פַּךְ (pakh)
pakh
vial
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun pakh refers to a small vessel, typically described as a vial or flask. In the Hebrew Bible, it denotes a container used for holding liquids, particularly oil or wine. With only three occurrences in Scripture, this word appears in specific narrative contexts where the size and portability of the container are relevant to the action.
One notable instance occurs in 1 Samuel 10:1, where the prophet Samuel takes a flask of oil and pours it on Saul’s head to signify his anointing as king. Another appearance is found in 2 Kings 4:4, during the story of the widow’s oil, where she is instructed to gather empty vessels to receive the miracle of provision. These examples highlight pakh as a practical tool for ritual or sustenance.
The word likely derives from a root meaning "to pour" or "to flow," emphasizing its function as a receptacle for liquids. Translators generally render it as "vial" or "flask," capturing the sense of a small, handheld container rather than a large jug. This distinction helps readers visualize the intimate, personal nature of the actions described in these passages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pakh describes a small, portable vessel used for holding precious liquids like oil or wine. In Scripture, it appears in moments where God’s presence or provision is carefully transferred from one person to another. It is not a large storage jar, but something held in the hand—intimate and immediate.
When Samuel poured oil from such a flask on Saul’s head, it marked a divine appointment (1 Samuel 10:1). Similarly, Elisha entrusted a young prophet with a pakh to anoint Jehu as king (2 Kings 9:1-3). These small containers carried weighty promises. They remind us that God often uses simple, everyday things to accomplish His purposes.
In your own life, you may find comfort in knowing that God does not always need grand gestures or massive resources. A small act of obedience, a quiet prayer, or a humble offering can be the vessel through which He pours out blessing. Trust that what you hold in your hands—however small—can matter deeply to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] flask of3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פַּ֥ךְ1×
- פַּ֣ךְ1×
- פַךְ\־1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took the vial of oil and poured it on his head, then kissed him and said, “Hasn’t Yahweh anointed you to be prince over his inheritance?
Samuel uses the pakh to anoint Saul, marking the moment God publicly sets him apart as leader.
-
II Kings 9:1
Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets, and said to him, “Put your belt on your waist, take this vial of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth Gilead.
Elisha entrusts a young prophet with the pakh, showing that even small vessels carry divine authority.
-
II Kings 9:3
Then take the vial of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, ‘Yahweh says, “I have anointed you king over Israel.”’ Then open the door, flee, and don’t wait.”
The command to pour from the pakh signals immediate action and God’s sovereign choice of Jehu as king.