פּוּק
to issue, i.e. furnish; causatively, to secure; figuratively, to succeed
Definition
The Hebrew verb פּוּק (pûwq) carries the core idea of 'bringing forth' or 'issuing.' In its literal sense, it means to furnish or provide something, as seen in Psalm 144:13 where God causes the land to 'yield' its produce. Causatively, it means to secure or obtain something, such as favor or a good outcome (Proverbs 8:35, 12:2). Figuratively, it extends to the concept of succeeding or prospering, as in the blessing for one who finds wisdom (Proverbs 3:13). In Psalm 140:8, it takes on a negative connotation of 'granting' or 'allowing' the desires of the wicked.
Biblical Usage
פּוּק is used only seven times in the Old Testament, primarily in poetic and wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah). Its usage patterns show it describing outcomes: from God's provision of agricultural bounty (Psalm 144:13, Isaiah 58:10) to a person obtaining divine favor (Proverbs 8:35, 12:2, 18:22) or wisdom's benefits (Proverbs 3:13). The single use in a negative context is in a psalm of lament, asking God not to 'grant' the wicked's plans (Psalm 140:8).
Etymology
פּוּק is a primitive root, identical with H6328 (pûq), which means 'to totter' or 'give way.' The shared idea is of something dropping out or issuing forth. It is cognate with H5312 (nephaq), meaning 'to go or come out.' This root family connects the concept of a source yielding or producing a result.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects divine action with human flourishing. It portrays God as the ultimate source who 'issues' provision (Psalm 144:13) and favor. In wisdom literature, it describes the blessed outcomes of a righteous life—obtaining favor, life, and good (Proverbs 8:35, 12:2). Understanding פּוּק enriches reading by highlighting that true success and provision are not merely human achievements but are issued from a divine source in response to wisdom and righteousness.
In an agrarian society, the concept of land 'issuing' or 'yielding' its produce (Psalm 144:13) was a direct measure of blessing and survival. The word's use for obtaining a wife (Proverbs 18:22) reflects the cultural understanding of marriage as a foundational social and economic 'good' to be secured. The term bridges concrete provision and abstract success, concepts deeply intertwined in ancient Israelite life.
נָתַן (nāthan, H5414) — a more general term for 'to give,' whereas פּוּק emphasizes the act of issuing or bringing forth from a source. הִשִּׂיג (hiśśîg, H5381) — means 'to reach' or 'attain,' focusing on the act of acquisition, while פּוּק focuses on the source yielding it. עָשָׂה (ʿāśâ, H6213) — means 'to do' or 'make,' broader in scope, while פּוּק is specific to furnishing or producing an outcome.
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 →