Root of the פּסח pâçach family (1 member).

To limp, halt, or walk unevenly (literal sense); to pass over, spare, show passivity or reluctance, or skip (figurative and narrative sense). In narratives relating to the so-called 'Passover,' to 'pass over' with the sense of sparing or protecting during judgment. May also denote expressions of physical unsteadiness or indecision, including hesitancy or wavering between choices.

Etymology Root פּ-ס-ח (פסח), conveying the idea of limping or moving unevenly. The verb form develops concrete meanings like 'to limp' or 'be lame,' and figurative meanings such as 'to hesitate,' or 'to pass over' in the sense of sparing or skipping. The ritual noun פֶּסַח (pesach, 'passover offering') is derived from the same root but its exact connection (i.e., whether literally 'passing over' or 'protecting') is debated.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Ga kubika to limp
Gogo kubika to limp
Ha guhubika to limp, to go lame
Ha kubika to limp
Kinyarwanda guhibik' to limp, hobble
Kirundi Zabuka pass over
Nyamwezi kubika to walk with difficulty (to limp)