פַּחֲזוּת (pa.cha.zut)
pa.cha.zut
recklessness
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 paḥăzût describes a quality of reckless or extravagant behavior, often carrying the sense of frivolity. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Jeremiah 23:32, where it is used to condemn false prophets who claim to have received divine visions that were never given.
In this context, the word highlights a dangerous lack of seriousness and moral weight. These individuals are not merely mistaken; they are acting with a careless disregard for truth and responsibility. The term suggests a lifestyle or speech pattern that treats profound spiritual matters lightly, leading others astray through empty promises rather than genuine revelation.
Because this is the sole occurrence of paḥăzût in Scripture, its meaning is tightly bound to Jeremiah’s critique of leadership failure. It serves as a sharp warning against those who exploit religious authority for personal gain or attention, prioritizing sensationalism over integrity. The word captures the essence of ungrounded confidence that lacks divine foundation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paḥăzût appears only once in Scripture, in Jeremiah 23:32. It describes a reckless attitude that treats serious spiritual matters lightly. False prophets used this frivolity to mislead people with empty promises and lies.
This reminds us that truth requires weight and care. When we share faith or guidance, we must avoid sensationalism. God values integrity over flashy claims that lack His foundation.
Let your life reflect the seriousness of God’s word. Seek wisdom that stands firm, not trends that fade quickly. Trust in what is real and lasting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ by/ recklessness/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְ/פַחֲזוּתָ֑/ם1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 23:32
Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams,” says Yahweh, “who tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting; yet I didn’t send them or command them. They don’t profit this people at all,” says Yahweh.
This verse uses paḥăzût to condemn false prophets who cause people to err through vain boasting and lies.