Word Study for H6458 (פָּסַל)

pâçal /paw-sal'/ Ask about this word

Roota primitive root

Meaningto carve, whether wood or stone

KJV usagegrave, hew.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of pâçal — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word pâçal, represented by H6458, is a primitive root meaning to carve, whether wood or stone; grave, hew. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses, highlighting its specific application in scripture. Its meaning is focused on the physical act of shaping hard materials through carving or cutting.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, H6458 describes significant acts of shaping. God commands Moses to hew two tables of stone like the first ones he broke (Exodus 34:1, Deuteronomy 10:1). Moses carries out this command, hewing the tablets before ascending Mount Sinai to receive God's words (Exodus 34:4, Deuteronomy 10:3). The term is also used for the foundational work of building the temple, where Solomon's and Hiram's builders hew timber and stones 1 Kings 5:18. In a contrasting context, the prophet Habakkuk uses the word to describe the futile work of a maker who has graven a worthless image Habakkuk 2:18.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of carving and making:

H6459 peçel (an idol; carved (graven) image): This noun is directly derived from H6458 and refers to the object that has been carved, specifically an idol. It is famously used in the command, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image" Exodus 20:4.
H7665 shâbar (a primitive root; to burst... break): This word provides a direct contrast to the creative act of hewing. The new tablets had to be hewn by Moses because he brakest the first ones Exodus 34:1.
H3335 yâtsar (to mould into a form; especially as a potter): While H6458 refers to carving from existing material, this word describes forming or molding. It is used of God as the potter who forms His people Isaiah 64:8 and also of the idol's maker who has formed it Habakkuk 2:18.
H1382 Giblîy (a Gebalite... stone-squarer): This term refers to a specific group of people known for their skill in shaping stone. The stonesquarers are listed as those who helped hew materials for the temple 1 Kings 5:18.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H6458 is demonstrated through its distinct applications:

Restoration of Covenant: The act of hewing the second set of stone tablets is a pivotal moment. It is commanded by God after Moses broke the first set Exodus 34:1. This makes the action of hewing a foundational step in restoring the covenant, linking the verb H6458 to renewal and God's faithfulness.
Sanctified Labor: The word is used to describe the sacred work of preparing materials for the LORD's house 1 Kings 5:18 and for the tablets containing His law Deuteronomy 10:3. This imbues the physical act of carving with holy purpose when done in obedience to God.
Profane Creation: In sharp contrast, H6458 is also used to describe the creation of a worthless idol. The prophet Habakkuk uses the term to highlight the foolishness of the maker who has graven an image, a "teacher of lies," demonstrating that the same skill can be used for either holy or profane ends Habakkuk 2:18.

Summary

In summary, H6458 pâçal is a specific verb for carving or hewing hard materials like stone and wood. While its usage is infrequent, its contexts are significant. It appears in passages central to the establishment of Israel's law and the construction of its most sacred space. However, it also serves as a warning against idolatry, showing how human skill in shaping the physical world can be directed toward either divine worship or empty falsehood. The word illustrates that the value of an action is determined not by the skill involved, but by the authority and purpose behind it.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 6 occurrences, inflected in 5 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

פְּסָל
אֶפְסֹל
יִּפְסְלוּ
יִּפְסֹל
פְסָל

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 6 verses across 4 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Exodus and Deuteronomy (2 verses each); never once in the other 35.

Exodus

Deuteronomy

1 Kings

Habakkuk

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.