פֶּסַח

a pretermission, i.e. exemption; used only techically of the Jewish Passover (the festival or the victim)

Definition

The Hebrew word פֶּסַח (pesach) primarily refers to the Passover, a central Israelite festival commemorating God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It denotes both the festival itself (Exodus 12:11, Leviticus 23:5) and the sacrificial lamb or goat that was slain and eaten during the observance (Exodus 12:21). The term originates from the idea of 'passing over,' as God passed over the houses of the Israelites who had marked their doorposts with the blood of the lamb, sparing their firstborn during the final plague (Exodus 12:27).

Biblical Usage

פֶּסַח is used exclusively in the context of the Passover ritual throughout the Old Testament. It appears most frequently in the Pentateuch (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), establishing the foundational laws for the observance (e.g., Exodus 12:43, Numbers 9:2). Later historical books (Joshua, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra) and the prophet Ezekiel reference its ongoing celebration. The word consistently refers to the combined elements of the sacrifice, the ritual meal, and the seven-day festival of Unleavened Bread that follows.

Etymology

Derived from the root verb פָּסַח (pasach, H6452), meaning 'to pass over, to spare, or to limp.' The noun פֶּסַח directly captures the core action of God 'passing over' the Israelite homes during the tenth plague in Egypt. This etymological link is explicitly made in Exodus 12:13, 12:23, and 12:27, forever connecting the name of the festival to the act of divine deliverance and protection.

Semantic Range

פֶּסַח is profoundly theological, representing God's covenant faithfulness, redemption through substitutionary sacrifice, and the foundation of Israel's identity as a delivered people. The blood of the Passover lamb, which secured protection from judgment, becomes a powerful typological precursor to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, who is called 'our Passover lamb' in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 5:7). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the biblical theme of redemption and highlights the continuity of God's salvific plan from Exodus to the Gospels.

In its original setting, the Passover was a domestic, family-oriented ritual (Exodus 12:3-4). The slaughter and meal took place within the household, making every home an altar. It was also an inclusive rite, with provisions for foreigners and servants to participate if they were circumcised (Exodus 12:48-49), emphasizing that deliverance was for all who joined themselves to the covenant community. This contrasts with later centralized worship at the Temple, where the sacrifice became more institutional.

חַג (chag, H2282) — A general term for 'festival' or 'pilgrimage feast,' of which Passover is one. זֶבַח (zevach, H2077) — A general term for 'sacrifice' or 'slain offering,' whereas פֶּסַח specifies the unique Passover victim.

Word Details

Scripture References