from פָּסַח; limping; Paseach, the name of two Israelites; Paseah, Phaseah.
Transliteration:Pâçêach
Pronunciation:paw-say'-akh
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word Pâçêach (`{{H6454}}`) is derived from the verbal root pâsach (`{{H6452}}`). The primary meaning of pâsach encompasses both "to pass over" (as in the Passover event) and "to halt," "to limp," or "to be lame." This dual semantic range suggests a movement that is either a deliberate skipping over or an uneven, impaired gait. As Pâçêach (`{{H6454}}`), the word functions primarily as an adjective meaning "limping" or "lame." However, in its biblical occurrences, it is almost exclusively employed as a proper noun, a personal name. The name itself, therefore, likely reflects the physical characteristic of limping or being lame, or perhaps, by extension, a person who is hesitant or has an impediment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Pâçêach (`{{H6454}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively as a proper noun, identifying two distinct individuals:
1. **A Descendant of Judah:** In [[1 Chronicles 4:9]], "Paseah" is listed as a son of Cos, within the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. This reference is purely genealogical, providing no further narrative detail about the individual's life or character. Its inclusion serves to trace lineage within the tribal records.
2. **Head of a Nethinim Family:** Pâçêach is also found in the book of Nehemiah, identifying the head of a family of Nethinim, who were temple servants. This family returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel, as recorded in [[Nehemiah 7:51]]. Furthermore, [[Nehemiah 3:6]] mentions "Joiada the son of Paseah" as one of those who helped repair the Old Gate of Jerusalem during the post-exilic rebuilding efforts. This indicates that the family of Paseah played an active and responsible role in the restoration of Jerusalem and its infrastructure, highlighting their contribution to the re-establishment of the community.
In both contexts, the word serves to identify individuals within the historical and genealogical records of Israel. While the name's inherent meaning ("limping") might suggest a physical condition, the biblical text does not elaborate on this, nor does it present it as a disqualification for participation in the community or its vital tasks.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H6452}}` (pâsach):** This is the direct verbal root of Pâçêach (`{{H6454}}`). Its most prominent theological use is in connection with the Passover (Pesach), where God "passed over" the houses of the Israelites in Egypt ([[Exodus 12:13]]). The "limping" aspect of pâsach is seen in contexts such as [[1 Kings 18:21]], where Elijah challenges the people for "limping between two opinions," indicating spiritual indecision or wavering commitment.
* **`{{H6453}}` (pisseach):** This adjective, also derived from `{{H6452}}`, explicitly means "lame" or "crippled." It is used to describe individuals with physical impairments, often in contexts that define eligibility for priestly service ([[Leviticus 21:18]]) or the suitability of sacrificial animals ([[Deuteronomy 15:21]]). This word directly reflects the physical state implied by the name Pâçêach.
* **Concepts of Lameness/Disability:** In ancient Israel, physical lameness, while not necessarily a sign of sin, could carry social or ritual implications. However, biblical narratives also demonstrate God's compassion for the lame (e.g., Mephibosheth in [[2 Samuel 9:3]]) and the power of divine healing (e.g., Jesus healing the lame in [[Matthew 15:30]] or Peter healing the lame man at the temple gate in [[Acts 3:2]]).
### Theological Significance
While the name Pâçêach (`{{H6454}}`) itself does not carry a direct, explicit theological message in its specific biblical occurrences as a proper noun, its derivation from `{{H6452}}` (pâsach) connects it to profound theological concepts. The most significant is the Passover, a foundational event in Israel's salvation history, symbolizing divine deliverance, redemption, and the establishment of the covenant through God's gracious "passing over."
Furthermore, the "limping" aspect of the root can serve as a metaphor for spiritual indecision or a lack of wholehearted devotion, as seen in Elijah's challenge in [[1 Kings 18:21]]. However, the fact that individuals named Pâçêach are recorded in genealogies and played roles in the rebuilding of Jerusalem subtly underscores a broader theological principle: God's inclusive nature. Despite potential physical limitations implied by the name, these individuals were integrated into the community and contributed to its well-being, demonstrating that God's plan embraces all, regardless of perceived weaknesses or impairments. This aligns with a biblical worldview that values every individual within the covenant community and can use them for His purposes.
### Summary
Pâçêach (`{{H6454}}`) is a Hebrew word derived from the root `{{H6452}}` (pâsach), meaning "to pass over" or "to limp/halt." Although the root is central to the theological concept of the Passover, Pâçêach itself functions primarily as a proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two individuals: a Judahite descendant ([[1 Chronicles 4:9]]) and the head of a Nethinim family involved in the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem ([[Nehemiah 3:6]], [[Nehemiah 7:51]]). The name likely denotes a physical characteristic of lameness. While the name itself does not carry overt theological meaning in its usage, its etymological link to `{{H6452}}` connects it to the profound themes of divine deliverance and the challenges of spiritual wavering. The inclusion of individuals named Pâçêach in the biblical record subtly highlights God's inclusive nature, demonstrating that physical conditions do not preclude participation in the life and service of His people.
TRV