or פִּקֻּד; from פָּקַד; properly, appointed, i.e. a mandate (of God; plural only, collectively, for the Law); commandment, precept, statute.
Transliteration:piqqûwd
Pronunciation:pik-kood'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פִּקּוּד (piqqûwd - `{{H6490}}`), also appearing as פִּקֻּד, is derived from the verb פָּקַד (paqad - `{{H6485}}`), which carries a broad semantic range including "to visit, attend to, appoint, muster, command, or charge." From this root, piqqûwd properly signifies something that is "appointed" or a "mandate." In its biblical usage, it refers specifically to the mandates or directives of God. A crucial aspect of this word is that it almost exclusively appears in the plural form, piqqûdim, collectively referring to God's divine instructions, precepts, or statutes as a body of law. Its semantic range thus encompasses divine ordinances, authoritative commands, and the collective body of God's revealed will, emphasizing their origin in divine appointment and authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term piqqûwd occurs predominantly in the book of Psalms, with a remarkable concentration in Psalm 119. In this extensive acrostic psalm, piqqûdim is one of eight principal synonyms used to describe the various facets of God's Law, alongside terms like torah (law), mitzvah (commandment), mishpat (judgment), edah (testimony), choq (statute), davar (word), and imrah (saying). The plural form underscores its reference to the comprehensive collection of God's directives rather than a single, isolated command.
In Psalm 119, piqqûdim are consistently presented as objects of the psalmist's diligent study, heartfelt delight, and unwavering obedience. For instance, the psalmist declares a commitment to keep God's precepts ([[Psalm 119:4]]), to meditate on them ([[Psalm 119:15]]), and to find understanding and wisdom through them ([[Psalm 119:104]]). They are seen as a source of life, guidance, and protection ([[Psalm 119:93]], [[Psalm 119:110]]). The repeated affirmation of delight in these precepts ([[Psalm 119:27]], [[Psalm 119:45]], [[Psalm 119:78]], [[Psalm 119:141]], [[Psalm 119:167]]) highlights a relationship with God's commands that transcends mere legalistic adherence, moving into a realm of spiritual joy and devotion.
Beyond Psalm 119, piqqûdim appears in contexts affirming God's faithfulness and the enduring nature of His commands. For example, [[Psalm 103:18]] speaks of God's mercy extending to "those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them," linking obedience to piqqûdim with the covenant relationship. Similarly, [[Psalm 111:7]] states that "all His precepts are trustworthy," emphasizing their reliability and divine integrity. The consistent usage across these passages reinforces the idea that piqqûdim are not arbitrary rules but divinely appointed, reliable, and life-giving instructions from God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relationship for piqqûwd is its verbal root, פָּקַד (paqad - `{{H6485}}`), which signifies the act of "appointing" or "commanding." Thus, piqqûdim are the *things appointed* or *commanded* by God.
In the context of Psalm 119, piqqûdim is part of a rich tapestry of terms that collectively describe God's Law. While often used in synonymous parallelism, each term carries a nuanced emphasis:
* **תּוֹרָה (torah - `{{H8451}}`):** "Law, instruction," emphasizing divine teaching.
* **מִצְוָה (mitzvah - `{{H4687}}`):** "Commandment," often referring to a specific directive.
* **מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat - `{{H4941}}`):** "Judgment, ordinance," highlighting divine justice and decrees.
* **עֵדָה (edah - `{{H5715}}`):** "Testimony, witness," emphasizing God's self-revelation.
* **חֹק (choq - `{{H2706}}`):** "Statute, decree," often referring to established, fixed laws.
* **דָּבָר (davar - `{{H1697}}`):** "Word," the broader concept of divine communication.
* **אִמְרָה (imrah - `{{H567}}`):** "Saying, word," similar to davar but often emphasizing a specific utterance.
While mitzvah can refer to an individual command, piqqûdim (in its plural form) typically denotes the collective body of God's directives. The unique emphasis of piqqûdim lies in their *appointed* nature, underscoring that these are not human inventions but divinely mandated, authoritative instructions from the sovereign God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of piqqûdim is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Authority and Sovereignty:** Piqqûdim are presented as direct emanations of God's will and authority. They are "appointed" by Him, signifying that they are not suggestions but authoritative mandates from the Creator to His creation. This reinforces God's absolute sovereignty and His right to prescribe the path for human life.
* **Foundation for Righteous Living:** God's precepts provide the essential framework for human conduct that is pleasing to Him. They delineate the path of righteousness, holiness, and integrity, guiding believers in how to walk in a manner worthy of their divine calling. Adherence to these precepts is intrinsically linked to living a life of moral purity and spiritual uprightness.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** In the Old Testament, obedience to God's piqqûdim is a hallmark of faithfulness within the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Keeping these precepts demonstrates loyalty to God and is a means of experiencing the blessings and continued favor promised within the covenant ([[Psalm 103:18]]).
* **Source of Wisdom and Understanding:** As seen powerfully in Psalm 119, meditating on and internalizing God's piqqûdim is portrayed as the ultimate source of wisdom and understanding, surpassing human knowledge or tradition ([[Psalm 119:99-100]], [[Psalm 119:104]]). This wisdom is not merely intellectual but practical, enabling discernment in life's complexities and guiding one toward sound decisions.
* **Object of Delight and Love:** Crucially, the biblical portrayal of piqqûdim moves beyond a mere list of rules. For the faithful psalmist, God's precepts are a source of profound joy, delight, and spiritual nourishment. This transforms obedience from a burdensome duty into a heartfelt expression of love and devotion to God, recognizing His commands as good, beneficial, and reflective of His perfect character.
### Summary
The Hebrew term piqqûwd (פִּקּוּד - `{{H6490}}`), derived from the root paqad (פָּקַד - `{{H6485}}`), denotes a "divine mandate" or "appointed precept." Almost exclusively used in its plural form, piqqûdim, it refers collectively to the authoritative body of God's instructions, ordinances, and commandments, often synonymous with His Law. Predominantly found in the Psalms, especially Psalm 119, piqqûdim emphasizes the divine origin and the authoritative, appointed nature of these directives. Theologically, they underscore God's sovereignty, provide the essential framework for righteous living within the covenant, serve as a profound source of wisdom and understanding, and are presented as objects of the believer's heartfelt delight and diligent obedience. They represent God's wise and loving will, guiding His people toward a life of faithfulness and spiritual flourishing.
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