from an unused root meaning to divide; divider; Pasak, an Israelite; Pasach.
Transliteration:Pâçak
Pronunciation:paw-sak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6457}}` (Pâçak) is derived from an unused root that signifies "to divide." As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily restricted to its etymological meaning: "divider." It designates an individual whose name embodies this concept. In biblical nomenclature, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting a person's character, circumstances of birth, or even a prophetic destiny. Thus, "Pasach" or "Pasak" would have been understood as one who divides, separates, or apportions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H6457}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the tribe of Asher:
* [[1 Chronicles 7:33]]: "The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah, and Serah their sister. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith. Heber was the father of Japhlet, Shomer, and Hotham, and Shua their sister. The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These were the sons of Japhlet."
In this sole occurrence, Pasach is listed as one of the sons of Japhlet, who himself is a descendant of Beriah, one of Asher's sons. The context is purely genealogical, serving to meticulously trace the lineage within the tribe of Asher. Beyond his name and familial placement, no specific actions, roles, or narratives are attributed to Pasach. His inclusion underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage and the preservation of tribal records, which were crucial for land inheritance, priestly duties, and ultimately, the tracing of the Messiah's ancestry.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H6457}}` itself stems from an "unused root" according to the base definition, the concept of "division" is pervasive in biblical thought and is expressed through various Hebrew terms. These include:
* **`{{H2673}}` (chatzah):** To divide, halve, separate. This root is used extensively for dividing land, spoils, or even time (e.g., [[Genesis 15:10]], [[Judges 7:16]]).
* **`{{H6504}}` (parad):** To divide, separate, part. This often implies a physical separation or distinction (e.g., [[Genesis 10:5]], [[Genesis 13:9]]).
* **`{{H914}}` (badal):** To divide, separate, distinguish. This term frequently carries a theological weight, referring to God's act of separating light from darkness ([[Genesis 1:4]]) or distinguishing Israel from other nations ([[Leviticus 20:24]]).
The name Pasach, meaning "divider," conceptually aligns with these terms, suggesting a role or characteristic related to demarcation, apportionment, or distinction. While not directly linguistically linked by Strong's to the root of "Passover" (פסח, `{{H6453}}`), the shared conceptual space of separation and distinction is notable, highlighting the importance of such actions within God's ordered creation and covenant.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun appearing in a genealogy, the direct theological significance of Pasach is primarily found in his existence as part of God's redemptive history. His inclusion in the tribal records of Asher affirms the divine meticulousness in preserving the lineage of Israel. Every individual, even those without an accompanying narrative, plays a part in the unfolding of God's plan.
The meaning of his name, "divider," invites contemplation. While we have no narrative details to confirm it, the name might have reflected a specific role within his family or community, perhaps related to the division of inheritance, the establishment of boundaries, or even a metaphorical capacity for discernment or judgment. In a broader theological sense, God Himself is the ultimate "Divider," separating light from darkness, clean from unclean, and the righteous from the wicked. Human "dividers" might, in some sense, reflect this divine attribute in their earthly roles. The careful division of the land of Canaan among the tribes, for instance, was a divinely ordained act of apportionment, and individuals named "divider" could have been instrumental in such processes.
### Summary
`{{H6457}}` (Pâçak) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "divider," derived from an unused root signifying "to divide." Its sole biblical appearance is in [[1 Chronicles 7:33]], where Pasach is listed as a descendant in the genealogy of the tribe of Asher. Despite the lack of narrative detail about the individual, the name itself carries the semantic weight of separation or apportionment, aligning with broader biblical themes of division, distinction, and orderly arrangement, whether in creation, covenant, or community life. The inclusion of Pasach in the sacred text underscores the divine preservation of lineage and the significance of names in conveying meaning within God's unfolding plan for His people.
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