Lexical Summary pazaz: To leap, to be agile, to be nimble Original Word: פָזַז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance leap, be made strong A primitive root (identical with pazaz); to solidify (as if by refining); also to spring (as if separating the limbs) -- leap, be made strong. see HEBREW pazaz NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to be supple or agile NASB Translation agile (1), leaping (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [מָּזַז] verb be supple, agile (Talmud (rare) מְּזִיזָא hasty; Arabic  be frightened, excited; Syriac (Lexicons)  leap,  agile, etc.); — Qal Imperfect3masculine plural וַיָּ֫פֹזוּ Genesis 49:24, of arms. Pi`el shew agility, leap (in dance), Participle מְפַזֵּז וּמְכַרְכֵּר 2 Samuel 6:16. Topical Lexicon Entry: פָזַז (pazaz) Overview The root idea of פָזַז pictures energetic, spring-like movement. In Scripture it conveys both physical agility and the joyous leap of worshipful celebration. Across its two occurrences the term binds together themes of divine enablement, victorious strength, and uninhibited praise. Old Testament Occurrences 1. Genesis 49:24 – “Yet his bow remained steady, and his strong arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob…”. Contextual Insights • Genesis 49:24 (Joseph). The blessing pronounced by Jacob moves from fierce assault (verses 23) to supernatural resilience. “Strong arms… made agile” depicts a God-given quickness that turns resistance into triumph. Joseph’s life—betrayed, enslaved, imprisoned, then exalted—models how divine agility equips a believer to navigate hostile terrain without breaking. The verb underscores that the strength was not native to Joseph but imparted “by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob.” • 2 Samuel 6:16 (David). David’s “leaping” before the ark unveils the same vibrant motion, now expressed in worship. The joyful spring of the king’s body mirrors the inner exultation of bringing God’s presence into Jerusalem. Michal’s contempt sets a sharp contrast: dignity without delight. פָזַז thus exposes a heart test—whether one will prize social decorum or leap for the Lord’s honor. Theological Significance 1. Empowered Agility. Both passages attribute the agility to God. Physical motion becomes a metaphor for spiritual responsiveness: quick to obey, resilient under pressure, able to shift with the Spirit’s leading. Prophetic and Messianic Dimensions Joseph’s blessing contains messianic overtones (“the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel”). The agile arms empowered by God foreshadow the Messiah’s flawless readiness to accomplish redemption. David’s leaping before the ark anticipates the joy of the greater Son of David, whose zeal for His Father’s house consumed Him (John 2:17). Thus, פָזַז hints at the perfect union of strength and glad devotion realized in Jesus Christ. Practical Ministry Applications • Encouragement under trial: Teach believers that the same God who made Joseph’s arms agile equips them to confront adversity with Spirit-empowered flexibility. Lessons for Worship and Life פָזַז summons the faithful to a life that is both steady and spring-loaded: stable in God’s strength, yet ever poised to leap in service and celebration. The term’s twin settings—battle-tested endurance and ecstatic worship—remind the Church that victorious living and vibrant praise are inseparable fruits of God’s enabling hand. Forms and Transliterations וַיָּפֹ֖זּוּ ויפזו מְפַזֵּ֤ז מפזז mə·p̄az·zêz mefazZez məp̄azzêz vaiyaFozzu way·yā·p̄ōz·zū wayyāp̄ōzzūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 49:24 HEB: בְּאֵיתָן֙ קַשְׁתּ֔וֹ וַיָּפֹ֖זּוּ זְרֹעֵ֣י יָדָ֑יו NAS: And his arms were agile, From the hands KJV: of his hands were made strong by the hands INT: firm his bow were agile and his arms the hands 2 Samuel 6:16 2 Occurrences |
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