointings performed with the pak. He is the one truly set apart for the ultimate divine purpose.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פַּךְ (pak, `{{H6378}}`) denotes a small flask or vial, specifically used in the biblical narrative for pouring anointing oil. Though appearing infrequently, its significance is immense, primarily within the context of royal anointing. As seen in the anointing of Saul ([[1 Samuel 10:1]]) and Jehu ([[2 Kings 9:1]]), the pak functions as a sacred vessel, a tangible instrument through which divine appointment is enacted. It is inextricably linked to the concepts of anointing (`{{H4886}}`), sacred oil (`{{H8081}}`), and the establishment of divinely sanctioned kingship. Theologically, the pak underscores God's sovereign authority over human leadership, the impartation of divine enablement, and the crucial role of prophetic mediation. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful symbol of consecration and foreshadows the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ.
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