from פָּקַח; clear-sighted; figuratively, intelligent; seeing, wise.
Transliteration:piqqêach
Pronunciation:pik-kay'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H6493}}` (piqqêach) derives from the root `{{H6492}}` (paqach), which fundamentally means "to open," particularly in reference to the eyes. Thus, the primary, literal meaning of `{{H6493}}` is "clear-sighted" or "one who sees." This denotes a physical capacity for vision. However, its semantic range extends significantly into the figurative realm, where it signifies "intelligent," "discerning," or "wise." In this extended sense, `{{H6493}}` describes not merely the ability to perceive light, but the capacity for spiritual or intellectual insight, understanding, and discernment. It implies an openness to truth and a keenness of perception that goes beyond mere sensory input, touching upon the ability to comprehend divine realities or moral truths.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6493}}` appears in two distinct but thematically related passages within the book of Isaiah, highlighting both its literal and figurative applications.
In [[Isaiah 35:5]], the word is used in a context of eschatological restoration and divine healing: "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped." Here, `{{H6493}}` is the adjective describing the eyes that will be "seeing" or "opened." This refers to a literal, miraculous restoration of physical sight, a hallmark of the Messianic age and a sign of God's redemptive power breaking into human history. It speaks to a future where physical infirmities are overcome by divine intervention.
The second set of occurrences is found in [[Isaiah 42:18-19]]: "Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see! Who is blind but my servant, or deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is blind as he who is at peace with me, or blind as the servant of the Lord?" In this passage, `{{H6493}}` is again translated as "seeing" or "blind," but the context clearly shifts to a metaphorical or spiritual blindness. The "servant" of the Lord, often identified with Israel, is rebuked for their spiritual dullness and inability to perceive God's ways or understand His will, despite being called to be a light to the nations. Here, `{{H6493}}` stands in stark contrast to this spiritual obtuseness, emphasizing the tragic irony of those who possess physical sight yet lack spiritual discernment. The call to "look, you blind, that you may see" is a divine summons to spiritual awakening and a plea for the nation to open their hearts and minds to God's truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H6493}}` is its root verb `{{H6492}}` (paqach), "to open," which frequently describes the opening of eyes, ears, or even the mouth. This root emphasizes the divine agency in granting or restoring perception, as seen in passages like [[Genesis 21:19]] (God opening Hagar's eyes to see the well) or [[2 Kings 6:17]] (God opening Elisha's servant's eyes to see the angelic army).
Other related concepts include:
* **Blindness (`{{H5787}}` 'ivver):** The direct antonym, representing both physical and spiritual inability to see or understand. The prophetic message often contrasts the state of blindness with the divine promise of `{{H6493}}`.
* **Wisdom (`{{H2451}}` chokmah) and Understanding (`{{H995}}` biynah):** These terms encompass the broader intellectual and spiritual discernment implied by the figurative use of `{{H6493}}`. True wisdom involves seeing things from God's perspective.
* **Light (`{{H216}}` 'or):** Often associated with knowledge, truth, and divine revelation, contrasting with darkness, which represents ignorance or spiritual blindness. The ability to be `{{H6493}}` is to walk in God's light.
* **Discernment:** The spiritual capacity to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, which is a hallmark of the wise and `{{H6493}}` individual.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6493}}` is profound, particularly within the prophetic literature. It speaks to God's sovereign power to grant both physical and spiritual sight.
1. **Divine Restoration:** In its literal sense, `{{H6493}}` points to God's redemptive work in reversing the effects of the fall. The opening of blind eyes is a miraculous act that signals the dawn of a new age, a sign of the Messiah's advent and the establishment of His kingdom, where sickness and infirmity are overcome by divine power. This finds ultimate fulfillment in the ministry of Jesus Christ, who literally opened the eyes of the blind ([[John 9:1-7]]).
2. **Spiritual Enlightenment:** More significantly, `{{H6493}}` underscores the human condition of spiritual blindness apart from divine intervention. Humanity, even God's chosen people, can be `{{H6493}}` (physically seeing) yet spiritually blind, unable to perceive God's truth or understand His ways. This spiritual blindness is a profound barrier to relationship with God and obedience to His covenant. The call for the blind to "see" is a divine imperative for repentance and a plea for spiritual awakening.
3. **The Role of the Servant:** The servant in Isaiah 42, initially identified with Israel, is paradoxically blind and deaf. This highlights the need for a perfect Servant, one who is truly `{{H6493}}` in both physical and spiritual senses, to fulfill God's purposes. This points ultimately to Jesus Christ, who not only physically opened eyes but also brought spiritual light to those in darkness, enabling them to "see" the Kingdom of God and understand divine truth. His teaching and miracles were designed to open the eyes of those who were spiritually `{{H5787}}` ('ivver) so they could become `{{H6493}}`.
### Summary
`{{H6493}}` (piqqêach) is a rich Hebrew term rooted in the concept of "opening the eyes." While it literally describes one who is "clear-sighted" or "seeing," its more profound usage in the prophetic context of Isaiah extends to spiritual and intellectual discernment, signifying one who is "intelligent" or "wise." The word encapsulates both the miraculous physical restoration promised in the Messianic era ([[Isaiah 35:5]]) and the urgent need for spiritual awakening among God's people ([[Isaiah 42:18-19]]). Ultimately, `{{H6493}}` serves as a powerful theological concept illustrating humanity's need for divine intervention to overcome both physical and spiritual blindness, and to truly "see" God's truth and His redemptive plan.
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