פִּקֵּחַ (piq.qe.ach)
piq.qe.ach
seeing
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective piqqēaḥ describes someone who is seeing or clear-sighted. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the narrative of Exodus. In these instances, it serves as a direct descriptor for Moses, highlighting his physical ability to see clearly.
Its root relates to the idea of opening or uncovering, suggesting that sight involves removing an obstruction. The word emphasizes literal vision rather than spiritual insight in these specific contexts. By using this term, the text underscores Moses' capacity to witness events and receive instruction without physical impediment.
This rare usage distinguishes physical clarity from metaphorical blindness often found elsewhere in Scripture. The sources confirm its meaning as straightforward visual perception. Its limited occurrence makes it a precise tool for describing Moses' state during critical moments of divine encounter.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word piqqēaḥ simply means seeing or clear-sighted. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times describing physical vision rather than spiritual insight. In Exodus 4:11, God uses this term to remind Moses that He is the Creator who determines human ability. By asking who makes one seeing or blind, God asserts His sovereignty over our physical senses.
This rare word reminds us that our ability to perceive the world is a gift from God. When we face challenges or feel limited by our circumstances, we can trust that God holds all power over our lives. The text shows God speaking directly to Moses, offering reassurance through a simple statement of fact about His creative authority.
While this word focuses on literal sight, it points to a deeper truth: God sees everything and knows every detail of our lives. We can rest in the knowledge that He is always present, watching over us with perfect clarity and care. This assurance brings peace when we feel uncertain or overwhelmed by what lies ahead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- seeing1×
- clear-sighted [people]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פִּקְחִ֔ים1×
- פִקֵּ֖חַ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 4:11
Yahweh said to him, “Who made man’s mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn’t it I, Yahweh?
God uses this term to assert His sovereignty over human physical abilities, reminding Moses that He creates both sight and blindness.
-
Exodus 23:8
“You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds those who have sight and perverts the words of the righteous.
This verse warns that bribes distort the vision of those who see clearly, showing how moral corruption affects judgment even in those with physical sight.