### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Pᵉqôwd**, represented by `{{H6489}}`, is defined as **punishment** and serves as a symbolic name for Babylon. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, used prophetically to identify a people or region associated with the Babylonian empire and destined for judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H6489}}` is always associated with divine judgment against Babylon. In Jeremiah, the LORD `{{H3068}}` commands an army to "Go up" `{{H5927}}` against the land of Merathaim `{{H4850}}` and the inhabitants `{{H3427}}` of **Pekod** `{{H6489}}`, with the order to "waste and utterly destroy" `{{H2717}}` `{{H2763}}` them [[Jeremiah 50:21]]. In Ezekiel, **Pekod** `{{H6489}}` is listed among a formidable coalition of powers, including the Babylonians `{{H894}}` and Chaldeans `{{H3778}}`, described as renowned `{{H7121}}` captains `{{H6346}}` and rulers `{{H5461}}` riding `{{H7392}}` on horses `{{H5483}}`, showcasing their military might before their prophesied judgment [[Ezekiel 23:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of `{{H6489}}` as a target of divine judgment:
* `{{H894}}` **Bâbel** (Babylon): The empire to which **Pekod** belongs, defined as "confusion; Babel (i.e. Babylon), including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire." It is mentioned alongside Pekod in the list of powers in [[Ezekiel 23:23]].
* `{{H4850}}` **Mᵉrâthayim** (Merathaim): Used in parallel with **Pekod**, this is another "epithet of Babylon" meaning "double bitterness," reinforcing the theme of severe judgment [[Jeremiah 50:21]].
* `{{H2717}}` **chârab** (waste): This verb describes the action commanded against **Pekod**. It means "to parch... to desolate, destroy, kill," emphasizing the severity of the coming destruction [[Jeremiah 50:21]].
* `{{H2763}}` **châram** (utterly destroy): This term intensifies the command against **Pekod**, meaning "to devote to religious uses (especially destruction)," indicating a judgment that is total and divinely sanctioned [[Jeremiah 50:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6489}}` is concentrated in its prophetic role as an instrument of divine justice.
* **Symbol of Judgment:** The name **Pekod** itself means **punishment**. Its use in Jeremiah is a direct declaration of retribution, where the LORD `{{H3068}}` commands that its inhabitants be wasted `{{H2717}}` and utterly destroyed `{{H2763}}` [[Jeremiah 50:21]].
* **Epithet for Babylon:** **Pekod** functions as a symbolic name for Babylon or a key part of its dominion. It is listed with other Babylonian allies like the Chaldeans `{{H3778}}` [[Ezekiel 23:23]] and is paired with Merathaim `{{H4850}}`, another name for Babylon, to underscore its identity as the subject of God's wrath [[Jeremiah 50:21]].
* **Pride Before Destruction:** In Ezekiel, **Pekod** is part of a list describing a powerful and impressive military force of "desirable young men" `{{H2531}}`, renowned `{{H7121}}` captains `{{H6346}}`, and rulers `{{H5461}}` [[Ezekiel 23:23]]. This depiction of worldly strength stands in stark contrast to the divine decree for its complete annihilation.
### Summary
In summary, **Pᵉqôwd** `{{H6489}}` is a potent, though rare, biblical term. It functions specifically as a symbolic name for Babylon, encapsulating both its worldly might and its destiny of **punishment**. Through its context in prophetic literature, it illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty, where even the most renowned `{{H7121}}` and powerful empires are subject to the judgment and command `{{H6680}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`.
TRV