probably from an unused root meaning to disintegrate; stupidity (as a result of grossness or of degeneracy); extremity.
Transliteration:pash
Pronunciation:pash
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) is derived from an unused root, which is thought to convey the idea of "disintegrating" or "spreading out." This etymological foundation provides insight into its rare but potent semantic range. The primary definitions attributed to פַּשׁ are "stupidity" (specifically as a result of grossness or degeneracy) and "extremity." This dual meaning suggests a state of being that is both intellectually dull or morally depraved, and also excessive or reaching a peak of undesirable characteristics. The notion of "disintegration" implies a breakdown—perhaps of sound judgment, moral fiber, or even physical health, leading to a state of dullness or extreme indulgence. It captures a sense of being bloated or hardened, not merely in a physical sense, but extending to one's spiritual and intellectual faculties.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Job:
* **[[Job 15:27]]**: "Because he has covered his face with his fatness, and made himself thick with prosperity." (ESV)
* In this passage, Eliphaz is speaking of the wicked man. The phrase "made himself thick" (or "covered himself with fatness") is where פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) is employed. The imagery is vivid: the wicked man is depicted as having grown excessively corpulent due to his prosperity. This "fatness" is not merely physical; it symbolizes an abundance of wealth and self-indulgence.
* Contextually, this "thickness" or "grossness" directly leads to the "stupidity" or dullness mentioned in the base definition. The wicked, through their excessive indulgence and prosperity, become insensitive, arrogant, and spiritually blind. Their hearts are hardened, and their discernment is dulled.
* The "extremity" aspect of פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) is also evident here, referring to the extreme extent of their self-indulgence and the ultimate state of moral and spiritual insensitivity it produces. The disintegration suggested by the root manifests as a breakdown of proper human and spiritual function, leading to a state of profound moral and intellectual dullness.
### Related Words & Concepts
While פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) is unique in its precise combination of meanings, it intersects with several related Hebrew concepts and words:
* **Folly and Stupidity**: It aligns with words describing foolishness, such as אֱוִיל ('ĕwîl, `{{H191}}`) and כְּסִיל (kᵉsîl, `{{H3684}}`), which often denote moral or spiritual folly rather than mere intellectual deficiency. However, פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) adds the dimension of this folly being a *result* of grossness or degeneracy, a hardening brought on by excessive self-indulgence.
* **Fatness and Grossness**: The literal imagery in [[Job 15:27]] connects it to terms for physical fatness or richness, like חֵלֶב (ḥēleḇ, `{{H2459}}`). Yet, פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) extends this beyond the physical to a spiritual or moral state, where abundance leads to insensitivity.
* **Hardness of Heart**: The concept of a hardened heart, often found in prophetic literature, resonates with the effect of פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`). Like Pharaoh's hardened heart, the "thickness" described by פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) implies an inability or unwillingness to perceive divine truth or moral imperatives.
* **Degeneracy and Decay**: The underlying notion of "disintegration" links פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) to broader themes of moral decay and spiritual degeneration, where a person or society moves away from righteousness and wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) in [[Job 15:27]] offers a profound theological insight into the dangers of unchecked prosperity and self-indulgence.
* **The Peril of Prosperity**: The word highlights how material abundance, when pursued and consumed without spiritual discipline, can lead to spiritual dullness and moral degeneracy. It is a stark warning that wealth, rather than being a blessing, can become a spiritual snare, fostering arrogance and insensitivity to God and others.
* **Connection Between Physical State and Spiritual Condition**: The use of physical "fatness" to describe a spiritual condition underscores a biblical theme: the internal state of the heart often manifests in external realities, including one's actions, attitudes, and even physical well-being. Here, the "grossness" is not just physical but indicative of a soul that has become unresponsive due to its own excess.
* **The Nature of Wickedness**: פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) portrays the wicked as those who, through their own choices of self-gratification, have rendered themselves incapable of true wisdom or repentance. Their "stupidity" is not a lack of intellect, but a willful spiritual blindness and a moral insensitivity that results from their chosen path of degeneracy.
* **Divine Judgment and Consequences**: While Eliphaz's theology is not always perfectly aligned with divine truth, his observation here points to a real consequence of sin: it can lead to a state of being "thick" or "gross," where one's capacity for spiritual discernment disintegrates. This condition, born of human choice, ultimately brings about divine judgment.
### Summary
פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) is a rare but powerfully descriptive Hebrew term, meaning "stupidity" as a result of "grossness" or "degeneracy," and also "extremity." Rooted in a concept of "disintegration," it vividly portrays a state where excessive self-indulgence leads to a hardening of the heart and a dulling of spiritual perception. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Job 15:27]] illustrates the wicked man's condition, whose prosperity has made him "thick" or insensitive, symbolizing a profound moral and spiritual blindness. Theologically, פַּשׁ (pash, `{{H6580}}`) serves as a solemn warning against the spiritual perils of unchecked wealth and self-gratification, underscoring how material excess can lead to a profound and destructive spiritual dullness.
TRV