פַּשְׁחוּר

Pashchur, the name of four Israelites

Definition

פַּשְׁחוּר (Pashchûwr) is a proper name borne by four distinct individuals in the Old Testament. The most prominent is the priest and chief officer in the temple during Jeremiah's time, who opposed the prophet, had him beaten, and put him in stocks (Jeremiah 20:1-2). Another Pashchur is listed among the priests and Levites who returned from exile, including figures in Ezra 2:38, Nehemiah 7:41, and Nehemiah 10:3. The name also appears in genealogical lists of priests and temple servants in 1 Chronicles 9:12 and Nehemiah 11:12. While the name is the same, the biblical context distinguishes these different historical figures.

Biblical Usage

The name is used exclusively as a proper noun for specific individuals, primarily priests or Levites. It appears in historical books (1 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah) recording priestly lineages and the post-exilic community. Its most significant narrative usage is in the prophetic book of Jeremiah, where Pashchur is a key antagonist who persecutes the prophet, leading to Jeremiah's famous lament (Jeremiah 20:1-18). The usage pattern shows the name was associated with priestly families in both pre-exilic and post-exilic Judah.

Etymology

The name פַּשְׁחוּר likely derives from the Hebrew root פָּשַׁח (pāshach, H6582), meaning 'to tear apart' or 'to spread out,' which can imply liberation or deliverance. Some scholars connect it to an Egyptian name element, suggesting it may be a Hebrew adaptation of a foreign name. The exact derivation remains uncertain, but its probable root meaning relates to a sense of release or freedom.

Semantic Range

The figure of Pashchur in Jeremiah represents the conflict between institutional religious authority and true prophetic revelation. As a temple official who opposes God's prophet, he embodies religious leadership that has become corrupt and opposed to God's word. His actions against Jeremiah and the subsequent oracle of judgment (Jeremiah 20:3-6) highlight the theme that opposing God's messengers brings severe consequences, even for those in positions of religious power. Understanding this name enriches the reading of Jeremiah's struggles.

As a name borne by priests, Pashchur reflects the priestly caste's importance in Israelite society, both before and after the Babylonian exile. The name's possible Egyptian connection suggests the cultural interactions and influences in the ancient Near East. In Jeremiah's time, a priest like Pashchur held significant administrative and judicial authority within the temple precincts, which explains his power to imprison and punish Jeremiah.

There are no direct Hebrew synonyms for this proper name. Other priestly names in the same contexts include: Meremoth (מְרֵמוֹת, H4822) — another priestly name in the post-exilic lists; and Immer (אִמֵּר, H564) — the name of the priestly division to which Pashchur belonged (Jeremiah 20:1).

Word Details

Scripture References