פָּחַז
𐤐𐤇𐤆
pâchaz
H6348 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To act with recklessness, instability, or rashness; to exhibit uncontrolled, unsteady, or volatile behavior, either physically, emotionally, or morally. In figurative settings, describes one who is impulsive, undisciplined, or frivolous in conduct or judgment.
Semantic Range
to boil up, to be unstable, to act rashly, to behave recklessly, to lack steadiness, to be frivolous or undisciplined
Root / Etymology
From the root פחז, which conveys the notion of boiling up, agitation, or volatility. The core sense suggests movement or behavior that is unstable, fleeting, or lacking in self-control. The root can be linked to physical phenomena such as bubbling water, which provides a metaphorical basis for emotional or moral instability.
Historical & Contextual Notes
פָּחַז is rare in the Hebrew Bible, occurring primarily in figurative contexts to characterize individuals or groups as unstable, irresponsible, or lacking gravity. For example, Jacob's characterization of Reuben in Genesis 49:4 uses this term to highlight instability and unreliability, likening him to water that does not hold a defined shape. This nuanced metaphor points to both moral and personal inconsistency. In later biblical Hebrew, and in some post-biblical usage, the term retained this negative connotation, emphasizing rash or volatile behavior. The standard English translations often render the word as 'unstable,' 'reckless,' or 'uncontrolled,' which capture part but not all of the metaphor, as the original Hebrew image evokes a vivid physical instability or bubbling. The word should be distinguished from synonyms like קַל (qal, 'lightweight') which may refer more generally to worth or weight rather than instability. The term is descriptive and not inherently judgmental, but often carries a negative evaluation in biblical context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to bubble up or froth (as boiling water), i.e. (figuratively) to be unimportant; light.
Bantu Hebrew
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פחז (p-ḥ-z) — to bubble up, act rashly, be unstable
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6348-02 |
וּ/פֹ֣חֲזִ֔ים | ufochazim | HC/Vqrmpa |
and reckless | and rash-acting ones | 1 |
H6348-01 |
פֹּֽחֲזִ֔ים | pochazim | HVqrmpa |
are reckless | reckless ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6348-02 |
Judges 9:4 | וּ/פֹ֣חֲזִ֔ים | ufochazim | HC/Vqrmpa |
and reckless | and rash-acting ones |
H6348-01 |
Zephaniah 3:4 | פֹּֽחֲזִ֔ים | pochazim | HVqrmpa |
are reckless | reckless ones |