### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פָּכָה (pâkâh, `{{H6379}}`) is a primitive root, conveying the fundamental sense of a fluid movement. Its base definition encompasses "to pour" and "run out." This suggests a dynamic action involving the steady or abundant release of liquid. While "run out" might imply depletion in some contexts, the primary sense, especially in its sole biblical occurrence, points to an unhindered, continuous flow. The nuance is not necessarily of a controlled pouring, but rather a natural, perhaps even spontaneous, gushing or flowing forth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb פָּכָה (pâkâh, `{{H6379}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its contextual analysis paramount for understanding its meaning. This singular occurrence is found in [[Proverbs 5:18]]: "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth."
In this verse, פָּכָה (pâkâh) is used in the imperative, "Let your fountain *pâkâh*," which is often translated as "let it flow freely," "let it break forth," or "let it pour forth." The "fountain" (מָקוֹר, maqor, `{{H4726}}`) is a rich metaphor for the source of life, vitality, and progeny, specifically referring to the marital relationship and its intimate expression. The exhortation is for this "fountain" to *pâkâh*, to flow abundantly and without hindrance.
The context of [[Proverbs 5]] is a stern warning against sexual immorality and an earnest commendation of marital fidelity. The unhindered "flowing forth" of one's own "fountain" stands in stark contrast to the "stolen waters" of illicit affairs, which ultimately lead to death and destruction ([[Proverbs 5:3-14]], [[Proverbs 9:17-18]]). Thus, the verb פָּכָה (pâkâh) here signifies a blessed, legitimate, and abundant outpouring within the confines of a covenantal marriage, yielding joy and satisfaction. It is not a wasteful "running out" but a fruitful "flowing forth."
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the singular occurrence of פָּכָה (pâkâh, `{{H6379}}`), its conceptual links are primarily with terms related to the movement of liquids and sources of water, particularly in a metaphorical sense:
* **מָקוֹר (maqor, `{{H4726}}`):** "Fountain" or "spring," the very noun that פָּכָה (pâkâh) modifies in [[Proverbs 5:18]]. This word frequently denotes a source of life, wisdom, or blessing (e.g., [[Proverbs 10:11]], [[Proverbs 13:14]], [[Proverbs 14:27]]).
* **נָבַע (nava', `{{H5064}}`):** "To gush forth," "bubble up," or "spring forth." This verb often describes the spontaneous outpouring of water or speech, sharing the idea of an unhindered flow.
* **שָׁפַךְ (shapakh, `{{H7945}}`):** "To pour out," a more general term for pouring, often used for liquids, blood, or even one's heart or spirit. While broader, it shares the core concept of liquid discharge.
* **נָזַל (nazal, `{{H5140}}`):** "To flow," "trickle," or "stream." This verb typically describes the steady movement of water.
Conceptually, פָּכָה (pâkâh) aligns with themes of abundance, blessing, life-giving sustenance, and the purity associated with a legitimate source, particularly when contrasted with defiled or "stolen" waters.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּכָה (pâkâh, `{{H6379}}`) is deeply intertwined with the wisdom literature's teachings on God's design for human relationships and the nature of true blessing. Its unique appearance in [[Proverbs 5:18]] elevates the concept of marital intimacy from a mere physical act to a divinely sanctioned "fountain" that is meant to *pâkâh*, to flow freely and abundantly.
This free flow symbolizes the joy, satisfaction, and fruitfulness (both literal and metaphorical) that God intends for the covenant of marriage. It is a source of blessing that stands in stark contrast to the "stolen waters" of adultery, which, though seemingly sweet, lead to bitterness and death ([[Proverbs 5:4-5]], [[Proverbs 9:17-18]]). The verb emphasizes the unhindered nature of this blessing when pursued within God's righteous boundaries.
The imagery suggests that God has designed marriage as a perpetual source of life and delight, a fountain that should never be blocked or diverted. The call for the fountain to *pâkâh* is thus a theological affirmation of the goodness and sufficiency of God's provision within the marital bond, encouraging faithfulness as the pathway to true flourishing and satisfaction. It underscores the sanctity and blessedness of legitimate intimacy as a divine gift.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb פָּכָה (pâkâh, `{{H6379}}`) is a rare, primitive root meaning "to pour" or "to run out," specifically conveying the sense of an unhindered, abundant flow. Its singular occurrence in [[Proverbs 5:18]] is pivotal, where it commands that one's "fountain" – a metaphor for marital intimacy and its life-giving aspects – should *pâkâh*, or flow freely. This usage highlights the divine intention for marriage to be a blessed and abundant source of joy and satisfaction, contrasting sharply with the destructive nature of illicit relationships. The theological significance lies in its affirmation of God's design for covenantal marriage as a pure, continuous, and life-giving stream of blessing, underscoring the wisdom literature's call to fidelity and the pursuit of true flourishing within divine parameters.
TRV