פָּסַח (pa.sach)
pa.sach
to pass; to limp
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb pasach carries two distinct meanings that diverge in usage but share a root idea of movement or lack thereof. In its primary sense, it means to pass over, skip, or spring over something. This is the meaning found in the narrative of the Passover, where God passes over the houses marked with blood (Exodus 12:23). It describes a decisive act of sparing or bypassing a target.
A second, less common usage describes physical impairment, specifically to limp or be lame. This sense appears in descriptions of ritual behavior, such as when prophets of Baal limped around their altar (1 Kings 18:26), or in Isaiah’s metaphorical call for spiritual wholeness rather than divided loyalty (Isaiah 33:23). While the "pass over" meaning dominates the theological vocabulary of the Old Testament, the "limp" usage serves as a vivid image of instability or incomplete devotion.
The word appears only seven times in Scripture, concentrated in key narrative and prophetic texts. Its dual nature highlights a contrast between divine protection—moving past judgment—and human inadequacy—unable to walk straight. Translators usually render the first sense as "pass over" and the second as "limp," ensuring the context clarifies whether the focus is on God’s mercy or human frailty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb pasach carries a beautiful duality in Scripture. In its primary sense, it describes God’s decisive movement to "pass over" judgment, sparing those who trust in His provision. This is most vividly seen in the Passover narrative, where the blood on the doorposts marked a boundary that death could not cross. It reminds us that divine protection is active and specific, targeting our safety with precision.
Conversely, the word also describes physical limping or instability. When used this way, it highlights the danger of divided loyalty or spiritual unevenness. We are invited to consider whether our walk with God is steady and whole, or if we are wavering between two opinions. The contrast is clear: while human devotion may falter, God’s saving action remains firm and complete.
This word encourages us to rest in the certainty of His protection while examining the steadiness of our own hearts. It calls for a faith that does not hesitate but moves forward with confidence in His promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will pass over [it]1×
- he passed over1×
- and/ they limped around1×
- and/ he will pass over1×
- and/ he became lame1×
- and/ I will pass over1×
- [be] limping1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פֹּסְחִים֮1×
- פָּסֹ֥חַ1×
- פָּ֠סַח1×
- וּ/פָסַחְתִּ֖י1×
- וּ/פָסַ֤ח1×
- וַֽ/יְפַסְּח֔וּ1×
- וַ/יִּפָּסֵ֖חַ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 12:23
For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two door posts, Yahweh will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you.
This verse captures the core meaning of divine protection, where God actively bypasses the marked houses to spare the Israelites from destruction.
-
I Kings 18:26
They took the bull which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, “Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice, and nobody answered. They leaped about the altar which was made.
Here the word describes the prophets of Baal leaping or limping around their altar, illustrating a frantic and unstable form of worship that lacks true power.
-
Isaiah 31:5
As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.”
The imagery of God passing over Jerusalem like birds hovering emphasizes His gentle yet decisive preservation of the city against enemy attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word pasach mean?
Why is pasach used to describe limping?
Where does pasach appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 4 books)
Exodus 3 verses
The blood shall be to you for a token on the houses where you are. When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no…
Exodus 12:23For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two door…
Exodus 12:27that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Yahweh’s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in…