### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pesaʻ**, represented by `{{H6587}}`, translates to a **stride** or **step**. It appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, making its single usage in scripture particularly impactful. Its meaning is derived from its context, where it is used metaphorically to describe a very small distance between life and death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H6587}}` is in a moment of great peril for David. While speaking with his friend Jonathan, David expresses his profound fear of King Saul's murderous intent. He uses this word to convey the immediacy of his danger, swearing an oath and stating, "...there is but a **step** between me and death" [[1 Samuel 20:3]]. This singular use paints a vivid picture of human fragility and the nearness of mortality in a situation of extreme distress.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of David's statement is enriched by several related words found in the same verse:
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The speaker himself, whose life is in jeopardy. His deep friendship with Jonathan is central to the narrative, as Jonathan sought to strengthen his hand in God [[1 Samuel 23:16]].
* `{{H4194}}` **mâveth** (death): This is the ultimate fate that David sees as being only a single **step** away. The Bible often presents **death** and life as fundamental, opposing forces [[Proverbs 18:21]].
* `{{H2416}}` **chay** (life): Meaning "alive" or **life**, this word is used by David in his oath—"as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth"—to emphasize the certainty of his precarious situation [[1 Samuel 20:3]].
* `{{H5315}}` **nephesh** (soul): David swears by Jonathan's **soul**, or his very self, to underscore the truth of his words. This term refers to a person's vitality and being, which the scriptures advise should be kept diligently [[Deuteronomy 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6587}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful image.
* **The Fragility of Life:** The use of **pesaʻ** as a "step" graphically illustrates how thin the line is between life and death. It powerfully portrays human mortality, where life can be extinguished in a moment, like taking a single wrong step [[1 Samuel 20:3]].
* **Imminent Peril:** The word conveys a tangible and immediate threat, not an abstract concept. For David, death was a present reality separated by the smallest possible margin, highlighting his desperation and the severity of his circumstances.
* **Faith Amidst Danger:** David's declaration is framed by an oath to the living LORD `{{H3068}}`. This juxtaposition shows that even when he feels a **step** away from death, his ultimate point of reference is God's eternal existence, the ultimate source of life's strength [[Psalms 27:1]].
### Summary
In summary, though **pesaʻ** `{{H6587}}` is one of the rarest words in the biblical text, its impact is profound. In one short phrase, it captures a universal human experience: the feeling of being on the razor's edge of existence. It serves as a stark and memorable illustration of life's fragility, the reality of danger, and the need for faith when facing mortality.
TRV