פָּחַח (pa.chach)
pa.chach
to ensnare
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb pachaḥ appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 42:22. In this specific instance, it is used in the Hiphil stem to describe the act of ensnaring or trapping someone. The context portrays Israel as a people who have been captured, not by their own strength, but through deception and binding constraints.
While the word itself is rare, its usage here carries significant weight. It illustrates a state of helplessness where the nation is held fast, unable to escape the consequences of their spiritual blindness. The imagery suggests a snare set for prey, emphasizing that the captors have successfully secured their target.
Translators typically render this term as "ensnared" or "trapped," capturing the sudden and inescapable nature of the situation. This single occurrence serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability that comes when guidance is ignored, leaving the people bound by forces they did not anticipate.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pachaḥ appears only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 42:22. It describes a people who are snared and hidden in prisons. This rare verb paints a picture of sudden capture, where the trap is already shut tight. The imagery reminds us that spiritual blindness can lead to unexpected bondage.
For your faith, this verse highlights our need for divine rescue. We cannot free ourselves from the snares of sin or deception. God’s deliverance is not just an option but a necessity when we find ourselves trapped by forces we did not anticipate. His grace offers a way out when human strength fails.
May you trust in the One who breaks chains and sets the captives free. Even in moments of feeling held fast, remember that God’s power to deliver is greater than any snare set against you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they are trapped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָפֵ֤חַ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 42:22
But this is a robbed and plundered people. All of them are snared in holes, and they are hidden in prisons. They have become captives, and no one delivers, and a plunder, and no one says, ‘Restore them!’
This verse uses the Hiphil stem of pachaḥ to describe Israel as being actively ensnared, emphasizing their helplessness and the completeness of their capture.