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.
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.
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.
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.
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