פָּסַח
pa.sach
to pass
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
Supported# Analytical Synthesis: פָּסַח (pasach) The Hebrew verb פָּסַח carries the fundamental meaning "to pass," according to lexical data. With only four occurrences in the biblical text, this word represents a relatively rare term in Hebrew scripture. The limited frequency suggests it was not the primary verb used to express the concept of passing in biblical Hebrew, indicating the existence of more common alternatives for this idea. The rarity of this particular lexeme makes each occurrence potentially significant for understanding specific contexts in which the biblical authors chose this specific word. While the core meaning remains "to pass," the actual range of nuanced applications—whether it refers to physical movement, temporal progression, or metaphorical passing—cannot be determined from the lexical data alone. The four instances represent the complete biblical evidence for how this verb functioned in ancient Hebrew communication.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.”
Exodus 12:13The blood shall be to you for a token on the houses where you are. When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
Exodus 12:23For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two door posts, Yahweh will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you.
Exodus 12:27that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Yahweh’s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.’ ” The people bowed their heads and worshiped.