### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **paqquʻâh**, represented by `{{H6498}}`, refers to the **wild cucumber** or **gourd**. Its root meaning relates to the plant splitting open to release its seeds. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H6498}}` occurs in a narrative during a time of dearth. In [[2 Kings 4:39]], one of the sons of the prophets **went out** `{{H3318}}` into the **field** `{{H7704}}` to gather herbs. He **found** `{{H4672}}` a wild **vine** `{{H1612}}` and gathered his lap **full** `{{H4393}}` of these wild **gourds** `{{H6498}}`. He then returned and **shred** `{{H6398}}` them into the **pot** `{{H5518}}` of **pottage** `{{H5138}}`, critically, because "they **knew** `{{H3045}}` them not."
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H6498}}` is clarified by several words within its only verse:
* `{{H1612}}` **gephen** (a vine): This identifies the source of the wild gourds, emphasizing that they were foraged from an uncultivated plant found in the **field** `{{H7704}}`.
* `{{H6398}}` **pâlach** (to slice, i.e. break open or pierce): This describes the action taken upon the gourds. They were **shred** into the communal meal, mixing the unknown ingredient into the pottage.
* `{{H3045}}` **yâdaʻ** (to know): This is the pivotal word in the narrative. The entire crisis unfolds because the men did not **know** or recognize the nature of the gourds they had gathered and prepared.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H6498}}` is tied directly to the danger of acting without knowledge. It serves as a powerful narrative device illustrating a key lesson.
* **Deceptive Appearance:** The wild gourds were gathered along with other herbs, presumably because they looked edible. Their inclusion in the **pottage** `{{H5138}}` represents an element of unrecognized danger.
* **Ignorance and Consequence:** The statement that "they **knew** `{{H3045}}` them not" is the direct cause of the ensuing crisis where the men cry out, "there is death in the **pot** `{{H5518}}`" [[2 Kings 4:40]].
* **Need for Discernment:** The incident underscores the theme that not everything found in the **field** `{{H7704}}` is safe for consumption, highlighting a need for wisdom and discernment when seeking provision.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H6498}}` is a word with very limited usage, its single context provides a memorable and cautionary tale. The wild **gourd** stands as a symbol of something that, when incorporated out of ignorance, can turn intended nourishment into a source of peril. It teaches a practical lesson about the importance of knowledge and discernment in a world where things are not always as they seem.
TRV