a primitive root; to tear in pieces; pull in pieces.
Transliteration:pâshach
Pronunciation:paw-shakh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root פָּשַׁח (pâshach), Strong's number `{{H6582}}`, is a primitive verb whose core meaning conveys the forceful action of "tearing in pieces" or "pulling in pieces." It denotes a violent rending, a destructive fragmentation of an object or body. Unlike a simple separation, pâshach implies a forceful, often brutal, dismemberment or destruction through tearing. Its semantic range is narrow, focusing on this specific act of violent division.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פָּשַׁח (pâshach) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Kings 13:28]]. Its singular occurrence, however, is profoundly significant due to the miraculous context in which it is found.
In [[1 Kings 13:28]], the text describes the aftermath of the disobedient prophet's death: "And he went, and found his carcase cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcase: the lion had not eaten the carcase, nor torn the lion." The crucial phrase here is "nor torn" (וְלֹא פְּשָׁחוֹ, *wĕlōʾ pĕšāḥô*), referring to the lion's restraint.
The context is the divine judgment upon the man of God from Judah, who, despite delivering a prophetic word to King Jeroboam, subsequently disobeyed a direct command from the Lord. A lion was sent to kill him as a consequence. The extraordinary detail, emphasized by the use of pâshach, is that the lion, a creature naturally inclined to tear its prey, did *not* tear the prophet's body, nor did it eat it. Furthermore, the lion stood peacefully beside the body and the donkey, without harming either. This supernatural restraint of the lion's inherent nature served as an undeniable sign, confirming that the prophet's death was not a random animal attack but a direct, divinely orchestrated judgment. The absence of tearing underscored the miraculous and solemn nature of the event.
### Related Words & Concepts
While pâshach is unique in its singular occurrence, its meaning resonates with other Hebrew words that convey various forms of tearing, rending, or breaking:
* **`{{H2963}}` (ṭārap̄):** This is a more common word for "to tear in pieces," often used in the context of wild animals tearing prey (e.g., [[Genesis 37:33]], Joseph being "torn in pieces"). ṭārap̄ carries a similar destructive force but is broader in its usage.
* **`{{H1234}}` (bāqaʿ):** Meaning "to cleave, split, or break open," as seen in the parting of the Red Sea ([[Exodus 14:16]]). While bāqaʿ implies forceful separation, it doesn't necessarily carry the same connotation of violent dismemberment as pâshach.
* **`{{H5400}}` (nāśaq):** "To tear away, pluck off," often referring to a less violent, though still decisive, separation.
The concept evoked by pâshach is that of divine control over natural forces. It stands in contrast to the typical predatory behavior, highlighting God's sovereignty even over the most primal instincts of His creation.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of pâshach in [[1 Kings 13:28]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous control, even in acts of judgment.
1. **Divine Sovereignty:** The lion's restraint from tearing the prophet's body, its natural instinct, unequivocally points to God's direct intervention. It illustrates that even the forces of nature, when employed by God, are subject to His precise commands and limitations. The lion acts as an instrument of judgment but is simultaneously supernaturally constrained, proving that the event is not accidental but divinely ordained.
2. **Sign of Judgment and Truth:** The unusual preservation of the body, specifically the absence of tearing and eating, served as a powerful visual sign to all who witnessed it. It confirmed the truth of the prophetic word and the divine origin of the judgment on the disobedient prophet. It distinguished this death from a mere unfortunate accident, elevating it to the status of a divine pronouncement.
3. **Respect for Office (Implicit):** While the prophet was judged for disobedience, the preservation of his body from the indignity of being torn and devoured by a wild beast might subtly convey a measure of divine respect for the office he once held, or simply emphasize the controlled nature of God's justice.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פָּשַׁח (pâshach), `{{H6582}}`, signifies "to tear in pieces" or "to pull in pieces," denoting a violent and destructive fragmentation. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[1 Kings 13:28]] is remarkably significant. In this context, the *absence* of the lion tearing the disobedient prophet's body serves as a powerful, miraculous sign. Theologically, pâshach underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation, demonstrating His ability to restrain even the most fundamental natural instincts of animals when executing His divine will and judgment. It highlights the extraordinary and precise nature of God's actions, confirming the divine origin of the event and the truth of His judgment.
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