פָּצַע
to split, i.e. wound
Definition
The Hebrew verb פָּצַע (pâtsaʻ) means to wound by splitting or breaking open, often implying a violent, physical injury. In its three biblical occurrences, it consistently describes a serious wound inflicted upon a person. In Deuteronomy 23:1, it refers to a man who has been crushed or wounded in his genitals, a specific injury with legal consequences. In 1 Kings 20:37, a prophet disguises a wound on himself. In Song of Solomon 5:7, the watchmen strike and wound the beloved, taking her veil. The core meaning is a forceful, damaging split that results in a wound.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only three times in the Old Testament, each in a narrative context describing a personal injury. It appears in legal material (Deuteronomy 23:1), historical narrative (1 Kings 20:37), and poetry (Song of Solomon 5:7). The pattern shows it is not a general term for illness but specifically for a wound caused by an external, violent force. In Deuteronomy, the wound has a permanent, disqualifying effect; in 1 Kings, it is part of a prophetic sign; and in Song of Solomon, it is an act of violence by city guards.
Etymology
פָּצַע is a primitive root. It is related to the idea of splitting or breaking apart. Cognates in other Semitic languages support the meaning of 'to break' or 'to crush.' The development is straightforward: the physical action of splitting leads to the result of a wound.
Semantic Range
While not a theologically central term, its use in Deuteronomy 23:1 connects physical wholeness to participation in the covenant community, reflecting the holiness code. The wound in Song of Solomon 5:7, inflicted by those meant to keep peace, adds a layer of betrayal and violence to the poetic search for the beloved. Understanding this specific term for a violent wound sharpens the imagery in these passages.
In the ancient Near East, a severe physical wound, especially one affecting reproductive capacity as in Deuteronomy 23:1, could impact a man's social standing and lineage. Such injuries were seen as more than medical issues; they could carry ritual or legal implications regarding purity and community inclusion.
חָבַל (châbal, H2254) — to bind or pledge, but also to destroy or ruin, a broader term for damage. פָּצַם (pâtsam, H6485) — to break or burst, often used for bones. נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike, smite, or kill, a very common general term for hitting.
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.
Full methodology & sources →