← H6477 H6479 →

פָּצַל

𐤐𐤑𐤋

pâtsal

H6478 verb

SILEX Entry

Root פצל to peel, to strip an outer layer, to separate layers

Definition

To peel or strip away, particularly to remove the outer layer or skin of a plant, fruit, or vegetable. Refers specifically to the act of carefully removing an exterior covering by cutting, scraping, or otherwise separating it from what lies beneath.

Semantic Range

to peel (a plant or vegetable), to strip away the outer covering, to separate skins or layers, to remove a protective layer

Root / Etymology

Root: פ-צ-ל (פצל). The root conveys the sense of separating or removing an outer layer. The verb פָּצַל arises directly from this root, implying an action of peeling or stripping, especially in the context of food preparation. The root is directly related to the common noun בָּצָל (batsal, 'onion'), which itself likely refers to a plant known for its easily separable, layered skin.

Historical & Contextual Notes

פָּצַל is attested in biblical Hebrew as a rare verb and occurs in poetic or descriptive contexts concerning food preparation, notably in Numbers 11:5. The underlying sense is distinct from verbs like קָלַף (qalaf, 'to peel'), as פָּצַל seems to stress the careful removal of an outer layer, especially where that layer is protective or purposeful. The connection to 'onion' in Hebrew highlights this nuance, as onions are notable for their layers. Over time, the word remained limited to descriptions of peeling or separating skins in mainly culinary or agricultural contexts and did not develop the broader range found in analogous verbs in other Semitic languages. In English translation, 'peel' generally covers the meaning, but the Hebrew term may suggest a more methodical or considered form of removal, as opposed to unintentional stripping or general separation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to peel; pill.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

פצל (p-ts-l) — to peel, to strip an outer layer, to separate layers

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H6479 פְּצָלָה peeled-off strips

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6478-01 פִּצֵּ֔ל pitsel HVpp3ms he had peeled he thoroughly peeled 1
H6478-02 וַ/יְפַצֵּ֤ל vayefatsel HC/Vpw3ms and peeled and he stripped away the outer layer 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6478-02 Genesis 30:37 וַ/יְפַצֵּ֤ל vayefatsel HC/Vpw3ms and peeled and he stripped away the outer layer
H6478-01 Genesis 30:38 פִּצֵּ֔ל pitsel HVpp3ms he had peeled he thoroughly peeled
← H6477 Hebrew Lexicon H6479 →