פּוּשׁ (push)
push
to leap; to scatter
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb push describes a dynamic movement, primarily meaning to leap or spring about. In its active form, it can depict lively, almost playful motion, such as an animal frisking. However, the sources note a figurative shift where this physical energy translates into prideful behavior, suggesting a haughty or swaggering demeanor.
More commonly in Scripture, the word appears in the passive voice (Niphal) to mean being scattered or spread out. This usage carries significant weight in prophetic literature, particularly in Habakkuk 3:13 and Nahum 3:18. Here, it describes armies breaking apart or populations being dispersed, capturing the chaos of defeat rather than organized retreat.
With only two occurrences, push remains a rare but vivid term. It bridges the gap between individual physical action and large-scale historical events. Translators often render it as "scatter" or "leap," depending on whether the context emphasizes military collapse or metaphorical arrogance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word push captures a sudden, energetic movement, whether it is an animal leaping with vitality or a military force scattering in defeat. In Scripture, this imagery shifts from physical motion to spiritual posture. When used of pride, it paints a picture of swaggering arrogance, while in prophecy, it describes the chaos that follows judgment.
For your faith, this word reminds us that human strength and confidence are temporary. The same energy that drives a horse to run can also lead to scattering when it is rooted in pride. We find comfort in knowing that God sees these movements clearly. He does not overlook the haughty or the hidden, but He remains sovereign over all dispersal.
Ultimately, this rare term points us away from self-reliance and toward trust in God’s steady hand. Whether facing personal challenges or global unrest, we can rest in the truth that no scattered force is beyond His reach. His peace stands firm where human pride falls apart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you are skipping about1×
- and/ they paw [the] ground1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תָפ֙וּשׁוּ֙1×
- וּ/פָ֖שׁוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 50:11
“Because you are glad, because you rejoice, O you who plunder my heritage, because you are wanton as a heifer that treads out the grain, and neigh as strong horses,
This verse uses the word to depict Babylon's proud, wanton behavior, likening them to a heifer leaping in arrogance.
-
Habakkuk 1:8
Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on. Yes, their horsemen come from afar. They fly as an eagle that hurries to devour.
Here the term describes the swift, fierce movement of horsemen, emphasizing their aggressive speed and prideful advance.