פָּזַז
𐤐𐤆𐤆
pâzaz
H6339 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To leap, bound, or spring with agility or energy; in some contexts, to move swiftly or with nimbleness. The term can be used both in literal descriptions of rapid, lively movement (such as leaping or skipping) and, by extension, to describe vigor or strength in action.
Semantic Range
to leap or spring energetically, to skip, to move nimbly, to dance (with leaping), to proceed with vigor
Root / Etymology
From the root פָּזַז, which denotes quick, agile motion or leaping. The root sense is connected to lively movement, and the verb form conveys the action of leaping or bounding. Not to be confused with homograph roots relating to refining or purification, which derive from different semantic fields.
Historical & Contextual Notes
פָּזַז appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, occurring primarily in poetic contexts (e.g., 2 Samuel 6:16 and 1 Chronicles 15:29, describing King David's energetic dancing before the Ark). The meaning centers on agile, bounding movement and is closely related to verbs like רקד (rqd, 'to dance') but with a particular emphasis on leaping or skipping motions. Later Hebrew sometimes associated the root with strength or being made firm, likely drawing from metaphorical implications of energetic, forceful movement. Strong’s gloss connecting the term with 'solidify' or 'refining' reflects a confusion with a different root פָּז (paz), 'refined gold,' which is unrelated. Standard translations typically render פָּזַז as 'leap' or 'dance,' but may miss the nuance of vigorous, springing motion.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root (identical with פָּזַז); to solidify (as if by refining); also to spring (as if separating the limbs); leap, be made strong.
Bantu Hebrew
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פזז (p-z-z) — to leap, bound, spring with agility
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6339-01 |
מְפַזֵּ֤ז | mefazez | HVprmsa |
leaping | the one leaping vigorously | leaping vigorously | 1 |
H6339-02 |
וַ/יָּפֹ֖זּוּ | vayafozu | HC/Vqw3mp |
and were made supple | and they leaped | and they leaped | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6339-02 |
Genesis 49:24 | וַ/יָּפֹ֖זּוּ | vayafozu | HC/Vqw3mp |
and were made supple | and they leaped | and they leaped |
H6339-01 |
2 Samuel 6:16 | מְפַזֵּ֤ז | mefazez | HVprmsa |
leaping | the one leaping vigorously | leaping vigorously |