Lexical Summary pasag: To pass through, to divide, to cleave Original Word: פָסַג Strong's Exhaustive Concordance consider A primitive root; to cut up, i.e. (figuratively) contemplate -- consider. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to pass between NASB Translation go through (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מָּסַג verb Pi`el dubious; if correct, pass between (Late Hebrew Pi`el split, cut off, also=Biblical Hebrew; ᵑ7 מְּסַג cut in two); — Imperative masculine plural מִּסְּגוּ Psalm 48:14 pass between her palaces; Gr Che מִּקְדוּ; Du conjecture 'possibly' מִּסְעוּ step, compare [Late Hebrew מָּסַע] Aramaic מְּסַע step, compare [מָּשַׂע]. צֶ֫פַע noun masculine a (poisonous) serpent (from hissing?); — Isaiah 14:29; usually taken as = following. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 6448 פָסַג appears a single time, in Psalm 48:13, where it is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible as “consider.” The verb calls worshipers to give measured, intentional attention to the defensive works of Jerusalem—Zion—so that a testimony of the LORD’s faithfulness might be preserved for posterity. Scriptural Context Psalm 48 is a hymn celebrating the greatness of God as reflected in His city: “Walk about Zion, encircle her, count her towers, consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation. For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even till death.” Within this pilgrimage psalm, פָסַג functions as an imperative standing between the visible strength of Zion (“her ramparts”) and the missional purpose (“that you may tell the next generation”). The word therefore connects observation with proclamation. Theological Significance 1. Intentional Reflection. פָסַג underscores that faith is not blind; God’s people are invited to examine evidence of His protection and then draw conclusions that fuel worship. Historical Background Psalm 48 likely reflects a period when Jerusalem’s defenses visibly testified to the LORD’s recent deliverance—many associate it with the defeat of the Assyrian army in the days of King Hezekiah (2 Kings 19; Isaiah 37). After Sennacherib’s withdrawal, the repaired and expanded fortifications would have stood as tangible proof that “God Himself is in her citadels; He has shown Himself to be her fortress” (Psalm 48:3). Against this backdrop, פָסַג invites pilgrims to walk the perimeter, take stock of stone and mortar, and recognize the invisible hand of God behind visible walls. Ministry Applications • Guided Scripture-Based Tours. Modern believers may imitate the pilgrims of Psalm 48 by leading Bible-focused tours of historical sites—both in Jerusalem and in local church buildings—using physical surroundings to recount God’s works. Prophetic and Christological Dimensions Jerusalem’s walls prefigure the ultimate security found in Christ, “a fortress of salvation” (Psalm 62:2). Revelation 21 portrays the New Jerusalem with walls of incomparable glory, inviting redeemed saints to contemplate—פָסַג—the finished work of God. Thus the lone Hebrew verb in Psalm 48 reverberates forward, encouraging believers to inspect not merely ancient stones but the everlasting protection secured by the Messiah. Practical Reflections • Discernment. פָסַג warns against hurried spirituality; godly insight grows out of deliberate observation. Related Biblical Themes Psalm 77:11-12 – “I will remember the works of the LORD… I will meditate on all Your deeds.” Joshua 4:21-24 – Stones of remembrance used to teach future generations. 1 Peter 2:5 – Believers as “living stones,” whose lives are to be observed and explained to others. In the single yet weighty appearance of פָסַג, Scripture models a rhythm of mindful examination leading to faithful declaration—an enduring pattern for every age of the church. Forms and Transliterations פַּסְּג֥וּ פסגו pas·sə·ḡū passeGu passəḡūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 48:13 HEB: לִבְּכֶ֨ם ׀ לְֽחֵילָ֗ה פַּסְּג֥וּ אַרְמְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ לְמַ֥עַן NAS: her ramparts; Go through her palaces, KJV: her bulwarks, consider her palaces; INT: well her bulwarks Go her palaces that 1 Occurrence |
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