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פִּקּוּד (piq.qud)

piq.qud

precept

H6490 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 23 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
23 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun piqqûd refers to a divine command or precept, carrying the sense of something formally appointed by God. Derived from the root meaning "to visit" or "to appoint," it describes statutes that are not arbitrary but established with authority. In the Old Testament, this word appears exclusively in the plural form, collectively referring to God’s laws and instructions for His people.

Its usage is heavily concentrated in the Psalms, particularly within Psalm 119 where it appears frequently alongside terms like "statute" and "commandment." For instance, Psalm 119:45 speaks of walking in the way of God’s precepts, highlighting their role as a guide for daily conduct. The word emphasizes the structured nature of divine instruction, portraying the law as a reliable framework for righteous living rather than a set of vague ideals.

Translators typically render piqqûd as "precept" or "commandment," distinguishing it from broader terms for general decrees by focusing on specific, appointed obligations. This lexical choice preserves the idea that these instructions are deliberate acts of divine governance. The consistent association with walking in God’s ways suggests that these precepts are meant to be actively followed, providing a clear path for believers to navigate their spiritual lives.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word piqqûd points to specific instructions that God has appointed for His people. It is not a vague suggestion but a formal command established with authority. When we encounter this term in Scripture, we are reminded that God’s guidance is deliberate and structured. These precepts serve as a reliable framework for daily life, offering clear direction rather than leaving us to navigate spiritual matters on our own.

In Psalm 119:45, the psalmist declares, "I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts." This connection between obedience and freedom is central to understanding piqqûd. Rather than feeling constrained by rules, we find that following God’s appointed ways leads to a life of genuine freedom and stability. His instructions are designed to protect and guide us, helping us move through each day with confidence.

Reflecting on these precepts invites us to consider how we respond to divine instruction. Meditating on them, as seen in Psalm 119:15, allows their wisdom to shape our thoughts and actions. This practice does not burden the soul but rather provides a steady path for righteous living. May you find peace in knowing that God’s commands are sure and intended for your good.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • precepts/ your14×
  • on/ precepts/ your2×
  • precepts/ his1×
  • from/ precepts/ your1×
  • for/ precepts/ your1×
  • and/ from/ precepts/ your1×
  • [the] precepts of1×
  • <of> precepts/ your1×
  • <of> precepts/ his1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • פִקּוּדֶ֣י/ךָ4×
  • פִּקּוּדֶֽי/ךָ\׃3×
  • פִקֻּדֶ֣י/ךָ2×
  • פִּקּוּדָֽי/ו\׃1×
  • פִּקּוּדֶ֥י/ךָ1×
  • פִּקּוּדֶ֑י/ךָ1×
  • פִּקּ֣וּדֵי1×
  • פִּ֝קֻּדֶ֗י/ךָ1×
  • פִקֻּודֶֽי/ךָ\׃1×
  • פִקֻּדֶ֗י/ךָ1×
  • פִ֭קּוּדֶי/ךָ1×
  • פִ֝קֻּדָ֗י/ו1×

Key Verses

  • Psalms 119:45
    I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts.

    This verse uniquely links the act of seeking precepts with the experience of walking in liberty, showing how divine instruction enables freedom rather than restricting it.

  • Psalms 111:7
    The works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure.

    Here the term describes God’s precepts as 'sure,' emphasizing their reliability and truthfulness as a foundation for trust in His character.

  • Psalms 119:4
    You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.

    The verse highlights that these precepts are specifically commanded by God, underscoring their authoritative origin and the call to full obedience.

  • Psalms 119:15
    I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.

    This occurrence pairs meditation on precepts with considering God’s ways, illustrating how focused reflection leads to deeper spiritual understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does piqqûd mean in Hebrew?

Piqqûd is a Hebrew noun that translates to 'precept' or 'commandment.' It refers to specific instructions formally appointed by God. The word emphasizes the structured and authoritative nature of divine law, distinguishing it from general advice or vague ideals.

How is piqqûd different from other words for law?

While terms like torah refer to broader teaching or instruction, piqqûd focuses on specific, appointed obligations. It carries the sense of something formally established by authority. This makes it particularly suitable for describing the detailed statutes given to Israel for their conduct.

Where does this word appear most frequently?

Piqqûd appears exclusively in the plural form and is heavily concentrated in the Psalms. It occurs most often in Psalm 119, where it is used repeatedly to describe God’s laws alongside terms like 'statute' and 'commandment.' This usage highlights its role in guiding daily spiritual life.

Every Occurrence (23 verses across 1 books)

Psalms 23 verses
Psalms 103:18

to those who keep his covenant, to those who remember to obey his precepts.

Psalms 111:7

The works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure.

Psalms 119:4

You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.

Psalms 119:15

I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.

Psalms 119:27

Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.

Psalms 119:40

Behold, I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness. VAV

Psalms 119:45

I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts.

Psalms 119:56

This is my way, that I keep your precepts. HETH

Psalms 119:63

I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts.

Psalms 119:69

The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.

Psalms 119:78

Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts.

Psalms 119:87

They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I didn’t forsake your precepts.

Psalms 119:93

I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me.

Psalms 119:94

I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts.

Psalms 119:100

I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts.

Psalms 119:104

Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. NUN

Psalms 119:110

The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I haven’t gone astray from your precepts.

Psalms 119:128

Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way. PE

Psalms 119:134

Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts.

Psalms 119:141

I am small and despised. I don’t forget your precepts.

Psalms 119:159

Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your loving kindness.

Psalms 119:168

I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you. TAV

Psalms 119:173

Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.