The Hebrew word piqqêach, represented by H6493, is a term for being clear-sighted. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible and can mean literally "seeing" or, figuratively, "intelligent" or "wise."
The word's usage highlights two distinct contexts of sight. In Exodus 4:11, the LORD H3068 asserts His sovereignty by asking who makes a person seeing H6493, blind H5787, or deaf H2795, establishing that He is the ultimate source of physical senses. In a contrasting, figurative use, Exodus 23:8 warns that taking a gift H7810 "blindeth the wise H6493, and perverteth the words of the righteous." This demonstrates that intellectual and moral clarity can be obscured by corruption.
Several related words help frame the concept of physical and moral sight:
- H5787 ʻivvêr (blind (literally or figuratively)): This is the direct antonym of H6493 and appears alongside it in God's declaration of His power over human senses Exodus 4:11.
- H2795 chêrêsh (deaf (whether literally or spiritual)): This term for "deaf" is used in parallel with piqqêach to list the physical states over which the Lord H3068 has complete dominion Exodus 4:11.
- H7810 shachad (bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward): This is identified as the corrupting influence that can "blind" the wise H6493, turning clear-sighted judgment into its opposite Exodus 23:8.
The theological weight of H6493 is concentrated in its two appearances, offering key insights:
- Divine Sovereignty Over Senses: The use of H6493 in Exodus 4:11 establishes that the LORD H3068 alone is the one who makes a person seeing H6493 or blind H5787, asserting His ultimate control over human faculties.
- The Vulnerability of Wisdom: In its figurative sense, H6493 represents the "wise." Exodus 23:8 warns that this wisdom is not infallible and can be compromised, as a gift H7810 can blind even those with keen judgment.
- Integrity and Righteous Judgment: The command against bribes that pervert H5557 the words H1697 of the righteous H6662 connects clear-sightedness directly to justice. To be wise H6493 is linked to upholding righteousness, a state that is compromised by corruption Exodus 23:8.
In summary, while piqqêach H6493 is a rarely used word, its two occurrences provide a potent contrast. It simultaneously affirms God's absolute power as the creator of physical sight while warning of the fragility of human wisdom, which can be easily blinded. The word serves as a concise lesson on the divine source of our abilities and the moral responsibility required to maintain intellectual clarity.
TRV