פָּחַז

From the study of Judges 9:4

Range of meaning

To be reckless, wanton, unruly; to boil over or bubble up uncontrolled. The noun pachaz is used of Reuben, 'unstable/turbulent as water' (Gen 49:4). The participle is used of prophets who are 'reckless/insolent' (Zeph 3:4).

Against the English

KJV 'light' (that is, frivolous, lacking weight or gravity). BSB, WEB, ESV and NASB say 'reckless.' YLT says 'unstable.' NIV folds it into 'reckless scoundrels.' 'Reckless' is good. 'Light' has drifted for modern readers.

How it drifted

KJV 'light persons' used 'light' in its older sense of 'frivolous, wanton, unsteady.' Modern readers may not see any moral meaning in it.

Used elsewhere in the period

Genesis 49:4, Zephaniah 3:4 and Jeremiah 23:32 (the noun pachazut, 'recklessness'). Later Hebrew and Aramaic use the root for rashness or wantonness. The Vulgate renders 'vagos,' 'wandering, vagrant.' The Greek translations use words meaning agitated or unsteady.

From the study of Zephaniah 3:4

Range of meaning

To be reckless, unrestrained, frivolous, careless or wanton. The root has the picture of something boiling over or spilling uncontrollably. BDB gives 'be wanton, reckless'. HALOT gives 'be reckless, frivolous', and for this verse lists the senses 'arrogant' or 'undisciplined'.

Against the English

English versions spread out over the range: 'reckless' (BSB, NASB), 'light' (KJV), 'unstable' (YLT), 'arrogant' (WEB), 'fickle' (ESV), 'unprincipled' (NIV). Each catches one part of a word whose centre is a lack of restraint and seriousness. 'Arrogant' and 'insolent' push it toward pride. The Hebrew uses point more toward instability and careless excess.

How it drifted

The KJV's 'light' meant 'frivolous, wanton, not serious' in 1611, as in 'light-minded'. A modern reader hardly hears that sense any more.

Used elsewhere in the period

Genesis 49:4 calls Reuben 'paḥaz like water', unstable or boiling over, after he went up to his father's bed. Judges 9:4 describes the hired men of Abimelech as 'empty and reckless men' (pōḥăzîm), a gang for hire. Jeremiah 23:32, which is very close to this verse, condemns prophets who lead the people astray 'by their lies and their recklessness' (paḥăzûtām). Later Hebrew and Aramaic use the root for frivolity and loose behaviour. The Septuagint (the Greek translation) renders it pneumatophoroi, 'spirit-bearers' or 'wind-carriers', which may be an ironic jab at ecstatic prophets.