פִּסְגָּה (pis.gah)
pis.gah
Pisgah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun pisgah refers to a cleft or ridge, specifically identifying the mountain peak in Moab where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Occurring eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within Deuteronomy, Numbers, and Joshua, it denotes a geographical location rather than an abstract concept. The name itself suggests a physical notch or break in the terrain, providing a vantage point overlooking the Jordan Valley.
This site holds significant narrative weight as the place of Moses’ final vision before his death. It is not merely a backdrop but a functional landmark that defines the boundary between the wilderness wanderings and the settlement of Israel. The sources confirm its location on the northeast shore of the Dead Sea, serving as the last earthly viewpoint for the leader who would not enter the land he helped lead the people toward.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pisgah marks a physical ridge where Moses stood to see the Promised Land he would not enter. This location serves as a boundary between the wilderness journey and the land of promise. It reminds us that some goals are visible but not personally attainable in this life.
God showed Moses the breadth of the land from Pisgah, confirming His promises even when the full inheritance remained for the next generation. This moment highlights trust in God’s timing rather than immediate personal gain. We too may see blessings ahead that require patience to receive fully.
The ridge offers a clear view of what God has prepared. It encourages us to look beyond our current limitations and rest in His faithful plan. The vision given at Pisgah sustains hope for those waiting on God’s promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ Pisgah8×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/פִּסְגָּ֖ה2×
- הַ/פִּסְגָּ֑ה2×
- הַ/פִּסְגָּֽה\׃\ \פ1×
- הַ/פִּסְגָּֽה\׃1×
- הַ/פִּסְגָּ֗ה1×
- הַ/פִּסְגָּ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 34:1
Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is opposite Jericho. Yahweh showed him all the land of Gilead to Dan,
This verse records Moses’ final ascent to the top of Pisgah, where Yahweh personally showed him all the land of Gilead to Dan before his death.
-
Deuteronomy 3:27
Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift up your eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and see with your eyes; for you shall not go over this Jordan.
God commands Moses to go up to Pisgah and look in all directions, emphasizing that while he would see the land, he would not cross the Jordan.
-
Numbers 21:20
and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks down on the desert.
This occurrence describes the top of Pisgah looking down on the desert, establishing it as a strategic vantage point during Israel’s journey.