פֶּ֫קַח (pe.qach)

pe.qach

Pekah

H6492 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 11 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 11 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Pekah, derived from a Hebrew root meaning "opened," identifies an 18th-century monarch of the northern Kingdom of Israel. He was the son of Remaliah and originally served as a military captain under his predecessor, Pekahiah. Historical records in 2 Kings describe how Pekah seized power by assassinating the king, thereby usurping the throne during a period of significant instability for the divided monarchy.

Scripture mentions Pekah primarily in the books of 2 Kings, Isaiah, and 2 Chronicles, where he is depicted as a ruler whose reign coincided with rising Assyrian pressure. His political alliances and military actions are recorded alongside those of Judah’s kings, illustrating the complex diplomatic landscape of the era. The biblical narrative presents him not merely by name but through his role in the geopolitical conflicts that eventually led to the fall of Samaria.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Pekah comes from a Hebrew root meaning "opened." In the Bible, this title belongs to a military captain who seized power in Israel through violence and conspiracy. His story is not one of divine blessing but of political instability and war. It reminds us that human attempts to control history through force often lead to chaos rather than peace.

When we read about Pekah’s alliances against Judah, we see the fragility of nations built on fear and ambition. Yet God remained sovereign over these events. Even when leaders fail or turn away from Him, His purposes for His people continue. This history invites us to trust in God’s steady hand, even when the world around us feels uncertain or threatened.

We can find comfort in knowing that while earthly kingdoms rise and fall, God’s covenant with His people remains firm. Our security does not rest in political alliances or military strength, but in the Lord who guides all things according to His will.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Pekah7×
of/ Pekah2×
and/ Pekah2×

Forms in the text

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

פֶּ֨קַח2×
פֶּ֣קַח2×
וּ/פֶ֨קַח2×
פֶּ֥קַח1×
פֶּ֙קַח֙1×
פֶ֖קַח1×
לְ/פֶ֥קַח1×
לְ/פֶ֖קַח1×

Key Verses

II Kings 15:25
Pekah the son of Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him and attacked him in Samaria, in the fortress of the king’s house, with Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty men of the Gileadites. He killed him, and reigned in his place.

This verse shows Pekah’s rise to power through conspiracy and murder, highlighting the violent instability of his reign.
Isaiah 7:1
In the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

Here Pekah joins Syria in a siege against Jerusalem, illustrating the geopolitical threat that prompted God’s promise to King Ahaz.
II Chronicles 28:6
For Pekah the son of Remaliah killed in Judah one hundred twenty thousand in one day, all of them valiant men, because they had forsaken Yahweh, the God of their fathers.

This passage records the devastating loss Judah suffered at Pekah’s hands, linking national tragedy to spiritual unfaithfulness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Pekah in the Bible?

Pekah was a king of the northern Kingdom of Israel who ruled for twenty years. He originally served as a military captain and seized the throne by assassinating his predecessor, Pekahiah.

What does the name Pekah mean?

The name Pekah is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "opened." While this etymology exists, the biblical narrative focuses more on his role as a warrior king during a time of Assyrian pressure.

Why is Pekah mentioned in Isaiah?

Pekah appears in Isaiah 7 because he allied with Rezin, king of Syria, to attack Jerusalem. This threat prompted King Ahaz to seek God’s help, leading to the famous prophecy of Immanuel.

Every Occurrence (11 verses across 3 books)

II Kings 9 verses

II Kings 15:25

Pekah the son of Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him and attacked him in Samaria, in the fortress of the…

II Kings 15:27

In the fifty-second year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria for…

II Kings 15:29

In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maacah, Janoah,…

II Kings 15:30

Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, attacked him, killed him, and reigned in…

II Kings 15:31

Now the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the…

II Kings 15:32

In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel, Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah began to reign.

II Kings 15:37

In those days, Yahweh began to send Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah against Judah.

II Kings 16:1

In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah, Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.

II Kings 16:5

Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to wage war. They besieged Ahaz,…

II Chronicles 1 verse

Isaiah 1 verse