or פָּעִי; from פָּעָה; screaming; Pau or Pai, a place in Edom; Pai, Pau.
Transliteration:Pâʻûw
Pronunciation:paw-oo'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פָּעוּ (Pâʻûw), alternatively spelled פָּעִי (Pâʻîy), is a proper noun, specifically a geographical designation. It refers to a city in the land of Edom. The etymology of this place name is particularly insightful, as it is derived from the verbal root פָּעָה (pa'ah), which carries the core meaning of "to cry out," "to scream," "to groan," or "to bellow." This suggests that the name "Pau" or "Pai" literally means "screaming" or "crying out," or perhaps a place associated with such sounds. While the semantic range for a proper noun is inherently narrow, its etymological root profoundly broadens its potential interpretive depth, hinting at a characteristic or historical event associated with the location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The city of Pau (or Pai) appears in two primary biblical passages, both within genealogical lists pertaining to the kings of Edom:
* [[Genesis 36:39]]: "And Hadar died, and Jobab son of Zerah, from Bozrah, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, daughter of Matred, daughter of Mezahab."
* [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]: "Hadar also died. And Jobab the son of Zerah, from Bozrah, reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pai; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, daughter of Matred, daughter of Mezahab."
In both instances, Pau/Pai is identified as the capital city of Hadar (also known as Hadad in some traditions), one of the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites. The context is purely descriptive, serving to enumerate the succession of Edomite rulers and their respective capitals. No narrative details are provided about the city itself, its people, or any events that might explain its peculiar name. The slight variation in spelling between "Pau" in Genesis and "Pai" in 1 Chronicles reflects common orthographic differences found in parallel biblical texts, likely due to scribal transmission or regional dialectal variations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to פָּעוּ (Pâʻûw) is its root verb, פָּעָה (pa'ah), Strong's `{{H6462}}`. This verb is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe various forms of vocalization, often intense or distressed. For example, it can refer to the "bellowing" of a cow ([[1 Samuel 6:12]]) or the "groaning" of a woman in childbirth ([[Isaiah 42:14]]). The connection of a place name to such a vibrant and often emotionally charged verb is highly suggestive.
Concepts related to Pau/Pai include:
* **Edomite History and Kingship:** The city is embedded within the history of Edom, a nation descended from Esau, often portrayed in scripture as a rival or adversary to Israel.
* **Toponymy (Place Naming):** Ancient cultures often named places descriptively, reflecting geographical features, historical events, or characteristics of the inhabitants. The name "Pau" fits this pattern, inviting speculation about its underlying meaning.
* **Sound and Lament in the Ancient Near East:** Cries, shouts, and laments played significant roles in ancient societies, often associated with warfare, mourning, or animal husbandry.
### Theological Significance
Given its limited biblical presence as a mere geographical marker in a genealogical list, the direct theological significance of Pau/Pai might seem minimal. However, its etymological root offers a subtle yet profound layer of potential meaning. The name "Screaming" or "Crying Out" for a capital city in Edom could evoke several theological reflections:
1. **A Reflection of Edom's Character:** Edom, as a nation, is often depicted in the prophetic literature as marked by pride, violence, and hostility towards Israel (e.g., Obadiah). A city named "Screaming" could symbolically allude to the internal strife, the cries of battle, or the lamentations that might have characterized this land. It could subtly foreshadow the eventual judgments pronounced against Edom by the prophets.
2. **The Sounds of Creation/Conflict:** If the name relates to animal sounds (bellowing cattle), it might point to the land's agricultural or pastoral nature. If it relates to human cries, it could signify a place of intense human experience—be it joy, sorrow, conflict, or worship—though the root often leans towards distress.
3. **Divine Providence in Naming:** Even seemingly minor details, such as place names in ancient genealogies, are part of the divinely inspired text. The descriptive nature of "Pau" reminds us that names in the Bible are rarely arbitrary. They often carry a deeper resonance, inviting the diligent reader to ponder the subtle ways in which the character of a place or people might be encapsulated within its very designation. While not explicitly expounded upon, the name subtly contributes to the overall biblical portrayal of Edom.
### Summary
Pau (or Pai), Strong's `{{H6464}}`, is a city in Edom, serving as the capital of King Hadar/Hadad, as noted in the Edomite king lists of [[Genesis 36:39]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]. Its unique significance lies in its etymological derivation from the Hebrew verb פָּעָה (pa'ah), `{{H6462}}`, meaning "to cry out" or "to scream." While the biblical text provides no narrative explanation for this name, its root suggests a place characterized by intense vocalization, whether from animals, human lament, or conflict. This etymological insight offers a potential symbolic layer to the city's identity within the broader biblical narrative of Edom, subtly hinting at the nature or experiences of this nation often portrayed in opposition to Israel. Even in seemingly minor geographical references, the meticulous nature of biblical naming conventions invites deeper contemplation of the text's rich tapestry.
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