### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun פֶּשַׂע (pesaʻ, `{{H6587}}`) is derived from the verbal root פָּשַׂע (paśaʻ, `{{H6586}}`), which signifies the act of striding, stepping, or walking. The noun itself therefore denotes a "stride" or a "step"—a concrete measurement of movement or distance. It refers to the physical action of lifting and placing one's foot in progression. While the root verb can imply a measured, deliberate pace, the noun captures the singular unit of that movement. Its semantic range is tightly focused on this literal, physical act, serving as a basic unit of locomotion or a minimal measure of space.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun פֶּשַׂע (pesaʻ, `{{H6587}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly poignant and impactful. This unique instance is found in [[1 Samuel 20:3]]:
"But as surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death."
In this dramatic declaration, Jonathan is speaking to David, revealing the depth of King Saul's murderous intent. The phrase "there is but a step between me and death" employs פֶּשַׂע (pesaʻ) metaphorically. It does not refer to a literal physical step, but rather to an extremely short, almost negligible, distance or temporal interval separating David from mortal peril. It vividly conveys the immediacy and extreme proximity of death, illustrating David's precarious situation. The singular "step" underscores the suddenness with which life could be extinguished, highlighting the fragility of existence in the face of Saul's wrath.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, the noun פֶּשַׂע (pesaʻ, `{{H6587}}`) is directly related to its root verb פָּשַׂע (paśaʻ, `{{H6586}}`), "to stride, step, walk." This etymological connection reinforces the core meaning of physical movement. Other Hebrew words relate to the broader concepts of walking, journeying, or parts of the body involved in locomotion. For instance, רֶגֶל (regel, `{{H7272}}`) refers to a "foot" or "leg," and can also denote a "step" or "journey." The verb הָלַךְ (halak, `{{H1980}}`) is the most common verb for "to walk" or "to go." Concepts like דֶּרֶךְ (derek, `{{H1870}}`), "way" or "path," and אֹרַח (ʾōraḥ, `{{H734}}`), "path" or "road," describe the course of travel. While these words are more common and carry a broader semantic load, פֶּשַׂע (pesaʻ) stands out for its singular, impactful use to denote an infinitesimal distance, emphasizing extreme proximity or imminent danger.
### Theological Significance
Despite its solitary occurrence, the use of פֶּשַׂע (pesaʻ, `{{H6587}}`) in [[1 Samuel 20:3]] carries significant theological weight. It powerfully articulates the precariousness of human life and the ever-present shadow of death in a fallen world. Jonathan's declaration serves as a stark reminder that life can hang by the slenderest thread, a truth echoed in various Psalms that speak of the brevity and fragility of human existence (e.g., [[Psalm 39:5]], [[Psalm 90:10]]). The "step" here represents the boundary between life and death, a boundary that can be crossed in an instant without divine intervention or loyal human protection. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over life and death, even when human agents (like Saul) plot destruction. For David, this "step" also highlights his absolute dependence on God's providential care and the faithfulness of his covenant friend, Jonathan, who acts as God's instrument of protection.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פֶּשַׂע (pesaʻ, `{{H6587}}`) fundamentally denotes a "stride" or "step," derived from the verb meaning "to stride." Its singular appearance in the biblical text, specifically in [[1 Samuel 20:3]], elevates its significance beyond a mere physical measurement. In Jonathan's urgent warning to David, "there is but a step between me and death," פֶּשַׂע (pesaʻ) becomes a potent metaphor for extreme proximity to peril and the inherent fragility of life. This unique usage underscores the immediacy of danger, the brevity of human existence, and the constant need for divine protection and faithful human intervention in a world fraught with both physical and spiritual threats.
TRV