The Hebrew word pâsaʻ, represented by H6585, is a primitive root defined as to stride (from spreading the legs), i.e. rush upon; go. This specific and active term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text. Its singularity lends significant weight to its sole appearance, where it illustrates a powerful and decisive divine action.
The single use of H6585 is found in Isaiah 27:4. In this verse, the LORD describes a hypothetical confrontation: "Fury is not in me: who would set the briers and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together." Here, pâsaʻ is translated as "go," but its root meaning of "to stride" or "rush upon" conveys an image of unstoppable and vigorous movement. The word describes God's action of moving through opposition not just to pass it, but to utterly overcome and consume it.
Several related words from its context in Isaiah 27:4 enrich the meaning of H6585:
- H4421 milchâmâh (a battle; generally, war): This word sets the scene of conflict for the action of pâsaʻ. It is used throughout scripture to describe both human conflict and divine warfare, such as when the people are told "the battle is not yours, but God's" 2 Chronicles 20:15.
- H8068 shâmîyr (a thorn; a gem, probably the diamond): This term, used for the "briers" God would stride through, can represent something worthless like a weed or something incredibly hard like an adamant stone. In Ezekiel 3:9, God makes a prophet's forehead "as an adamant harder than flint" to face a rebellious house.
- H3162 yachad (a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly): This word describes the totality of the destruction following the Lord's action. The briers and thorns would be burned "together." It emphasizes unity and completeness, as when the psalmist calls for believers to exalt God's name "together" Psalms 34:3.
The theological weight of H6585 is concentrated in its single, powerful usage.
- Unstoppable Divine Power: The word's meaning of "to stride" or "rush upon" illustrates God's omnipotence. When faced with opposition, symbolized by "briers and thorns," His movement is effortless and overwhelming Isaiah 27:4.
- Swift Judgment: The action of striding through is directly linked to a final, consuming purpose: "I would burn them together" Isaiah 27:4. The use of H6585 portrays divine judgment not as a protracted struggle but as a swift, decisive act that purges all that stands against God.
- Figurative Warfare: The word appears in the context of a "battle" H4421. However, the enemy is mere briers and thorns, highlighting how God views even the most defiant opposition as insignificant and easily dispatched Isaiah 27:4.
In summary, while H6585 pâsaʻ is one of the rarest verbs in the Bible, its single appearance provides a potent and vivid image. Its definition, "to stride" or "rush upon," is perfectly deployed in Isaiah 27:4 to illustrate the absolute and unstoppable nature of God's power. It shows Him moving through any opposition with decisive force, not as one engaged in a difficult fight, but as one clearing away insignificant hindrances before consuming them entirely.
TRV