Original Word: פָחַז
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: pachaz
Pronunciation: pah-khaz'
Phonetic Spelling: (paw-khaz')
Definition: to bubble up, froth, to be unimportant
Meaning: The verb פָחַז (pachaz) primarily means "to bubble up" or "to froth." It conveys the idea of something that is unstable, frivolous, or unimportant, often used metaphorically to describe actions or behaviors that are rash or reckless.

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • The corresponding Greek entry in Strong's Concordance is G2284 (θροέω, throeō), which means "to be troubled" or "to be disturbed." While not a direct translation, it shares a thematic connection in terms of emotional or psychological instability, reflecting a state of agitation or unrest.

Usage: The term פָחַז is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe actions or characteristics that are considered unstable or lacking in seriousness. It is often associated with behaviors that are impulsive or lacking in depth.

Context: • The root פָחַז (pachaz) appears in the Hebrew Bible in contexts that emphasize instability or lack of seriousness. It is used to describe actions that are rash or impulsive, often with a negative connotation. The imagery of "bubbling up" or "frothing" suggests a lack of control or permanence, akin to the fleeting nature of bubbles or froth.
• In Genesis 49:4, the term is used in Jacob's blessing to describe Reuben: "Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it—he went up to my couch!" (BSB). Here, the instability of water is a metaphor for Reuben's impulsive and reckless behavior, which ultimately leads to his loss of preeminence.
• The concept of פָחַז is often linked with moral or ethical instability, highlighting the consequences of actions that are not grounded in wisdom or foresight. It serves as a caution against behaviors that are driven by immediate desires or emotions without consideration of long-term effects.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to be wanton or reckless
NASB Translation
reckless (2).

[מָּחַז] verb be wanton, reckless (Late Hebrew id. (rare); Arabic be haughty, boastful, reckless; ᵑ7 מְּחַז, Syriac be lascivious, in derived species and derivatives ); —

Qal Participle אֲנָשִׁים רֵיקִים וּפֹחֲזִים Judges 9:4; of prophets Zephaniah 3:4 extravagant ("" אַנְשֵׁי בֹּגְדוֺת).

light

A primitive root; to bubble up or froth (as boiling water), i.e. (figuratively) to be unimportant -- light.

וּפֹ֣חֲזִ֔ים ופחזים פֹּֽחֲזִ֔ים פחזים pō·ḥă·zîm pochaZim pōḥăzîm ū·p̄ō·ḥă·zîm uFochaZim ūp̄ōḥăzîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts