Lexical Summary pagar: exhausted Original Word: פָגַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be faint A primitive root; to relax, i.e. Become exhausted -- be faint. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to be exhausted or faint NASB Translation exhausted (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מָּגַר] verb Pi`el be exhausted, faint (ᵑ7 מְּגַר derived species tear down, destroy; Assyrian pagru, body, corpse; Late Hebrew מֶּגֶר = Biblical Hebrew; Aramaic מַּגְרָא, ![]() Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrences פָגַר appears only twice, both in the narrative of David’s pursuit of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30). In each instance it describes the physical state of two hundred of David’s men who were “too exhausted” to continue the chase: Historical Context The crisis at Ziklag followed a three-day march from the Philistine front lines. On arrival, David’s company discovered the town burned and their families taken captive. Setting out immediately meant another punishing trek southward toward Egypt in a single day—over thirty miles of rough terrain. The men who faltered at the seasonal wadi Besor were veterans of the wilderness years, but they had already reached the limits of human endurance. Their exhaustion adds realism to the narrative and heightens the drama of David’s faith-filled leadership. Themes and Theological Insights 1. Human Frailty. Scripture often balances accounts of heroic faith with reminders of bodily weakness. פָגַר underscores that even valiant warriors have limits. Davidic Leadership and Compassion David’s response offers a template for spiritual authority: These actions magnify the heart of the future king and prefigure the righteous reign promised in the Davidic covenant. Principles for Ministry 1. Recognize Limits. Churches and ministries must acknowledge physical and emotional boundaries. Over-extension endangers both mission and people. Biblical Call to Rest and Renewal The Old Testament often connects exhaustion with divine invitation to rest (Deuteronomy 33:12, Psalm 127:2). In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills this motif: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The vocabulary differs, yet the theological thread is the same: God’s servants may grow faint, but God Himself supplies renewal. Related Scripture Connections • Judges 8:4-5 – Gideon’s men are “exhausted yet still in pursuit,” highlighting a recurring wartime tension between mission urgency and human limitation. Concluding Reflections פָגַר’s brief appearance serves as a strategic reminder that even warriors after God’s own heart need rest, mercy, and equitable treatment. Christian communities that honor these lessons reflect the character of their Shepherd-King, who “does not grow weary” (Isaiah 40:28) yet tenderly cares for those who do. Forms and Transliterations פִּגְּר֔וּ פִּגְּר֣וּ ׀ פגרו pig·gə·rū piggeRu piggərūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 30:10 HEB: אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר פִּגְּר֔וּ מֵעֲבֹ֖ר אֶת־ NAS: were too exhausted to cross KJV: abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over INT: men who exhausted to cross the brook 1 Samuel 30:21 2 Occurrences |