פִּגּוּל

פִּגּוּל

properly, fetid, i.e. (figuratively) unclean (ceremonially)

Definition

The Hebrew word פִּגּוּל (piggûl) refers to something that is ritually unclean or abominable, specifically in the context of sacrificial offerings. Its core meaning is 'foul' or 'putrid,' describing meat from a sacrifice that has become unacceptable because it was not eaten within the prescribed time (Leviticus 7:18, 19:7). In these Levitical laws, such leftover sacrificial meat is deemed 'piggul' and brings guilt upon the eater. The term's usage extends beyond ritual law to describe general abominations, as seen in Isaiah 65:4, where it refers to unclean food eaten in pagan rituals, and in Ezekiel 4:14, where the prophet uses it to express the extreme defilement of eating meat that is ceremonially impure.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively four times in the Old Testament, primarily in the legal material of Leviticus. In Leviticus 7:18 and 19:7, it is a technical term for sacrificial meat that remains uneaten past its allowed time, rendering it an abomination that brings guilt. The two prophetic uses (Isaiah 65:4, Ezekiel 4:14) employ the term more broadly to signify something utterly detestable and defiling, applying the concept of ritual impurity to behaviors God finds abhorrent.

Etymology

The noun פִּגּוּל (piggûl) is derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to stink' or 'to be foul.' This etymological connection to physical rottenness powerfully informs its figurative meaning of ceremonial and moral uncleanness. The sense developed from describing something physically putrid to denoting that which is ritually and spiritually offensive.

Semantic Range

This word is crucial for understanding the biblical concepts of holiness, sacrifice, and sin. It highlights that God's acceptance of worship is conditional on obedience to His specific commands; even a correctly offered sacrifice can become an abomination if mishandled (Leviticus 7:18). It bridges ritual purity and moral purity, showing that what is ceremonially 'foul' (piggul) is a tangible picture of spiritual corruption. Understanding this term enriches reading by revealing the serious consequences of treating holy things with carelessness. In its original setting, 'piggul' was a severe cultic (religious ritual) term. For ancient Israelites, consuming sacrificial meat was a sacred act of communion with God. Allowing it to spoil and then eating it violated this sacred bond and treated God's provision with contempt. This was not merely about food safety but about profound disrespect within a covenant relationship, making the eater morally guilty before God. תּוֹעֵבָה (tôʿēbâ, H8441) — A broader term for 'abomination,' often used for idolatry and grave moral sins, whereas פִּגּוּל is more specifically tied to defiled sacrifices. טָמֵא (ṭāmēʾ, H2931) — Means 'unclean' or 'defiled' in a general ritual sense; פִּגּוּל is a specific, severe type of defilement resulting from the misuse of a sacrifice.

Word Details