Lexical Summary petsa: Wound, bruise, injury Original Word: פֶצַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wounding From patsa'; a wound -- wound(-ing). see HEBREW patsa' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom patsa Definition a bruise, wound NASB Translation bruises (1), wound (3), wounding (1), wounds (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֶּ֫צַע noun masculineProverbs 27:6 bruise, wound; — absolute ׳פ Exodus 21:25; Isaiah 1:6 (figurative), Proverbs 20:30 מָּ֑צַע Exodus 21:25; suffix מִּצְעִי Genesis 4:23; plural מְּצָעִים Proverbs 23:29; figurative also construct מִּצְעֵי Proverbs 27:6 and suffix מְּצָעַי Job 9:17. Topical Lexicon Summary of Biblical UsageThe noun פֶּצַע denotes a wound produced by a blow, whether literal or figurative. Its eight appearances span law, narrative, wisdom, poetry, and prophecy, showing how Scripture addresses both physical injury and spiritual brokenness. Old Testament Legal Context Exodus 21:25 establishes proportional justice: “wound for wound, bruise for bruise”. Repetition of פֶּצַע stresses measured restitution that restrains personal vengeance and anticipates the higher righteousness later demanded by Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:38–48. Historical Narrative Genesis 4:23 records Lamech’s boast, “I have killed a man for wounding me”. A minor injury triggers murder, revealing how violence escalates when unchecked by divine standards of justice. Wisdom Literature • Proverbs 20:30—Discipline that hurts purges evil from the inner person. These texts treat פֶּצַע as an instrument of correction, consequence, and covenantal loyalty. Poetic Lament Job 9:17 voices bewilderment at suffering under God’s hand: “He crushes me with a tempest and multiplies my wounds without cause”. Job’s language broadens the term from interpersonal harm to divine testing, affirming God’s sovereignty even amid inexplicable pain. Prophetic Diagnosis Isaiah 1:6 depicts Judah as covered with untreated wounds: “From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores”. The imagery exposes national sin and foreshadows the need for the Servant whose own wounds would heal the people (Isaiah 53:5). Theological Themes 1. Equity of Justice—Exodus 21:25 grounds social order in fair restitution, reflecting God’s impartial character. Christological and Ministerial Significance The lex talionis principle finds ultimate fulfillment at the cross where Christ bears the wound fitting our transgression (1 Peter 2:24). His scars certify both payment for sin and provision for healing. Pastoral ministry, therefore, addresses bodily injuries and deeper spiritual lesions by directing the wounded to the risen Savior. Practical Application • Uphold justice without vengeance. פֶּצַע exposes human frailty and highlights the Lord’s commitment to just dealings, honest relationships, and redemptive healing—culminating in the One whose wounds secure eternal wholeness. Forms and Transliterations לְפִצְעִ֔י לפצעי פְּצָעִ֣ים פְצָעַ֣י פִּצְעֵ֣י פֶּ֖צַע פֶּ֥צַע פֶּ֭צַע פָּ֑צַע פצע פצעי פצעים fetzaAi lə·p̄iṣ·‘î lefitzI ləp̄iṣ‘î pā·ṣa‘ pāṣa‘ Patza pe·ṣa‘ p̄ə·ṣā·‘ay pə·ṣā·‘îm peṣa‘ p̄əṣā‘ay pəṣā‘îm Petza petzaIm piṣ‘ê piṣ·‘ê pitzEiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 4:23 HEB: אִ֤ישׁ הָרַ֙גְתִּי֙ לְפִצְעִ֔י וְיֶ֖לֶד לְחַבֻּרָתִֽי׃ NAS: a man for wounding me; And a boy KJV: a man to my wounding, and a young man INT: I have killed wounding boy striking Exodus 21:25 Exodus 21:25 Job 9:17 Proverbs 20:30 Proverbs 23:29 Proverbs 27:6 Isaiah 1:6 8 Occurrences |
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