פָּגַשׁ (pa.gash)
pa.gash
to meet
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb pa.gash describes the physical act of meeting or encountering someone. It appears twelve times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Proverbs and Exodus. The word captures the moment two parties come together, whether by chance or design, to face one another.
In Proverbs, this term often highlights the importance of timely interaction. For instance, Proverbs 25:17 advises limiting visits to a friend’s house so as not to become weary when they meet. This usage underscores that pa.gash is not just about location, but about the social dynamics of the encounter itself.
The word’s root suggests a direct confrontation or joining. In Exodus, it describes Moses meeting with God on the mountain. The sources indicate that while the verb can be neutral, its context often determines whether the meeting is friendly or formal. Translators usually render it as "meet" or "encounter," preserving the simple yet powerful image of two paths crossing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter someone new or rekindle an old friendship, there is a unique weight to that moment of meeting. In Hebrew thought, this act—captured by the word pa.gash—is not merely about two bodies occupying the same space. It implies a direct engagement where paths cross and identities are recognized. Whether it is Jacob seeking favor with Esau or Moses stepping onto holy ground, these meetings carry significance beyond simple logistics.
For your daily life, this reminds us that every interaction matters. We might rush through encounters with colleagues, neighbors, or family members, treating them as background noise. Yet Scripture suggests that how we meet others reflects our heart posture. A gentle greeting, a patient listening ear, or even a respectful distance can transform a routine moment into something meaningful.
Consider the warning in Proverbs about not overvisiting friends, lest you grow weary of the meeting itself. This wisdom invites us to value quality over quantity in our relationships. It encourages intentionality: showing up fully, respecting boundaries, and recognizing that the other person is a soul made in God’s image. May your meetings today be marked by grace and presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they meet together2×
- and/ he met/ him2×
- when/ met1×
- they meet1×
- may he meet1×
- and/ they will meet1×
- and/ they met/ them1×
- and/ she met1×
- I will meet/ them1×
- I have met1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִפְגָּ֑שׁוּ2×
- פָּגָ֑שְׁתִּי1×
- פָּג֬וֹשׁ1×
- כִּ/פְגֹ֣שׁ1×
- יְפַגְּשׁוּ\־1×
- וּ/פָגְשׁ֤וּ1×
- וַֽ/יִּפְגְּשֵׁ֛/הוּ1×
- וַֽ/יִּפְגְּשׁ֛וּ/ם1×
- וַ/תִּפְגֹּ֖שׁ1×
- וַ/יִּפְגְּשֵׁ֣/הוּ1×
- אֶפְגְּשֵׁ/ם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 33:8
Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” Jacob said, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.”
This verse highlights the tension in a reunion, where Jacob's meeting with Esau is driven by a desire for favor rather than casual greeting.
-
Exodus 4:27
Yahweh said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” He went, and met him on God’s mountain, and kissed him.
Here, Aaron’s journey to meet Moses demonstrates obedience and relief, as the physical encounter confirms God’s call upon both brothers.
-
Proverbs 17:12
Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
The metaphor of a bereaved bear meeting a man warns that confronting folly can be as dangerous and unpredictable as facing wild instinct.
-
Hosea 13:8
I will meet them like a bear that is bereaved of her cubs, and will tear the covering of their heart. There I will devour them like a lioness. The wild animal will tear them.
God uses this verb to describe a terrifying encounter, showing that 'meeting' can also signify judgment when people reject divine wisdom.