Original Word: פָסַךְ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Pacak
Pronunciation: pah-sahk'
Phonetic Spelling: (paw-sak')
KJV: Pasach
NASB: Pasach
Word Origin: [from an unused root meaning to divide]

1. divider
2. Pasak, an Israelite

Pasach

From an unused root meaning to divide; divider; Pasak, an Israelite -- Pasach.

Word Origin
from pasach
Definition
an Asherite
NASB Translation
Pasach (1).

מָּסָךְ (van d. H. מָּסַךְ) proper name, masculine Asherite 1 Chronicles 7:33, Βαισηχι, A Φεσηχι, ᵐ5^L Φασεχ.

Etymology and Naming Significance

Derived from a Hebrew root that carries the idea of “passing” or “leaping,” the name Pasach likely conveys a notion of movement or transition. In ancient Israelite culture, names often reflected the parents’ hopes or experiences, and this verbal nuance may hint at God-enabled deliverance or passage through difficulty.

Biblical Context and Occurrence

Pasach appears once in Scripture, within the clan lists of the tribe of Asher:

“​​The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These were the sons of Japhlet.” (1 Chronicles 7:33).

Placed amid a long genealogy, the single mention ties Pasach to the northern tribes during the united kingdom period and highlights the completeness of the Chronicler’s record.

Tribal and Genealogical Importance

1. Validation of Inheritance. Genealogies preserved land rights (Numbers 26:55–56) and tribal identity after the exile. Pasach’s inclusion safeguards the legal memory of Japhlet’s line within Asher.
2. Continuity of Covenant. From Abraham onward, lineage traced the unfolding covenant promise. Even minor figures like Pasach confirm the unbroken thread that culminates in the Messiah (Matthew 1:1–17; Luke 3:23–38).
3. Representation of the Northern Tribes. Chronicles, written post-exile, reaffirms that the ten northern tribes were never forgotten by God (2 Kings 17:18–23; Ezekiel 37:15–28). Pasach’s name stands as evidence that Asher remained within God’s redemptive scope.

Theological and Ministry Insights

• God Values Every Individual. Though Scripture gives Pasach no exploits, his name is eternally preserved, teaching that divine worth is not measured by public recognition (Luke 12:7).
• Faithful Record-Keeping Mirrors Divine Omniscience. The Chronicler’s meticulous lists echo God’s perfect knowledge of His people (Malachi 3:16). For ministry, careful shepherding and remembering saints’ labors honor this pattern (Hebrews 6:10).
• Hidden Lives, Lasting Impact. Obscure saints populate every generation; their faithfulness contributes to the larger narrative of redemption even when history says little about them (Romans 16:1–15).

Christological Echoes

The root idea of “passing over” recalls God’s deliverance during the Passover (Exodus 12:13), prefiguring Christ, “our Passover Lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7). While Pasach is not directly linked to the feast, his very name subtly points forward to the decisive “passing over” of judgment accomplished at Calvary.

Practical Applications for Believers

• Embrace Obscure Faithfulness. Serve steadfastly whether or not your role is visible (Colossians 3:23–24).
• Celebrate Spiritual Heritage. Use genealogical portions of Scripture to teach God’s long-term faithfulness in family worship and discipleship.
• Record Testimonies. Like the Chronicler, churches should preserve accounts of God’s work among all members, reinforcing communal memory and gratitude.

Related Passages and Themes

• Genealogies: Genesis 5:1–32; 1 Chronicles 1–9; Matthew 1:1–17.
• Asher’s Blessings: Genesis 49:20; Deuteronomy 33:24–25.
• God’s Remembrance of Names: Isaiah 49:16; Revelation 3:5.

פָּסַ֥ךְ פסך pā·saḵ paSach pāsaḵInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts