a primitive root; to yawn, i.e. open wide (literally or figuratively); gape, open (wide).
Transliteration:pâʻar
Pronunciation:paw-ar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root פָּעַר (pâʻar, `{{H6473}}`) is a primitive verb conveying the fundamental sense of "to open wide" or "to gape." Its semantic range extends from the literal act of yawning to the more intense and often menacing action of opening the mouth or another aperture in a broad, expansive manner. The core meaning emphasizes the *breadth* and *fullness* of the opening, distinguishing it from a mere "opening." It can describe a physical action, such as the mouth opening, or a more dramatic, even cataclysmic, event, such as the earth opening. Figuratively, it denotes an unrestrained expression of hostility, derision, or a readiness to consume or destroy. The inherent intensity of this "wide opening" often carries connotations of threat, judgment, or overwhelming force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of פָּעַר (pâʻar, `{{H6473}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are relatively few but profoundly impactful, appearing primarily in contexts of divine judgment, human malice, and prophetic reception.
1. **Divine Judgment (Numbers 16:30, 32; Psalm 106:17):**
* In [[Numbers 16:30]] and [[Numbers 16:32]], the earth is described as "opening its mouth" to swallow Dathan and Abiram and their households, a terrifying act of divine judgment against their rebellion. This is not a gradual subsidence but a sudden, gaping chasm.
* Similarly, [[Psalm 106:17]] recounts this same event, emphasizing the earth's active role in engulfing the rebels. Here, פָּעַר (pâʻar) vividly portrays the terrifying, supernatural intervention of God, where creation itself becomes an instrument of His wrath, demonstrating an overwhelming and irreversible judgment.
2. **Human Malice and Derision (Psalm 22:13; Psalm 35:21; Lamentations 2:16):**
* In [[Psalm 22:13]], the psalmist (a messianic psalm) laments that his enemies "gape at me with their mouths like a ravening and roaring lion." Here, פָּעַר (pâʻar) depicts the aggressive, predatory nature of the adversaries, whose open mouths signify their intent to devour or destroy.
* [[Psalm 35:21]] describes the enemies of the righteous "opening their mouths wide against me; they say, 'Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen it!'" This usage conveys scorn, derision, and gloating, where the wide-open mouth is an expression of unrestrained mockery and satisfaction at another's distress.
* [[Lamentations 2:16]] paints a similar picture of enemies "opening their mouths wide against you" (Jerusalem), signifying their malicious triumph and the unrestrained expression of their hatred and desire for the city's destruction. In these contexts, the "wide opening" of the mouth is a metaphor for verbal assault, unbridled hostility, and a predatory attitude.
3. **Prophetic Reception (Ezekiel 2:8):**
* A unique and significant usage appears in [[Ezekiel 2:8]], where the Lord commands Ezekiel, "Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you." Here, פָּעַר (pâʻar) describes the prophet's act of opening his mouth in obedience to consume the scroll of God's word. This is an act of submission and receptivity, signifying the complete assimilation of the divine message, which would then be proclaimed. Unlike the other instances, this is a positive, divinely commanded opening.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of פָּעַר (pâʻar, `{{H6473}}`) is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H6310}}` פֶּה (peh):** The most common Hebrew word for "mouth." פָּעַר (pâʻar) frequently describes the action of this organ, whether for speaking, consuming, or expressing emotion.
* **`{{H1104}}` בָּלַע (bālaʻ):** "To swallow, engulf." This verb often describes the consequence of a wide opening, particularly in the context of the earth "swallowing" individuals, as seen in the narratives involving פָּעַר (pâʻar) in Numbers.
* **`{{H6605}}` פָּתַח (pāthaḥ):** "To open" (generally). While פָּתַח (pāthaḥ) is a more general term for opening, פָּעַר (pâʻar) specifically denotes a *wide* or *gaping* opening, often with a greater sense of intensity, purpose, or consequence.
* **`{{H7451}}` רָעַע (raʻaʻ):** "To be evil, bad." The malice and destructive intent often associated with enemies "opening their mouths wide" are deeply connected to the concept of evil.
* **Concepts of Judgment and Wrath:** The use of פָּעַר (pâʻar) in the context of the earth's opening is a potent symbol of God's active and terrifying judgment against sin and rebellion.
* **Concepts of Predation and Hostility:** When applied to human enemies, פָּעַר (pâʻar) evokes images of predatory animals, highlighting the vicious intent and unbridled aggression of adversaries.
* **Concepts of Prophetic Reception and Divine Word:** In Ezekiel, the "opening" signifies the prophet's complete submission and internalizing of God's message, essential for his prophetic ministry.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּעַר (pâʻar, `{{H6473}}`) is profound, touching upon divine sovereignty, human depravity, and the nature of revelation.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The earth "opening its mouth wide" is a dramatic demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His power to execute immediate and overwhelming judgment. It serves as a stark warning against rebellion and a testament to the terrifying consequences of defying the Almighty. This act underscores that even the natural world responds to God's command to bring about His purposes.
2. **Manifestation of Human Malice:** When human enemies "open wide their mouths," it is a vivid portrayal of unbridled malice, contempt, and destructive intent. It represents the unchecked expression of human depravity, whether through verbal abuse, mockery, or a desire for physical harm. This imagery often highlights the vulnerability of the righteous in the face of such hostility, compelling them to seek divine deliverance.
3. **Prophetic Obedience and Assimilation of the Word:** The command to Ezekiel to "open his mouth" and consume the scroll is a powerful metaphor for the prophet's complete surrender to God's word. It signifies not merely hearing or understanding, but fully internalizing and assimilating the divine message, making it a part of the prophet's very being. This act is foundational to effective prophetic ministry, emphasizing that the word of God must first be received and absorbed before it can be faithfully proclaimed.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb פָּעַר (pâʻar, `{{H6473}}`) fundamentally means "to open wide" or "to gape," carrying an inherent intensity and breadth of opening. Its biblical occurrences reveal three primary theological dimensions:
1. **Divine Judgment:** Most dramatically seen in the earth "opening its mouth wide" to consume rebels, signifying God's direct, terrifying, and overwhelming judgment against sin.
2. **Human Malice:** Depicting enemies who "open their mouths wide" in derision, hostility, or predatory intent, illustrating the unbridled expression of human wickedness and aggression.
3. **Prophetic Reception:** Uniquely used in Ezekiel to describe the prophet's obedient act of "opening his mouth" to consume the divine scroll, symbolizing the complete assimilation of God's word for prophetic proclamation.
Across its varied contexts, פָּעַר (pâʻar) consistently conveys a sense of dramatic, often irreversible, and highly significant "wide opening," whether as an act of divine wrath, human depravity, or spiritual obedience.
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