פַּחֲזוּת
𐤐𐤇𐤆𐤅𐤕
pachăzûwth
H6350 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A quality of impulsiveness, recklessness, or lack of seriousness in decision, action, or character. The term connotes instability, rashness, and a tendency toward undisciplined behavior or speech. In particular, it indicates behavior marked by disregard for proper restraint or prudence.
Semantic Range
recklessness, rashness, instability, impulsiveness, levity, lack of seriousness, frivolity
Root / Etymology
From the root פָּחַז (pachaz), meaning 'to be wanton, reckless, act rashly.' פַּחֲזוּת is a noun derived from this root, signifying the abstract quality or state of being reckless or unstable. The derivation builds on the verbal idea, emphasizing the characteristic or condition rather than just the action.
Historical & Contextual Notes
פַּחֲזוּת appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, occurring in contexts where leaders or individuals are accused of instability or lack of gravity—see, for example, Judges 9:4 with reference to Abimelech’s supporters, and 2 Kings 7:19 describing a rash statement. The term primarily conveys a negative evaluation of character, especially of those in positions of responsibility, contrasting with qualities like discernment or steadfastness. In some post-biblical and medieval texts, the term might shade toward 'levity' or 'frivolousness,' but its biblical nuance is more about recklessness than simple light-heartedness. The rendering 'frivolity' in traditional translations can be misleading, as the sense of 'recklessness' or 'rashness' is more accurate. The word describes a trait considered unworthy in elders and leaders, and thus is often juxtaposed to wisdom or prudence. Related terms include סָכָל ('folly') and אִוֶּלֶת ('stupidity, foolishness'), though פַּחֲזוּת emphasizes volatility rather than a fixed lack of intelligence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from פָּחַז; frivolity; lightness.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פחז (p-ḥ-z) — to be reckless, to act rashly, to be wanton
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6350-01 |
וּ/בְ/פַחֲזוּתָ֑/ם | uvefachazutam | HC/R/Ncfsc/Sp3mp |
and by their recklessness | and in their recklessness | and in their recklessness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6350-01 |
Jeremiah 23:32 | וּ/בְ/פַחֲזוּתָ֑/ם | uvefachazutam | HC/R/Ncfsc/Sp3mp |
and by their recklessness | and in their recklessness | and in their recklessness |