פּוּקָה (pu.qah)
pu.qah
staggering
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun puqah describes a physical state of unsteadiness, meaning tottering or staggering. It paints a picture of someone whose legs give way, unable to maintain balance under pressure. This image of physical collapse is the foundation for its only biblical usage in 1 Samuel 25:31.
In that passage, Abigail uses the word metaphorically to describe a qualm of conscience. She asks King David not to let this sense of inner instability weigh on him after he has spared her husband’s life. The term captures the heavy, dizzying feeling of moral hesitation or regret that might otherwise trouble a leader’s peace.
Since this word appears only once in Scripture, its meaning is tightly bound to this specific context. It illustrates how physical weakness can mirror spiritual or emotional burden. Translators often render it as "trouble" or "regret" to convey the psychological weight rather than the literal stumbling gait.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word puqah describes a physical staggering, like legs giving way under heavy weight. In Scripture, it captures that dizzying feeling when conscience weighs on the heart. Abigail used it to ask King David not to let inner turmoil disturb his peace after he chose mercy over vengeance.
This image reminds us that moral decisions can leave us feeling unsteady. It is natural to feel a sense of instability when navigating difficult choices or reflecting on past actions. The biblical witness shows that God understands this human fragility and offers grace for the moments when we feel our footing slipping.
When you face situations where your conscience feels heavy, remember that peace is not found in perfection but in trusting God’s justice. You do not need to carry every burden of regret alone. Instead, bring your unsteadiness to Him, knowing He steadies those who seek His guidance with honest hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <into>/ staggering1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/פוּקָה֩1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 25:31
that this shall be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my lord, either that you have shed blood without cause, or that my lord has avenged himself. When Yahweh has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant.”
Abigail uses this term metaphorically to ask David not to let the inner instability of regret weigh on his heart after sparing Nabal's life.