פּוּחַ (pu.ach)
pu.ach
to breathe
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb puach carries the basic meaning of breathing or blowing air. In the Old Testament, it appears in about twelve verses, primarily within the poetic books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Solomon. It describes the physical act of exhaling, but also extends to the forceful expulsion of air, such as snorting or panting.
This word often conveys intensity or agitation. For instance, it is used to describe the heavy breathing of an exhausted person or the angry snort of a horse in battle (Proverbs 19:24; 20:27). In Proverbs 26:18-19, it metaphorically describes someone who "blows" lies with such force that they pretend to be injured, highlighting how breath can mask deception. The imagery connects the physical act of breathing with emotional states like rage, exhaustion, or fervent utterance.
The root emphasizes the movement of air as a sign of life, emotion, or divine action. While it can simply mean to breathe out, its usage in poetry often underscores the vitality or turbulence of the subject. Translators typically render it as "breathe," "blow," or "snort" depending on whether the context is gentle exhalation or violent expulsion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word puach describes the physical act of breathing, blowing, or snorting. In the poetic books of the Old Testament, it captures more than just air moving in and out of lungs. It often conveys intensity, such as the heavy panting of exhaustion or the angry snort of a horse. This connection between breath and emotion reminds us that our physical state is deeply tied to our inner life.
While the word can describe simple respiration, it frequently appears in contexts of agitation or forceful expression. For example, Proverbs uses it to depict a false witness who 'utters lies' with such force that they seem credible. This highlights how breath can be used to mask deception or stir up conflict. Conversely, in Song of Solomon, the wind is invited to blow gently over a garden, suggesting that breath can also bring life and fragrance when used for good.
Understanding this word helps us see the power inherent in our own speech and presence. Just as breath sustains physical life, our words carry weight. We are reminded that while we may feel overwhelmed or agitated, God is aware of our deepest struggles. His peace offers a calmness that steadies the restless heart, inviting us to trust Him even when our emotions run high.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he may breathe out3×
- that/ <it> will breathe2×
- he breathes out2×
- they inflame1×
- so/ he may breathe out1×
- make breathe1×
- and/ it will pant1×
- [who] he breathes out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֶׁ/יָּפ֙וּחַ֙2×
- יָפִ֣יחַ2×
- וְ/יָפִ֥יחַ2×
- יָפִ֥יחַ1×
- יָפִ֣יחוּ1×
- וְ/יָפֵ֥חַ1×
- וְ/יָפִ֖יחַ1×
- וְ/יָפִ֖חַ1×
- הָפִ֥יחִי1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 19:5
A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.
The word describes a false witness who 'pours out lies,' emphasizing the forceful and deceptive nature of their speech.
-
Song of Solomon 4:16
Awake, north wind, and come, you south! Blow on my garden, that its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and taste his precious fruits.
It is used in an invitation for the wind to blow gently over a garden, symbolizing the release of sweet fragrance and life.
-
Proverbs 14:5
A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.
The verb contrasts with a truthful witness by describing how a false witness 'pours out' lies, highlighting the destructive impact of dishonesty.