Original Word: פָנַק
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: panaq
Pronunciation: pah-nak'
Phonetic Spelling: (paw-nak')
KJV: bring up
NASB: pampers
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to enervate

bring up

A primitive root; to enervate -- bring up.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to indulge, pamper
NASB Translation
pampers (1).

[פָנַק] verb Pi`el indulge, pamper (Late Hebrew Pi`el; compare Ecclus 14:16; Arabic II.; Aramaic פנק, Pa`el); — Participle מְפַנֵּק Proverbs 29:21 one pampering a servant.

[מַּס] see פסס. מַּס דַּמִּים see ׳אֶפֶס ד.

Biblical Occurrence

פָנַק appears once, in Proverbs 29:21. The Berean Standard Bible renders the verse, “A servant pampered from youth will bring grief in the end.” The verb pictures a pattern of unchecked indulgence that distorts normal household order and produces painful consequences rather than gratitude or loyalty.

Cultural and Historical Background

In the monarchic period a “servant” (־עֶבֶד) could range from a household slave to a high‐ranking steward. Whatever the exact station, the text assumes a master with both the means and the freedom to shape the servant’s early formation. Whereas legal codes such as Exodus 21:2–11 regulate fair treatment, Proverbs warns against a different danger—excessive coddling that exposes both master and servant to eventual shame (cf. Proverbs 17:2; 19:10).

Wisdom Literature Context

Proverbs routinely contrasts discipline with indulgence (Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 29:15). פָנַק forms a vivid counterpart to “rod and reproof,” underscoring that growth in wisdom requires measured correction. By applying the principle to a servant rather than a son, the proverb broadens its scope: any relationship of authority can be corrupted by misplaced leniency.

Theological Themes

1. Stewardship of Authority: Scripture teaches that power is entrusted, not possessed (Genesis 1:28; Romans 13:1–4). Overindulgence abdicates that stewardship.
2. Human Nature and Accountability: An unrestrained heart gravitates toward self‐interest (Jeremiah 17:9). Pampering entrenches that bent rather than reforming it.
3. Discipline as Love: Hebrews 12:5–11 echoes the Old Testament insight that disciplined training, not pampering, reflects genuine care.

Implications for Leadership and Ministry

• Parenting: פָנַק warns against confusing provision with permissiveness. Loving parents balance generosity with boundaries, aiming for maturity in their children.
• Church Oversight: Elders and ministry leaders must avoid cultivating dependency through constant concessions. Paul’s counsel, “Do not share in the sins of others” (1 Timothy 5:22), reminds shepherds to resist patterns that foster spiritual immaturity.
• Workplace and Society: Employers who indulge employees in unrighteous behavior eventually suffer loss of trust and productivity, mirroring the proverb’s “grief in the end.”

Practical Applications

1. Examine whether acts of kindness actually enable irresponsibility.
2. Pair generosity with clear expectations and accountability structures.
3. Pray for wisdom to discern when mercy builds up and when it erodes character (James 1:5).

Related Concepts and Passages

• Proverbs 25:17—overstaying welcome parallels the ruin caused by pampering.
• Luke 15:11–32—the prodigal son illustrates how indulgence without repentance devastates resources and relationships.
• Luke 16:10–12—faithfulness in little contrasts with the entitlement bred by פָנַק.
• Colossians 3:22–24—servants are called to sincere service, a posture undermined if they have been indulged into entitlement.

Summary

פָנַק exposes the hidden cruelty of unchecked indulgence. Whether in households, congregations, or civil institutions, pampering that disregards discipline breeds eventual sorrow. Proverbs 29:21 therefore stands as a perpetual reminder that true love, like divine love, disciplines for the good of the one being served and for the glory of the One who ultimately owns every household.

מְפַנֵּ֣ק מפנק mə·p̄an·nêq mefanNek məp̄annêqInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts