פָּסַח

pâçach /paw-sakh'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto hop, i.e. (figuratively) skip over (or spare); by implication, to hesitate; also (literally) to limp, to dance
KJV usagehalt, become lame, leap, pass over.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word pâçach, represented by H6452, is a primitive root with a dynamic range of meanings including to hop, limp, hesitate, and to pass over or spare. It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses, and its application shifts from describing physical disability and frantic ritual to a profound act of divine deliverance.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, H6452 carries both literal and figurative weight. Its most significant application is in the book of Exodus, where God promises to pass over the homes of the Israelites marked with blood, sparing them from the plague that would smite the Egyptians (Exodus 12:13, Exodus 12:23). This act becomes the foundation of the Passover sacrifice Exodus 12:27. The word is used literally to describe how Mephibosheth became lame after a fall 2 Samuel 4:4 and how the prophets of Baal leaped upon the altar in their ritual 1 Kings 18:26. Figuratively, Elijah uses it to challenge the Israelites, asking how long they will halt between two opinions 1 Kings 18:21.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help illuminate the context and meaning of H6452:

  • H5063 negeph (plague, stumbling): This is the specific consequence that God's act of "passing over" prevents. The plague would not come upon the Israelites because God passed over them Exodus 12:13.
  • H3212 yâlak (to walk, follow): This word stands in direct contrast to the hesitation implied by pâçach. Elijah challenges the people to stop halting H6452 and instead to follow the true God 1 Kings 18:21.
  • H5223 nâkeh (lame, contrite): This term is used to describe the state of Mephibosheth, who became lame H6452 after his nurse fled with him 2 Samuel 4:4, directly linking the action to the resulting condition.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H6452 is primarily centered on God's sovereignty and mercy.

  • Divine Deliverance: The concept of God "passing over" is a cornerstone of his saving power. In Exodus, it represents a selective, protective act that spares His people from judgment Exodus 12:27. This theme is echoed in Isaiah, where the Lord's passing over is equated with His commitment to defend and preserve Jerusalem Isaiah 31:5.
  • Spiritual Indecision: Elijah's use of the word to mean "halt" frames spiritual indecisiveness as a critical flaw. To waver between the LORD and Baal is a form of spiritual paralysis, a failure to commit to the covenant God 1 Kings 18:21.
  • Physical Weakness: The use of H6452 to describe Mephibosheth becoming lame illustrates a state of human frailty and brokenness resulting from a traumatic event 2 Samuel 4:4.

Summary

In summary, H6452 is a multifaceted word that encompasses physical motion, spiritual posture, and divine action. From the literal limping of a man and the leaping of false prophets to the figurative hesitation of a nation, its meaning is varied. However, its most enduring significance is theological, defining the foundational Passover event where God's act of "passing over" becomes the ultimate expression of His power to deliver and preserve His people from destruction.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb and an adjective across 8 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Plural Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Infinitive Absolute 1×
  • Qal Participle Plural Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 7 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Exodus (3 verses).

3
Exodus
1
2 Samuel
2
1 Kings
1
Isaiah

Verse Explorer

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