פַּ֫עַם (pa.am)
pa.am
beat
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 99 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun pa’am originates from a root meaning to strike or beat, and its primary sense is the physical impact of a footfall. It denotes a single step or the sound of a hoof striking the ground. This concrete imagery anchors its most common usage: counting time by repetitions. Just as one might count beats in music, Scripture uses pa’am to mark distinct occurrences, appearing frequently in narratives where events are measured by their frequency.
The word exhibits a clear progression from physical action to temporal measurement. In Genesis 27:36, Esau complains that Jacob has deceived him "twice," using the dual form of pa’am to quantify specific instances. Similarly, in Judges 16, Samson’s repeated attempts to break free are described through variations of this term, emphasizing the physical effort and repeated nature of his struggle. The lexicon also notes a rare literal use for an anvil, highlighting the heavy, striking nature of the root.
Translators typically render pa’am as "time," though this English word can feel abstract. The Hebrew retains a sense of rhythm and impact. When Deuteronomy 16:16 commands Israel to appear before the Lord "three times" each year, the word implies distinct, marked occasions rather than vague intervals. This usage underscores how ancient Hebrew thought often grounded abstract concepts like time in tangible, physical experiences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word pa’am begins with the physical sensation of a footfall or a strike, yet Scripture quickly turns this concrete image into a way of marking time. When we count 'times,' we are not just noting abstract moments; we are acknowledging distinct events that have left an imprint on our lives. This rhythm of occurrence reminds us that history is made up of specific, tangible encounters rather than vague intervals.
In the narrative of Genesis, this word highlights pivotal shifts in relationships and faith. Leah uses it to mark the arrival of her third son, Levi, seeing a new chapter in God’s provision. Later, the command for Israel to appear before the Lord three times a year uses pa’am to establish sacred rhythms. These were not random gatherings but marked occasions where the community paused to remember who holds their future.
For your daily walk, this perspective offers comfort. Your life is not a blur of endless days but a series of meaningful moments where grace meets you. Whether in celebration or trial, each 'time' carries weight and purpose. You can trust that the God who marks these occurrences also walks through them with you, turning ordinary steps into part of a larger, faithful story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 99 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- times45×
- this/ time12×
- a time9×
- two times8×
- at the/ time7×
- on/ time6×
- as/ time6×
- feet/ its3×
- footsteps/ my2×
- feet/ my2×
- at/ a time2×
- time1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּעָמִ֑ים9×
- פְּעָמִ֖ים8×
- פְּעָמִֽים\׃7×
- פַּ֣עַם6×
- פְּעָמִ֔ים6×
- פְּעָמִים֙5×
- בַּ/פַּ֣עַם5×
- הַ/פַּ֙עַם֙4×
- פַּ֥עַם3×
- הַ/פָּ֑עַם3×
- הַ/פַּ֔עַם3×
- פַּעֲמֹתָ֑י/ו2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 27:36
He said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright. See, now he has taken away my blessing.” He said, “Haven’t you reserved a blessing for me?”
Jacob uses the dual form to quantify Esau’s complaint, showing how pa’am marks specific instances of deception and loss in family history.
-
Genesis 29:35
She conceived again, and bore a son. She said, “This time I will praise Yahweh.” Therefore she named him Judah. Then she stopped bearing.
Leah declares 'this time' regarding Judah, using the word to signal a shift from bearing children to offering praise to Yahweh.
-
Exodus 23:17
Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord Yahweh.
The command for males to appear three times a year uses pa’am to define distinct, holy occasions rather than continuous presence.
-
Leviticus 4:6
The priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before Yahweh, before the veil of the sanctuary.
The priest sprinkles blood seven times, using the word to indicate repeated, ritualistic acts that establish cleansing and holiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pa’am mean in Hebrew?
How is pa’am different from other words for time?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (99 verses across 20 books)
Genesis 10 verses
The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken…
Genesis 18:32He said, “Oh don’t let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?” He said, “I…
Genesis 27:36He said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright. See, now…
Genesis 29:34She conceived again, and bore a son. She said, “Now this time my husband will be joined to me, because I have borne him…
Genesis 29:35She conceived again, and bore a son. She said, “This time I will praise Yahweh.” Therefore she named him Judah. Then…
Genesis 30:20Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good dowry. Now my husband will live with me, because I have borne him six sons.”…
Genesis 33:3He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
Genesis 41:32The dream was doubled to Pharaoh, because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Genesis 43:10for if we hadn’t delayed, surely we would have returned a second time by now.”
Genesis 46:30Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive.”