פַּשׁ
𐤐𐤔
pash
H6580 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A term indicating stupidity, dullness, or coarseness of mind, possibly as a result of moral degeneracy or heedlessness. In some contexts, may also denote the extremity or periphery of something, though this sense is less certain and contextually ambiguous.
Semantic Range
stupidity, dullness of mind, coarseness of character, gross folly; (possibly) extremity, periphery (disputed)
Root / Etymology
Root uncertain, but probably connected to an unused root meaning 'to disintegrate, crumble, become loose' based on comparative Semitic evidence. The nominal form ׳פַשׁ׳ historically carries the sense of dullness or lack of mental sharpness resulting from degeneration. No direct verbal usage is attested in Hebrew.
Historical & Contextual Notes
פַּשׁ appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible and is generally found in poetic or wisdom literature, where it suggests thick-headedness, stupidity, or gross folly—typically as a result of some physical or moral decline. The term does not become a technical term for 'fool' (as with סָכָל or כְּסִיל), but its nuance is that of foolishness marked by coarse insensitivity or dulled moral sense. The alternate gloss 'extremity' is much less secure, possibly stemming from an ancient misunderstanding or linguistic confusion with different roots or homographs; extant biblical usage overwhelmingly attests to the 'stupidity/dullness' sense. Standard English translations sometimes flatten the nuance, often rendering it simply as 'folly' or 'foolishness.' The term's use does not reflect a specific social or ethnic group and does not develop specialized meaning in exilic or post-exilic literature. In the broader context, פַּשׁ is distinguished from other terms for 'folly' by its emphasis on a kind of insensibility thought to arise from moral or physical coarseness rather than mere lack of knowledge or discernment.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from an unused root meaning to disintegrate; stupidity (as a result of grossness or of degeneracy); extremity.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פשׁ (p-š) — to become loose, disintegrate, crumble; dullness, gross folly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6580-01 |
בַּ/פַּ֣שׁ | bapash | HRd/Ncmsa |
transgression | degenerate dullness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6580-01 |
Job 35:15 | בַּ/פַּ֣שׁ | bapash | HRd/Ncmsa |
transgression | degenerate dullness |