פּוּק (puq)
puq
to promote
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb puq in its Hiphil stem primarily means to bring something out, furnish it, or actively promote it. While the root can relate to going out or issuing, the causative form focuses on the result: producing a specific outcome or causing a person or thing to emerge into view. It appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, with a notable concentration in wisdom literature like Proverbs and Psalms, as well as in Isaiah.
A key distinction lies in its application to human agency. In Proverbs 1:11, for example, sinners say they will "bring out" their loot, using puq to describe the act of obtaining or eliciting something through action. Conversely, in Isaiah 3:25 and similar contexts, the verb is used negatively to warn against promoting or fostering evil devices. The word captures the idea of drawing forth what is latent, whether it be goods, plans, or consequences.
Translators often render puq as "promote," "furnish," or "produce" depending on the context. This highlights its dynamic nature; it is not a passive state but an active force that brings something into existence or visibility. The sources emphasize that whether referring to physical goods or abstract intentions, the verb underscores the power of action to manifest results.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The verb puq describes an active bringing forth of what was previously hidden or potential. In Proverbs 18:22, finding a wife is described with this dynamic language, suggesting that such a relationship is not merely a passive event but a significant provision that brings tangible good into one's life. It reminds us that God actively provides the blessings we need, often in ways that require our participation and recognition.
Similarly, Isaiah 58:10 uses this concept to describe spiritual restoration. When we pour out our souls to help others, our own obscurity is lifted, and our light rises like the noonday. This shows that our actions of generosity can actively promote healing and clarity in our own lives. It is a call to engage with the world around us, knowing that our efforts to support others can lead to profound personal renewal.
This word encourages us to see faith as an active force. We are invited to trust that God works through our daily choices to bring about good outcomes. Whether in relationships or acts of kindness, we participate in a divine process that transforms potential into reality, offering hope and stability in our journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he obtained2×
- providing1×
- he obtains1×
- and/ you will offer1×
- [who] he obtains1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יָּ֥פֶק2×
- מְפִיקִ֥ים1×
- יָפִ֥יק1×
- יָפִ֣יק1×
- וְ/תָפֵ֤ק1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 18:22
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh.
This verse uses the verb to describe finding a wife as an active obtaining of favor, highlighting the tangible good that comes from this relationship.
-
Isaiah 58:10
and if you pour out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will rise in darkness, and your obscurity will be as the noonday;
Here the word describes how pouring out one's soul for others actively promotes spiritual light and clarity in times of darkness.
-
Psalms 144:13
Our barns are full, filled with all kinds of provision. Our sheep produce thousands and ten thousands in our fields.
The term is applied to livestock producing offspring, illustrating God's provision of abundance and growth in the physical realm.