### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6482 (פֶּצַע, petsaʻ) is a masculine noun derived from the verbal root H6481 (פָּצַע, patsaʻ), which means "to wound," "to bruise," or "to crush." Consequently, petsaʻ refers directly to the *result* of such an action: a wound, a bruise, or an injury. Its primary semantic range is limited to physical damage or affliction. While its direct usage is concrete, the contexts in which it appears can carry significant metaphorical and theological weight, extending its conceptual reach beyond mere physical harm.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H6482 (פֶּצַע, petsaʻ) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering a distinct and impactful context:
* **[[Genesis 4:23]]**: "Lamech said to his wives, 'Adah and Zillah, listen to my voice; wives of Lamech, give ear to my speech: I have slain a man for wounding me (פֶּצַע), a young man for striking me.'" Here, petsaʻ refers to a literal physical wound inflicted upon Lamech. The context is one of extreme and disproportionate retribution. Lamech's boast highlights the escalating violence in the pre-Flood world, where a personal injury, a mere "wound," is deemed sufficient justification for homicide, contrasting sharply with God's earlier protective mark on Cain. This instance underscores the severity of the injury from Lamech's perspective and the dark trajectory of human sin.
* **[[Proverbs 27:6]]**: "Faithful are the wounds (פֶּצַע) of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." In this proverb, petsaʻ is employed metaphorically. The "wounds" are not physical but represent the painful yet necessary rebuke, correction, or honest criticism from a true friend. Such "wounds" are "faithful" because they are given out of genuine care and lead to growth and betterment, even if they cause temporary discomfort. This contrasts sharply with the "kisses of an enemy," which, though seemingly pleasant, are ultimately deceptive and harmful. This usage demonstrates the wisdom literature's capacity to transform a concrete term into a profound ethical teaching.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The direct verbal root H6481 (פָּצַע, patsaʻ) means "to wound," "to bruise," or "to crush." Understanding the action of the verb is crucial for grasping the noun's meaning.
* **Other terms for injury/affliction:**
* H2478 (חַבּוּרָה, chabbuwrah): Denotes a "stripe," "bruise," or "laceration," often resulting from a beating (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:5]]).
* H4347 (מַכָּה, makkah): Refers to a "blow," "stroke," or "wound," often from a weapon or as a divine judgment.
* H2492 (חֵלֶם, chelem): Another term for "blow" or "wound" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:39]]).
* **Concepts:** The occurrences of petsaʻ are intrinsically linked to themes of violence, retribution, discipline, correction, and the nature of genuine relationships. The word, though rare, touches upon core aspects of human interaction and divine wisdom.
### Theological Significance
Despite its limited occurrences, H6482 (פֶּצַע, petsaʻ) carries significant theological weight. In [[Genesis 4:23]], the "wound" serves as a catalyst for Lamech's boastful and disproportionate act of vengeance, illustrating the rapid descent of humanity into violence and the dangerous escalation of sin in a fallen world. This stands in stark contrast to God's measured justice and mercy, highlighting the human tendency towards excessive retribution. Theologically, it underscores the destructive power of personal grievance when unchecked by divine law or compassion.
In [[Proverbs 27:6]], the "wounds of a friend" are presented as a positive and even redemptive force. This metaphorical use of petsaʻ teaches a profound truth about the nature of genuine love and discipline. True friendship, and by extension, divine love, is not always comfortable; it often involves painful truths and necessary correction. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of divine discipline (e.g., [[Hebrews 12:6]]), where God, as a loving Father, "wounds" or disciplines those He loves for their ultimate good. The pain of such "wounds" is not destructive but formative, leading to spiritual healing, growth, and righteousness. This proverb thus elevates the concept of a "wound" from a mere physical injury to a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of truth and love in relationships.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6482 (פֶּצַע, petsaʻ) denotes a "wound" or "bruise," directly stemming from the verb "to wound." Though it appears only twice in the Old Testament, its contexts are highly significant. In [[Genesis 4:23]], petsaʻ signifies a literal physical injury that serves as the catalyst for Lamech's boastful and excessive vengeance, vividly illustrating the escalating violence and sin in early human history. Conversely, in [[Proverbs 27:6]], petsaʻ is used metaphorically to describe the "wounds" of a friend – painful yet faithful and beneficial criticisms that, unlike the deceitful flattery of an enemy, lead to genuine growth and well-being. Thus, while its core meaning is straightforward, the occurrences of petsaʻ offer profound insights into the consequences of human sin, the nature of divine justice, and the redemptive power of truth and loving discipline in both human and divine relationships.
TRV