from פַּס and the plural of דָּם; palm (i.e. dell) of bloodshed; Pas-Dammim, a place in Palestine; Pas-dammim. Compare אֶפֶס דַּמִּים.
Transliteration:Paç Dammîym
Pronunciation:pas dam-meem'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase פַּס דַּמִּים (Paç Dammîym), Strong's H6450, is a compound geographical name. It is derived from two components: פַּס (pas), meaning "palm" or "flat part," and דַּמִּים (dammîym), the plural form of דָּם (dam), meaning "blood." Thus, the literal translation yields "palm of bloodshed" or "dell of blood." This vividly descriptive name points to a location characterized by significant violence or conflict. The term פַּס `{{H6449}}` can refer to the flat of the hand or foot, or an extremity, suggesting a flat valley or plain. The plural form of "blood" `{{H1818}}` intensifies the notion of widespread or repeated bloodshed, rather than a single instance. This name is closely related to and often used interchangeably with אֶפֶס דַּמִּים (Ephes Dammîym), Strong's H658, which carries a similar semantic weight, though אֶפֶס `{{H657}}` typically means "end" or "cessation," potentially implying "boundary of blood" or "cessation of blood" (perhaps after a decisive battle). Both names clearly designate a place renowned for intense military engagements.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The specific form פַּס דַּמִּים (H6450) appears once in the Old Testament, in [[1 Chronicles 11:13]]. This passage recounts the exploits of David's mighty men. Specifically, it describes the valor of Eleazar, son of Dodai the Ahohite: "He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the troops fled from the Philistines." Eleazar, alongside David, stood his ground in this barley field, striking down Philistines until his hand was weary and stuck to his sword, securing a great victory.
The parallel account in [[2 Samuel 23:9-10]] refers to the same location as "Ephes-dammim" (H658), confirming the interchangeability of the names for this site. Furthermore, [[1 Samuel 17:1]] places the famous confrontation between David and Goliath in the "Valley of Elah, between Socoh and Azekah," which is explicitly identified as "Ephes-dammim" (H658). This suggests that Pas-Dammim/Ephes-Dammim was a strategically important valley in the Shephelah region, a frequent battleground between Israel and the Philistines. The name itself serves as a stark reminder of the frequent and bloody conflicts that characterized the early monarchy of Israel, particularly under David.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of פַּס דַּמִּים (H6450) are:
* **פַּס (pas):** `{{H6449}}` - Meaning "palm," "sole of the foot," or "extremity." In the context of a place name, it suggests a flat or low-lying area, a "dell" or "valley," suitable for battle.
* **דָּם (dam):** `{{H1818}}` - Meaning "blood." This word carries profound theological weight, signifying life ([[Leviticus 17:11]]), atonement ([[Leviticus 17:11]]), guilt ([[Genesis 4:10]]), and violence ([[Genesis 9:6]]). In this context, the plural "dammîym" emphasizes the extensive bloodshed of warfare.
The most crucial related word is **אֶפֶס דַּמִּים (Ephes Dammîym):** `{{H658}}`. This alternative name for the same location highlights the fluidity of place-naming conventions in ancient Israel and emphasizes the consistent theme of conflict. While "pas" might suggest a topographical feature, "ephes" `{{H657}}` (end, cessation, nothing) could imply a "boundary of blood" or a place where bloodshed was decisively ended. Regardless of the subtle etymological difference, both names underscore the location's identity as a site of significant and often decisive battles.
Concepts intrinsically linked to Pas-Dammim include:
* **Battle and Warfare:** The very name signifies a place of intense military engagement.
* **Divine Deliverance:** The victories achieved at this location (Eleazar's stand, David's defeat of Goliath) are presented as divinely enabled.
* **Courage and Faith:** The narratives associated with Pas-Dammim showcase the extraordinary bravery and trust in God exhibited by figures like Eleazar and David.
* **Philistine Conflict:** The site is a key marker in the ongoing struggle between Israel and their primary adversaries, the Philistines.
### Theological Significance
The name Pas-Dammim, "dell of bloodshed," is not merely a geographical marker but a powerful theological symbol. It represents a crucible of conflict where the fate of God's people was often determined. The battles fought there, particularly against the Philistines, symbolize the perpetual spiritual and physical warfare faced by God's chosen nation.
The narratives connected to Pas-Dammim (Eleazar's stand, David and Goliath) underscore several vital theological truths:
1. **God's Sovereignty in Battle:** Despite the bloodshed and the overwhelming odds, the victories at Pas-Dammim were ultimately attributed to divine intervention and empowerment. Eleazar's hand "clung to the sword" by God's strength, and David's triumph over Goliath was explicitly "by the hand of the LORD" ([[1 Samuel 17:47]]).
2. **The Necessity of Courage and Faith:** The heroes who stood at Pas-Dammim exemplified unwavering courage and faith in the face of fear and superior enemy forces. Their willingness to stand firm in a "dell of bloodshed" serves as a model of faithfulness.
3. **The Establishment of God's Kingdom:** These victories were crucial for the consolidation of David's kingdom and the security of Israel. Pas-Dammim thus becomes a place where the divine plan for Israel's leadership and national identity was progressively realized through conflict.
4. **The Cost of Discipleship/Covenant:** The name itself reminds us that the path of God's people often involves struggle and sacrifice. The "bloodshed" points to the reality of a fallen world and the spiritual warfare inherent in living out God's covenant.
### Summary
פַּס דַּמִּים (Paç Dammîym), H6450, literally means "palm/dell of bloodshed," a vivid geographical name denoting a place of intense conflict. It appears in [[1 Chronicles 11:13]] as the site where Eleazar, one of David's mighty men, achieved a heroic victory against the Philistines. This location is synonymous with אֶפֶס דַּמִּים (Ephes Dammîym), H658, known from [[1 Samuel 17:1]] as the valley where David slew Goliath. The name underscores the historical reality of frequent and violent confrontations between Israel and the Philistines in the Shephelah region. Theologically, Pas-Dammim serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign hand in delivering His people through courageous acts of faith amidst severe opposition, highlighting the cost of establishing and defending God's kingdom on earth.
TRV