Original Word: פוּשׁ
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: puwsh
Pronunciation: poosh
Phonetic Spelling: (poosh)
KJV: grow up, be grown fat, spread selves, be scattered
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to spread
2. (figuratively) act proudly

grow up, be grown fat, spread selves, be scattered

A primitive root; to spread; figuratively, act proudly -- grow up, be grown fat, spread selves, be scattered.

I. [מּוּשׁ] verb apparently spring about,

Qal Perfect3plural consecutive וּפָשׁוּ מָּרָשָׁיו Habakkuk 1:8 (but probably strike out וּפָשׁוּ as dittograph see Now); 2 masculine plural consecutive וּפִשְׁתֶּם Malachi 3:20, Imperfect2masculine plural תָּפוּשׁוּ Jeremiah 50:11 Qr (so ᵐ5; > Kt תפושׁי), in both, simile of gambolling calves.

II. [מּוּשׁ] verb Niph`al be scattered; — 3 plural נָפ֫שׁוּ עַמְּךָ עַלהֶֿהָרִים Nahum 3:18 (read probably נָפֹצוּ).

Root Concept and Imagery

The verb פוּשׁ (pûsh) evokes vigorous movement—springing, leaping, scattering, or frolicking. By choosing this single, colorful word, the prophets portray both the self-assured animation of the wicked and the liberated exuberance of the faithful.

Occurrences in the Prophets

• Jeremiah 50:11 applies פוּשׁ to Babylon’s smug delight: “Because you rejoice and celebrate … because you frolic like a heifer threshing grain and neigh like stallions.” Their carefree playfulness becomes the very prelude to judgment.
• Nahum 3:18 reverses the image: “Your people are scattered on the mountains, with no one to regather them.” The same energy now depicts helpless dispersion when God removes sustaining grace.
• Habakkuk 1:8 presents Chaldean cavalry as a swift divine instrument: “Their cavalry gallops headlong.” The burst of speed is ominous, foreshadowing discipline on Judah.
• Malachi 4:2 alone casts the verb in a wholly positive light: “You will go out and leap like calves from the stall.” Here the Lord transforms frantic motion into redeemed joy for those who fear His name.

Prophetic Theology

1. The exuberance of the proud invites divine retribution (Jeremiah 50:11).
2. Mighty nations collapse into irrevocable scattering when the Lord withdraws His hand (Nahum 3:18).
3. God sovereignly employs even hostile power and speed for corrective purposes (Habakkuk 1:8).
4. Lasting, jubilant freedom belongs only to the righteous remnant (Malachi 4:2).

Historical Sweep

Spanning roughly two centuries—from Assyria’s zenith to post-exilic Judah—the four texts demonstrate that dramatic human movement, whether in conquest or collapse, is choreographed by the Lord. Empires that frolic today may be scattered tomorrow; the faithful who wait in confinement will one day explode with new life.

Ministry Significance

• Warn against carnal confidence: Babylon’s playful arrogance is a timeless caution for prosperous cultures and self-satisfied hearts.
• Expose spiritual negligence: When shepherds sleep, people scatter (Nahum 3:18); vigilance in pastoral care averts dispersion.
• Interpret worldly momentum: Rapid geopolitical shifts (Habakkuk 1:8) can serve God’s redemptive plan; believers respond with watchfulness, not fear.
• Proclaim eschatological hope: Malachi’s leaping calves anticipate the freedom secured in Christ’s return, encouraging perseverance and joy.

Through judgment and promise, פוּשׁ reminds readers that all motion finds its true direction only under the sovereign, righteous reign of God.

וּפִשְׁתֶּ֖ם וּפָ֖שׁוּ ופשו ופשתם נָפֹ֧שׁוּ נפשו תָפ֙וּשׁוּ֙ תפושו nā·p̄ō·šū naFoshu nāp̄ōšū ṯā·p̄ū·šū taFushu ṯāp̄ūšū ū·p̄ā·šū ū·p̄iš·tem uFashu ufishTem ūp̄āšū ūp̄ištemInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts