from פָּקַח redoubled; opening (of a dungeon), i.e. jail-delivery (figuratively, salvation for sin); opening of the prison.
Transliteration:pᵉqach-qôwach
Pronunciation:pek-akh-ko'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term pᵉqach-qôwach (`{{H6495}}`) is a unique and emphatic expression derived from the verb פָּקַח (paqach, `{{H6491}}`), meaning "to open." The reduplicated form, pᵉqach-qôwach, intensifies the action, specifically denoting the "opening of a prison" or "jail-delivery." This suggests a decisive and complete act of liberation from confinement. While its literal sense points to physical release from incarceration, its sole biblical occurrence imbues it with a profound figurative and theological meaning, extending to spiritual emancipation and salvation from the bondage of sin. The concept implies not merely a slight loosening of bonds, but a full and effective opening of the place of confinement, leading to complete freedom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term pᵉqach-qôwach (`{{H6495}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the prophetic book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 61:1]]**: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."
In this pivotal passage, which is widely recognized as a messianic prophecy, pᵉqach-qôwach is presented as a core aspect of the anointed Servant's mission. It stands in direct parallelism with "proclaim liberty to the captives" (דְּרוֹר לַשְּׁבוּיִם, deror lashevuyim), underscoring a comprehensive act of release. The "captives" (shevuyim, `{{H7628}}`) and "those who are bound" (asurim, `{{H631}}`) represent individuals in various forms of bondage, whether literal imprisonment, social oppression, or spiritual enslavement. The "opening of the prison" signifies a complete and irreversible act of setting free, not just a temporary reprieve. This context suggests a liberation that addresses the deepest forms of human suffering and confinement, pointing beyond mere physical release to a spiritual and redemptive work.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root פָּקַח (paqach, `{{H6491}}`), from which pᵉqach-qôwach (`{{H6495}}`) is derived, is often used in the Old Testament to describe the act of "opening" eyes (e.g., [[Genesis 21:19]], [[2 Kings 6:17]], [[2 Kings 6:20]]), ears ([[Isaiah 42:20]]), or even the mouth. When applied to eyes, it frequently denotes spiritual insight or understanding, as seen in [[Isaiah 42:7]], where the Servant's mission includes "opening the eyes of the blind" and "bringing out the prisoners from the dungeon." This connection reinforces the idea that pᵉqach-qôwach encompasses both physical and spiritual liberation.
Another crucial related term in [[Isaiah 61:1]] is דְּרוֹר (deror, `{{H1865}}`), translated as "liberty." This word is strongly associated with the Year of Jubilee ([[Leviticus 25:10]]), a time of universal release from debt, servitude, and the return of ancestral lands. The pairing of deror and pᵉqach-qôwach in Isaiah emphasizes the comprehensive, restorative, and divinely ordained nature of the liberation proclaimed. The concept of "release" is also found in verbs like יָצָא (yatsa, `{{H3318}}`, "to go out") or חָפַשׁ (chaphash, `{{H2666}}`, "to be free"), though pᵉqach-qôwach carries a specific nuance of opening a *place* of confinement.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of pᵉqach-qôwach (`{{H6495}}`) in [[Isaiah 61:1]] carries immense theological weight due to its appropriation by Jesus Christ himself. In [[Luke 4:18-19]], Jesus quotes this very passage from Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth, declaring, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." By doing so, Jesus identifies Himself as the Anointed One, the Messiah, whose mission includes the "opening of the prison" for those who are bound.
This messianic application elevates pᵉqach-qôwach beyond a mere physical act. It speaks to a holistic salvation that encompasses:
1. **Liberation from Sin:** Humanity is imprisoned by sin, and Christ's work provides true freedom from its power and consequences.
2. **Spiritual Enlightenment:** Just as paqach (`{{H6491}}`) can refer to opening blind eyes, the "opening of the prison" implies release from spiritual darkness, ignorance, and the lies that bind.
3. **Deliverance from Oppression:** While primarily spiritual, this also extends to the Lord's concern for the physically and socially oppressed, offering hope and justice.
4. **Conquest of Death and the Grave:** Ultimately, the "prison" can be understood as the grave and the power of death, from which Christ's resurrection offers the ultimate release.
Thus, pᵉqach-qôwach encapsulates the profound, redemptive work of God through His Messiah, bringing an eschatological Jubilee of freedom and restoration to all who are bound.
### Summary
The Hebrew term pᵉqach-qôwach (`{{H6495}}`), meaning "opening of the prison" or "jail-delivery," is a powerful and unique expression derived from the verb "to open" (`{{H6491}}`). Its singular appearance in [[Isaiah 61:1]] places it within a pivotal messianic prophecy, where it describes a key aspect of the Anointed One's mission: to bring comprehensive liberation. Parallel to "proclaiming liberty" (`{{H1865}}`), pᵉqach-qôwach signifies a complete and decisive release from confinement. Theologically, this term is profoundly significant as it was directly applied by Jesus Christ to Himself, confirming His role as the one who brings ultimate freedom. This freedom extends beyond physical bonds to encompass liberation from the spiritual prison of sin, darkness, and death, offering a holistic and divine act of salvation and restoration to all who are bound.
TRV