a primitive root; to dispart (the feet or lips), i.e. become licentious; open (wide).
Transliteration:pâsaq
Pronunciation:paw-sak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb פָּשַׂק (pâsaq), Strong's H6589, is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to dispart," "to separate," or "to open wide." This fundamental sense applies primarily to body parts, specifically the feet or the lips/mouth. From this literal physical action, the word extends its semantic range to encompass a metaphorical or consequential meaning. When applied to the feet, "to dispart" them implies a posture of immodesty or sexual availability, thus leading to the derived sense of "to become licentious" or "to engage in promiscuity." When applied to the mouth, it signifies opening it widely, often in an expression of aggression, derision, or deep emotion. The dual application highlights the word's capacity to describe both physical action and its profound moral or expressive implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb פָּשַׂק (pâsaq) appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct contexts, each illuminating its semantic breadth:
1. **Ezekiel 16:25**: "You have built your high place at every head of the way, and have made your beauty an abomination, and have opened your feet to every passerby, and multiplied your whoredom."
In this verse, the phrase "opened your feet" (וַתְּפַשְּׂקִי רַגְלַיִךְ) is a stark and graphic metaphor for Israel's spiritual harlotry. The imagery of spreading the legs is directly associated with the act of prostitution, symbolizing the nation's unfaithfulness to Yahweh by pursuing idolatry and illicit alliances with foreign nations. The verb פָּשַׂק here vividly portrays the blatant, public, and debased nature of Israel's spiritual infidelity, likening it to a common harlot who makes herself available to all. This context underscores the licentious aspect of the word's semantic range.
2. **Lamentations 2:16**: "All your enemies have opened their mouth against you; they hiss and gnash their teeth; they say, 'We have swallowed her up! Surely this is the day we have waited for; we have found it, we have seen it!'"
Here, "opened their mouth" (פָּצוּ עָלַיִךְ פִּיהֶם, though the form is slightly different, the root is related and points to the action of opening wide) signifies the triumphant and malicious derision of Jerusalem's enemies. The wide opening of the mouth in this context is not for speaking in general, but for expressing gloating satisfaction, contempt, and aggressive intent. It conveys the enemies' unrestrained joy and mockery over Jerusalem's downfall, emphasizing their hostile and consuming desire to see the city utterly destroyed. This usage highlights the "open wide" aspect of the root, applied to an expression of intense, negative emotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of פָּשַׂק (pâsaq) intersects with several related Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **Words for "Opening" or "Splitting"**: While פָּשַׂק specifically implies a "disparting" or "spreading apart," it shares conceptual space with other verbs related to opening or breaking. For instance, `{{H6605}}` (pātsah), often translated "to open wide" or "to gape," is frequently used for the mouth (as in Psalm 35:21, "They opened their mouth wide against me"). While similar, פָּשַׂק in its primary usage for feet carries a distinct connotation of immodest exposure. `{{H6606}}` (pātsa') means "to break open" or "to split," often violently.
* **Words for "Prostitution" or "Adultery"**: In its application to "licentiousness," פָּשַׂק is deeply connected to terms like `{{H2181}}` (zānâh), "to commit fornication" or "to be a harlot," and `{{H8457}}` (taznût), "harlotry" or "prostitution." The use of פָּשַׂק in Ezekiel 16:25 graphically illustrates the physical act associated with these concepts, emphasizing the brazen and public nature of the sin.
* **Concepts of Shame and Exposure**: The act of "opening the feet" implies a lack of modesty and a public display of one's body for illicit purposes, intrinsically linking the word to concepts of shame, disgrace, and exposure.
* **Expressions of Hostility and Malice**: In Lamentations, the "opening of the mouth" by enemies aligns with other expressions of contempt and aggression, such as "hissing" (`{{H8319}}`, shāraq) and "gnashing of teeth" (`{{H2786}}`, ḥaraq shēn).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּשַׂק (pâsaq) is profound, particularly in its use within the prophetic literature:
1. **Idolatry as Spiritual Adultery**: The most striking theological implication comes from Ezekiel 16:25. Here, פָּשַׂק serves as a powerful, visceral metaphor for Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. By "opening her feet," Israel is depicted as a harlot who has abandoned her divine husband, Yahweh, for illicit spiritual liaisons with false gods and foreign nations. This imagery underscores the depth of betrayal and the heinous nature of idolatry in God's eyes, portraying it not merely as a mistake but as an act of spiritual prostitution that defiles the sacred covenant relationship. It highlights God's jealous love and His profound sorrow and anger over His people's infidelity.
2. **Divine Judgment and Its Consequences**: In Lamentations 2:16, the "opening of the mouth" by Jerusalem's enemies is a direct consequence of the city's sin and God's subsequent judgment. The enemies' unrestrained mockery and malicious joy serve as a bitter commentary on the devastating impact of divine chastisement. It underscores the theological principle that disobedience leads to vulnerability and exposure to adversaries, who revel in the downfall of those who have forsaken God.
3. **God's Abhorrence of Immorality**: Both usages, though distinct, convey God's absolute abhorrence of actions that are morally corrupt or spiritually unfaithful. Whether it is the licentiousness of spiritual prostitution or the malicious glee of enemies, the vivid imagery employed by פָּשַׂק emphasizes the gravity of sin and its direct affront to divine holiness and order. The word is chosen for its evocative power, leaving no doubt about the severity of the actions described.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb פָּשַׂק (pâsaq), Strong's H6589, primarily signifies "to dispart" or "to open wide." Its two key biblical occurrences illustrate a significant semantic range. In [[Ezekiel 16:25]], "to open the feet" graphically portrays Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness as licentious prostitution, emphasizing the brazen and public nature of her idolatry. In [[Lamentations 2:16]], "to open the mouth" describes the triumphant and malicious derision of Jerusalem's enemies. Theologically, פָּשַׂק powerfully conveys God's view of idolatry as spiritual adultery, underscoring the depth of Israel's betrayal of the covenant. It also highlights the bitter consequences of sin and divine judgment, as seen in the enemies' gloating. The word's vivid and often unsettling imagery serves to underscore the profound gravity of sin and God's righteous response to it.
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