### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pâqîyd**, represented by `{{H6496}}`, is derived from the root `{{H6485}}` and refers to a **superintendent, governor, or overseer**. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible. The term broadly signifies an appointed official, one who has been given a specific charge or responsibility, whether as a civil administrator, a military officer, or a religious supervisor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H6496}}` is used to define roles of appointed leadership. In a civil context, Joseph advises Pharaoh to "appoint officers" over the land to manage the grain during the years of plenty [[Genesis 41:34]]. In a religious capacity, Pashur is identified as the "chief `{{H6496}}` governor `{{H5057}}`" in the house of the LORD [[Jeremiah 20:1]], while other men served as "overseers" for the Levites in Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 11:22]]. The word also applies to military contexts, where Zebul is called the "officer" of Abimelech [[Judges 9:28]] and another official is described as having "the charge" `{{H6496}}` of the men of war [[Jeremiah 52:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of oversight and authority:
* `{{H6485}}` **pâqad**: As the primitive root, this verb means "to visit, oversee, muster, charge, care for." The noun `{{H6496}}` is a direct extension of this action, representing the person who performs the act of overseeing.
* `{{H5057}}` **nâgîyd**: This term for a "commander, chief, or ruler" is used alongside `{{H6496}}` to describe Pashur as a high-ranking official in the temple, a "chief governor" [[Jeremiah 20:1]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên**: This word for "priest" often appears in the context of a `{{H6496}}`. The Lord makes someone a priest so they can be an "officer" in the house of the Lord [[Jeremiah 29:26]], and the "high priest's officer" manages the temple chest [[2 Chronicles 24:11]].
* `{{H8269}}` **sar**: Meaning a "head person, captain, or ruler," this word designates other authority figures. In one instance, a "principal scribe" `{{H8269}}` musters the army, while a separate official "had the charge" `{{H6496}}` over the men of war, illustrating different types of leadership roles [[Jeremiah 52:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6496}}` lies in its consistent portrayal of delegated human authority.
* **Structured Stewardship:** The role of a 'pâqîyd' underscores the importance of order and administration. Whether appointed by a king like Pharaoh [[Genesis 41:34]] or as part of the temple hierarchy [[Nehemiah 11:22]], these officials were responsible for managing people and resources according to a higher command.
* **Civil and Religious Order:** The term is applied in both secular and sacred spheres, showing a unified principle of managed responsibility. Officers are needed to run a kingdom's provinces [[Esther 2:3]] just as they are needed to ensure proper conduct and business in the house of God ([[Jeremiah 29:26]], [[2 Chronicles 31:13]]).
* **Accountability to Authority:** By its very definition, a 'pâqîyd' is an appointee who serves under another's authority. Zebul is the officer of Abimelech [[Judges 9:28]], and the overseers in the time of Hezekiah acted at the king's "commandment" [[2 Chronicles 31:13]], highlighting a clear chain of command and accountability.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6496}}` is more than a generic title; it defines a specific role of an appointed superintendent with a designated charge. Its usage spans civil, military, and religious contexts, from organizing a nation's food supply to overseeing the functions of the temple. The word consistently illustrates a biblical principle of structured, delegated authority, where individuals were given specific responsibilities to maintain order and carry out the will of a higher power, be it a king or the established priesthood.
TRV