פָּקַח (pa.qach)
pa.qach
to open
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb paqach carries the straightforward meaning of opening, most frequently applied to sensory organs like eyes and ears. In the Old Testament, it appears in eighteen verses, with notable occurrences in Genesis, Isaiah, and II Kings. The word describes the physical act of uncovering a sense, allowing perception to begin.
Its usage is quite specific. When paired with eyes, it denotes the literal opening of eyelids or the granting of sight, as seen when God opens the eyes of Balaam’s donkey in Numbers 22:31 (though this verse is not in your provided list, the pattern holds for Genesis 3:7 and Isaiah 42:18). It also appears with ears, indicating the removal of a blockage to hearing. The Niphal stem, meaning "to be opened," often describes the result of this action rather than the agent performing it.
This word grounds spiritual insight in physical reality. In Isaiah 42:18, the prophet addresses Israel, saying, "Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see!" Here, paqach underscores that true understanding requires the senses to be unclosed. It reminds readers that perception is a gift of access, whether literal or metaphorical.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word paqach describes the simple act of opening, most often applied to eyes or ears. It reminds us that perception is a gift. When God opens our eyes, we see what was hidden before. This can be physical sight, like Hagar seeing water in the desert, or spiritual insight, like Elisha’s servant seeing the heavenly army.
In your daily life, this word invites you to trust God with your perspective. Sometimes you feel blind to hope or deaf to guidance. You do not need to force yourself to see clearly. Instead, invite the Lord to open your eyes to His presence and provision. He sees all things and cares for your specific needs.
This truth brings comfort in difficult seasons. Whether you face uncertainty or confusion, remember that God’s eyes are open to you. He knows your situation fully. You can rest in the assurance that He is working even when you cannot see the full picture yet.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- open6×
- and/ he opened4×
- to/ open1×
- they will be opened1×
- they are open1×
- he opens1×
- do you open1×
- and/ they will be opened1×
- and/ they were opened1×
- [is] opening1×
- [are] opened1×
- I will open1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּפְקַ֤ח3×
- פְּקַ֧ח2×
- תִּפָּקַ֖חְנָה1×
- פֹּ֘קֵ֤חַ1×
- פָּקַ֣חְתָּ1×
- פָּקַ֣ח1×
- פָּק֥וֹחַ1×
- פְּקַח\־1×
- פְּקַ֥ח1×
- פְּקַ֣ח1×
- פְּקַ֖ח1×
- פְקֻח֗וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 3:7
Their eyes were opened, and they both knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made coverings for themselves.
This verse shows the immediate consequence of disobedience, where eyes are opened to shame and nakedness rather than wisdom.
-
II Kings 6:17
Elisha prayed, and said, “Yahweh, please open his eyes, that he may see.” Yahweh opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.
Here the word describes divine intervention that reveals spiritual reality, showing Elisha’s servant the unseen protection surrounding them.
-
Psalms 146:8
Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind. Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down. Yahweh loves the righteous.
This psalm highlights God’s character as the one who restores sight to the blind, linking physical healing with His love for the righteous.
-
Isaiah 42:7
to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.
The prophet uses this term to describe the Messiah’s mission to bring spiritual freedom and insight to those trapped in darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every Occurrence (18 verses across 9 books)
Genesis 3 verses
for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Genesis 3:7Their eyes were opened, and they both knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made coverings for…
Genesis 21:19God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went, filled the container with water, and gave the boy a drink.