פָּזַז
to solidify (as if by refining); also to spring (as if separating the limbs)
Definition
The Hebrew verb פָּזַז (pâzaz) carries two primary meanings in the Old Testament. The first sense, 'to be strong' or 'to solidify,' describes the strengthening of a bow, as seen in Genesis 49:24, where Joseph's bow is said to be 'made strong' (KJV). The second sense, 'to leap' or 'to spring,' describes a vigorous, perhaps even frantic, bodily movement, as when King David 'leaped' and danced before the Lord in 2 Samuel 6:16. These two meanings likely stem from a core idea of intense, forceful action, whether applied to an object being made firm or a person moving with energy.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only twice in the Old Testament, in two distinct contexts that illustrate its dual meanings. In Genesis 49:24, it is used metaphorically in Jacob's blessing to describe the strength and resilience of Joseph. In 2 Samuel 6:16, it is used literally to describe David's ecstatic, celebratory dancing as the Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem. There is no pattern of usage across books, given its rarity.
Etymology
פָּזַז (pâzaz) is a primitive root, identical to H6338, which means 'to refine' (as gold). This connection suggests an underlying concept of something being brought to a pure, strong, or intense state—whether that is metal through refining, a bow through strengthening, or movement through energetic leaping.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant in its two appearances. In Genesis 49:24, it contributes to the portrait of Joseph as a divinely strengthened leader, whose resilience ('his bow remained firm') comes from God. In 2 Samuel 6:16, it captures the unrestrained, joyful worship of King David, modeling a passionate physical response to God's presence. Understanding this Hebrew word enriches reading by connecting the concrete action of leaping with the deeper concept of divinely sourced strength and fervent devotion.
The action of 'leaping' (2 Samuel 6:16) in ancient Near Eastern culture, especially by a king, could be seen as undignified or frenzied (as Michal's reaction shows). It contrasts with formal, restrained worship. The 'strengthening' of a bow (Genesis 49:24) uses a common symbol of military power and survival, making the metaphor of God strengthening Joseph's 'bow' immediately understandable to an ancient audience.
קָפַץ (qāp̄aṣ, H6339) — to draw together, contract; a different kind of sudden movement. פָּרַח (pāraḥ, H6524) — to bud, sprout, break out; for growth or sudden appearance, not leaping. רָקַד (rāqad, H7540) — to dance, skip; a more general term for dance, lacking the specific connotation of a forceful leap.
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 →