פָּנַק (pa.naq)
pa.naq
to pamper
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb panaq, found in the Hiphil stem, carries the meaning to pamper or treat with excessive delicacy. It appears only once in the Old Testament, within the wisdom literature of Proverbs 29:21. The context describes a parent who indulges a servant or child from youth, suggesting that such early leniency leads to later rebellion and lack of respect.
This single occurrence highlights a specific nuance of parenting or leadership: the failure to set boundaries through consistent discipline. Rather than describing general care, panaq implies a softness that neglects necessary correction. Translators often render this as "indulge" or "pamper," capturing the idea that over-protection can hinder moral development. The text serves as a cautionary note against substituting affection for authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word panaq appears just once in Scripture, in Proverbs 29:21. It describes the act of pampering or treating someone with excessive delicacy. The proverb warns that indulging a servant from youth leads to that person becoming like a rebellious son. This is not a condemnation of kindness, but a warning against the absence of boundaries.
In our own lives, we often confuse affection with permissiveness. We may hesitate to correct loved ones because we fear hurting their feelings or causing conflict. Yet true care sometimes requires firmness. The text invites us to consider whether our relationships are built on healthy structure or merely on comfort.
God’s love is both gentle and strong. He disciplines those He loves, not out of anger, but for their good. We can learn from this verse to offer grace without abandoning truth. By setting loving limits, we help others grow into maturity rather than remaining dependent on our approval.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [one who] pampers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְפַנֵּ֣ק1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 29:21
He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
This verse uses panaq to show how early indulgence leads to a servant becoming like a rebellious son, highlighting the long-term cost of lacking discipline.