פָּעַר
to yawn, i.e. open wide (literally or figuratively)
Definition
The Hebrew verb פָּעַר (pâʻar) primarily means 'to open wide' or 'to gape,' describing a physical opening of the mouth. In its literal sense, it refers to the act of yawning or opening the mouth wide, as seen in Job 29:23 where people waited for Job's counsel 'as for the rain' and 'opened their mouth wide' in expectation. Figuratively, it conveys intense eagerness or desire, such as the psalmist's longing for God's commands: 'I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments' (Psalm 119:131). In a more ominous context, it depicts the insatiable, devouring mouth of Sheol (Isaiah 5:14) or the mocking mouths of adversaries (Job 16:10).
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only four times in the Old Testament, appearing in poetic and wisdom literature (Job, Psalms, Isaiah). It consistently describes the mouth opening wide, but the context determines its nuance. In Job 16:10 and 29:23, it refers to people opening their mouths, either in mockery or in eager anticipation of wisdom. In Psalm 119:131, it expresses the psalmist's spiritual longing. In Isaiah 5:14, it is used metaphorically for the underworld (Sheol) opening its mouth without limit to swallow the arrogant, portraying divine judgment.
Etymology
פָּעַר (pâʻar) is a primitive root in Hebrew. Its core meaning relates to opening or gaping, specifically of the mouth. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, support this sense of 'opening' or 'splitting.' The word does not have a complex derivational history but remains focused on the physical act that easily extends to metaphorical expressions of desire or consumption.
Semantic Range
This word enriches our understanding of human and divine interaction. In Psalm 119:131, it powerfully illustrates the soul's intense, physical yearning for God's word—a model for devotional desire. Conversely, in Isaiah 5:14, it portrays Sheol's gaping mouth as an instrument of God's judgment against pride, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine justice. The dual usage shows that 'opening wide' can signify either holy aspiration or the consequence of rebellion.
In the ancient Near East, the imagery of a gaping mouth often symbolized a voracious, chaotic force, such as the sea monster or the underworld. Isaiah's description of Sheol (Isaiah 5:14) taps into this cultural motif to depict death as an insatiable consumer. The physical act of yawning or opening the mouth wide to express extreme need or anticipation (as in Job and Psalms) was a vivid, bodily metaphor readily understood in that culture.
פָּתַח (pāṯaḥ, H6605) — a more general term for 'to open' (doors, eyes, etc.), not specific to the mouth. בָּקַע (bāqaʿ, H1234) — means 'to split' or 'to break open,' often with force, unlike the gaping action of פָּעַר.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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