פִּסֵּחַ (pis.se.ach)
pis.se.ach
lame
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pis.se.ach describes a physical limitation, specifically lameness, that restricts movement or stability. In ancient Israel, this condition often carried social and religious weight. The Law in Leviticus excluded those with such defects from certain priestly duties, highlighting a cultural focus on ritual perfection rather than personal worth.
Yet the biblical narrative consistently elevates the value of those who are lame. David’s refusal to let the blind and lame enter his palace (2 Samuel 5:8) was an act of inclusion, breaking social barriers. Later, Isaiah prophesies a time when the lame will leap like deer (Isaiah 35:6), showing that God’s restoration transcends physical limits.
This word reminds us that human weakness does not disqualify anyone from God’s care or community. While society may impose restrictions, divine grace offers healing and inclusion. Your value is never determined by your physical abilities but by your identity as a beloved creation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lame2×
- to the/ lame1×
- the/ lame [people]1×
- the/ lame [animal]1×
- lame [people]1×
- from/ a lame [person]1×
- and/ the/ lame [people]1×
- and/ a lame [person]1×
- and/ [the] lame1×
- a lame [person]1×
- a lame [animal]1×
- [was] lame1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/פִסֵּ֔חַ2×
- פִּסֵּ֥חַ1×
- פִּסֵּ֙חַ֙1×
- פִּסֵּ֔חַ1×
- פִּסְחִ֖ים1×
- פִסֵּ֖חַ1×
- פִסֵּ֔חַ1×
- מִ/פִּסֵּ֑חַ1×
- לַ/פִּסֵּ֣חַ1×
- וְ/הַ/פִּסְחִים֙1×
- הַ/פִּסֵּ֙חַ֙1×
- הַ/פִּסְחִים֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 5:8
David said on that day, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites, let him go up to the watercourse and strike those lame and blind, who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore they say, “The blind and the lame can’t come into the house.”
David’s command to exclude the lame from his palace ironically establishes a tradition of inclusion that contrasts with typical ancient practices, showing his unique respect for them.
-
Isaiah 35:6
Then the lame man will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing; for waters will break out in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.
This verse uses lameness as a symbol of brokenness that will be completely reversed in God’s future restoration, offering hope for physical and spiritual healing.
-
Leviticus 21:18
For whatever man he is that has a defect, he shall not draw near: a blind man, or a lame, or he who has a flat nose, or any deformity,
This restriction on priests with defects highlights the ancient emphasis on ritual purity, providing context for how physical wholeness was viewed in worship settings.
-
Job 29:15
I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame.
Job recalls his past role as 'feet to the lame,' illustrating how he actively supported those with mobility issues, demonstrating practical compassion.