פּוּן
𐤐𐤅𐤍
pûwn
H6323 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
A verbal root meaning to turn, especially in the sense of turning oneself about mentally; to become confused, perplexed, or disoriented. Used to describe the state of being mentally diverted, distracted, or at a loss.
Semantic Range
to turn, become perplexed, be distracted, to be agitated inwardly, to have one's internal state disturbed or disoriented
Root / Etymology
From the root פּוּן (pûwn), whose core meaning is 'to turn.' The verb form employs this turning metaphor to refer specifically to mental or emotional turning, leading to a state of agitation or distraction.
Historical & Contextual Notes
פּוּן is an uncommon verb in the Hebrew Bible, attested only in poetic or archaic contexts. Its primary attestation (Job 37:1) indicates mental movement or agitation—one's heart turning or twisting in anxiety or wonder. The sense of 'to be perplexed' focuses on internal agitation, not simply cognitive confusion but an emotional or affective disturbance. The nuance is distinct from more common roots for 'to turn' such as סבב or פנה: פּוּן is rare and more specific, highlighting a psychological or experiential rather than a purely physical motion. Later Hebrew does not retain this verb, and it does not give rise to common derivatives. Modern translations typically render it with verbs like 'pounds,' 'leaps,' or 'trembles,' but these miss the core semantic idea of internal disturbance or being turned around emotionally.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root meaning to turn, i.e.; be perplexed; be distracted.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פון (p-w-n) — to turn, to turn inwardly, to become perplexed, to be internally agitated
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6323-01 |
אָפֽוּנָה | afunah | HVqh1cs |
have-overwhelmed-me | let me become disoriented | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6323-01 |
Psalms 88:16 | אָפֽוּנָה | afunah | HVqh1cs |
have-overwhelmed-me | let me become disoriented |