Lexical Summary
panah: To turn, to face, to look, to prepare
Original Word:פָנָה
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:panah
Pronunciation:pah-NAH
Phonetic Spelling:(paw-naw')
KJV: appear, at (even-)tide, behold, cast out, come on, X corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-)turn (aside, away, back, face, self), X right (early)
NASB:turned, turn, facing, looked, look, clear, faces
Word Origin:[a primitive root]
1. to turn
2. (by implication) to face, i.e. appear, look, etc
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
appear, at eventide, behold, cast out, come on, corner, dawning, empty,
A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc. -- appear, at (even-)tide, behold, cast out, come on, X corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-)turn (aside, away, back, face, self), X right (early).
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. root
Definitionto turn
NASB Translationapproaches (1), clear (3), cleared (1), cleared away (1), considered (1), dawn* (1), dawns (1), declined (1), declines (1), empty (1), face (2), faced (2), faced* (1), faces (3), facing (11), facing back (1), have regard (2), look (4), looked (9), prepare (1), prepared (1), regard (2), regarded (1), regards (1), return* (1), toward (1), turn (26), turn back (2), turned (40), turned around (1), turned away (1), turned back (2), turns (3), turns away (2), turns back (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
135 (Late Hebrew
id.; Syriac
, ; Ethiopic
: Arabic
pass away, banish; compare Sabean (variously) e.g. CIS
iv. Nos. 1, 37, 40; Assyrian
pânu,
face, Phoenician , MI
13, 18 , suffix
Ezekiel 1:19); —
117Perfect3masculine singularJeremiah 6:4 +, 2 masculine singular2 Samuel 9:8, etc.;Imperfect3masculine singular1 Samuel 13:17 +,Exodus 2:12 +, 3 feminine singular1 Kings 10:13, 1singularDeuteronomy 9:15;Deuteronomy 10:5, 1pluralDeuteronomy 2:1 +, etc.;Imperative masculine singularPsalm 25:16 +, etc.;InfinitiveabsoluteHaggai 1:9; constructGenesis 24:63 +, etc.;ParticipleDeuteronomy 29:17 +, etc.; —
turn toward, person, literal,Judges 6:14;Isaiah 13:14 =Jeremiah 50:16;Job 21:5 (i.e. attentively); compare of branchesEzekiel 17:6 (in allegory); with of directionGenesis 24:49; figurative with (in worship),Isaiah 45:22, other godsHosea 3:1;Deuteronomy 31:18,20;Leviticus 19:4; for helpLeviticus 19:31;Leviticus 20:6;Job 5:1;Job 36:21; with accusativeEzekiel 10:11; with locative1 Kings 17:3;Deuteronomy 2:3 (+ dativus ethicus [dative of interest]),Songs 6:1; with1 Samuel 13:18 (twice in verse);Job 24:18,Judges 20:42;1 Samuel 13:17; figurativeIsaiah 53:6;Isaiah 56:11; with accusative1 Samuel 14:47, so, + , figurative1 Kings 2:3, i.e. whatever thou undertakest,Proverbs 17:8.
turn from, localGenesis 18:22, figurative, of heart, withDeuteronomy 29:17, absolute =turn awayDeuteronomy 30:17; in phraseturn (with)the back (compare )Jeremiah 18:17), + ,Joshua 7:12 (of flight), figurative, + ,Jeremiah 2:27;Jeremiah 32:33.
turn and do a thing, literal (especially + verb of motion)Numbers 21:33;Deuteronomy 1:7,24;Judges 18:21;1 Kings 10:13 17t.; to do a thing (infinitive)Ecclesiastes 2:12.
turn, decline, of dayJeremiah 6:4, days of lifePsalm 90:9.
turn toward, approach, of evening,Genesis 24:63;Deuteronomy 23:12; of morning,Exodus 14:27;Judges 19:26;Psalm 46:6 (figurative).
turn and look, look, literal, personNumbers 12:10; 2Chronicles 20:24; 26:20,Exodus 2:12; withIsaiah 8:21 absolutelook (back) 2 Chronicles 13:14; withlook behind one (and see, or say),Joshua 8:20;Judges 20:40;2 Samuel 1:7;2 Samuel 2:20;2 Kings 2:24,look after anotberEzekiel 29:16 (figurative for seek alliance with); with of directionExodus 16:10;Numbers 17:7.
,face, with locationJoshua 15:7, usually of facing points of compass, with locative1 Kings 7:25 (4 t. in verse) = 2Chronicles 4:4 (4 t. in verse),Joshua 15:2;Ezekiel 8:3;Ezekiel 46:19, but also withEzekiel 43:17;Ezekiel 44:1;Ezekiel 46:1,12;Ezekiel 47:2, compareEzekiel 43:1.
especially figurativelook at, person,regard, (1) graciously2 Samuel 9:8; ofEzekiel 36:9;Leviticus 26:9;2 Kings 13:23;Psalm 40:5, +Psalm 25:16;Psalm 69:17;Psalm 86:16;Psalm 119:132; with1 Kings 8:28 2Chronicles 6:19;Psalm 102:18,Numbers 16:15;Malachi 2:13; (2) sternly,Deuteronomy 9:27.
look for ( of thing) = expectHaggai 1:9.
figurativelook at ( of thing) = considerEcclesiastes 2:11. — 2Chronicles 25:23 see
Perfect3masculine singularZephaniah 3:15, etc.;Imperative masculine pluralIsaiah 40:3 2t.; —turn away, put out of the way, with accusative of personZephaniah 3:15 ("" ); hencemake clear, with accusative , i.e. clear away things scattered about, make orderly, German 'aufräumen'Genesis 24:31;empty itLeviticus 14:36; figurative, with accusativemake clear, free from obstacles,Isaiah 40:3;Isaiah 57:14;Isaiah 62:10;Malachi 3:1; accusative omittedclear away (ground) before it, i.e. to plant itPsalm 80:10 (figurative).
(especially Jeremiah)Perfect3masculine singularJeremiah 48:39, 3feminine singularJeremiah 49:24, etc.;ImperfectJudges 15:4;Infinitive construct suffix1 Samuel 10:9;ParticipleNahum 2:9; —
turn, with accusativeJudges 15:4,Jeremiah 48:39 (compareJoshua 7:8),1 Samuel 10:9.
make a turn, shew (signs of)turning, +Jeremiah 46:21,Jeremiah 49:24; opposed toJeremiah 46:5, compareNahum 2:9; + person Nah 47:3.
Imperative masculine pluralJeremiah 49:8 (Ges§ 46a, N.)be ye turned back! (in flight, + );ParticipleEzekiel 9:2 the gate . . .which is faced northward (compare .
Topical Lexicon
Scope of UsageThe root פָנָה spans roughly one hundred thirty-five occurrences across the Law, Prophets, and Writings. It depicts an act of turning, facing, or directing oneself, whether bodily (turning one’s face or path) or spiritually (turning one’s heart or attention). The contexts range from individual decisions (Genesis 18:22) to national calls to repentance (Hosea 5:4). Because the word moves easily between concrete motion and moral response, it often serves as a hinge in the narrative, marking decisive moments of obedience or rebellion.
Physical Orientation in Narrative Contexts
1. Patriarchal journeys: “The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD” (Genesis 18:22). The narrator highlights Abraham’s steadfast posture in contrast to the departing angels, underscoring covenant intimacy.
2. Exodus encounters: “Pharaoh turned and went into his palace, and did not even take this to heart” (Exodus 7:23). The king’s turning signals hardening.
3. Wilderness marches: “Turn back tomorrow and set out toward the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea” (Numbers 14:25). Here the verb governs Israel’s literal change of direction after unbelief at Kadesh-barnea.
4. Royal confrontations: “David turned away from him toward another and spoke in the same manner” (1 Samuel 17:30). David’s refusal to be deterred by Eliab’s scorn shows resolve before Goliath.
Such scenes reveal פָנָה as an indicator of pivotal shifts in plot and character.
Personal Decision and Turning of the Heart
Beyond bodily motion, many texts merge the physical and moral spheres: “Do not turn to idols” (Leviticus 19:4). The exterior gesture mirrors an interior allegiance. Job echoes this linkage: “If I have made gold my trust… then let sorrow come upon me” (Job 31:24-28), implying that turning the face of trust to wealth equals idolatry. The psalmist chooses the opposite posture: “Turn to me and be gracious to me” (Psalm 25:16). He petitions the Lord to orient His countenance toward the sufferer, confident that divine regard changes circumstances.
Corporate Repentance and Covenant Renewal
Prophets employ פָנָה when summoning the nation back to covenant fidelity. Isaiah warns: “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 31:1). Failure to “look to” Yahweh entails trusting foreign alliances. Hosea laments, “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is within them; they do not know the LORD” (Hosea 5:4). Actual return demands turning the entire national orientation God-ward. Chronicles memorializes a righteous response: “In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David” (2 Chronicles 34:3). The king’s seeking involves turning from idolatrous altars and restoring proper worship.
Priestly and Prophetic Language Concerning the Face of God
The verb often answers the plea that God would “turn” His face toward or away. Divine favor: “May the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you” (Numbers 6:25) assumes the positive turning of God’s countenance. Divine judgment: “I will surely hide My face in that day because of all the evil they have done” (Deuteronomy 31:18). In Ezekiel the same polarity structures prophetic drama: “Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will turn My face against them” (Ezekiel 15:7). Whether blessing or curse, the direction of God’s face determines Israel’s destiny.
Examples of Blessing and Judgment Bound to Turning
1. Blessing connected to obedience: “If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands… the LORD will open the heavens” (Deuteronomy 28:1-12). The passage repeatedly contrasts turning toward commandments with turning aside after idols.
2. Judgment following refusal: “They turned their backs to Me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen” (Jeremiah 32:33). Physical imagery of turning one’s back crystallizes covenant breach.
3. Promise of restoration: “Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face always” (Psalm 105:4). The imperative suggests perpetual orientation toward Yahweh as the path to continued blessing.
Messianic and Eschatological Overtones
Isaiah’s Servant songs anticipate a perfected turning: “I have set My face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50:7). The steadfast, unwavering face foreshadows the Messiah’s resolute journey to the cross (Luke 9:51). Zechariah extends the theme into the future: “They will look on Me, the One they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10). The eschaton is characterized by a collective turning toward the pierced yet glorified Lord.
Practical Ministry Applications
1. Preaching and teaching: Emphasize that repentance is more than ceasing wrongdoing; it is a positive re-orientation toward God’s person and will.
2. Pastoral counseling: Discern where believers have literally or metaphorically “turned away” after lesser trusts, guiding them to face Christ anew.
3. Worship leading: Draw congregations into prayers that echoPsalm 80:19, “Restore us, O LORD God of Hosts; cause Your face to shine, that we may be saved.”
4. Mission and evangelism: Encourage hearers to “turn from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9), the New Testament continuation of the Old Testament imperative bound to פָנָה.
Summary
פָנָה weaves through Scripture as a vivid picture of orientation—physical, relational, and spiritual. Wherever persons or nations turn their faces determines whether they experience the warmth of divine favor or the cold shadow of judgment. The call reverberates from Eden to the New Jerusalem: face the Lord, and live.
Forms and Transliterations
בִּפְנוֹתָ֖ם בפנותם הִפְנ֑וּ הִפְנ֛וּ הִפְנ֤וּ הִפְנְתָ֥ה הִפְנָה־ הַפֹּנ֖וֹת הַפֹּנֶ֖ה הַפֹּנֶ֣ה הַפֹּנֶ֥ה הַפּוֹנֶ֔ה הַפּוֹנֶ֣ה הָפְנוּ֙ הפונה הפנה הפנה־ הפנו הפנות הפנתה וְאֶפְנֶ֥ה וַיִּ֖פֶן וַיִּ֜פֶן וַיִּ֣פֶן וַיִּ֤פֶן וַיִּ֥פֶן וַיִּ֧פֶן וַיִּפְנ֖וּ וַיִּפְנ֞וּ וַיִּפְנ֣וּ וַיִּפְנ֤וּ וַיִּפְנ֥וּ וַיִּפְנוּ֙ וַיֶּ֤פֶן וַנֵּ֙פֶן֙ וַנֵּ֜פֶן וַנֵּ֣פֶן וַתֵּ֛פֶן וָאֵ֗פֶן וּפִנָּה־ וּפִנּ֣וּ וּפָנִ֜יתָ וּפָנִ֣יתִֽי וּפָנִ֣יתִי וּפָנִ֣יתָ וּפָנִ֤יתִֽי וּפָנִ֥יתָ וּפָנָ֞ה וּפָנָ֥ה ואפן ואפנה ויפן ויפנו ונפן ופנה ופנה־ ופנו ופנית ופניתי ותפן יִ֝פְנֶה יִפְנ֔וּ יִפְנֶ֔ה יִפְנֶ֖ה יִפְנֶ֛ה יִפְנֶ֣ה יִפְנֶ֤ה יִפְנֶ֥ה יִפְנֶה֙ יִפְנוּ֙ יפנה יפנו כְּהַפְנֹת֤וֹ כהפנתו לִפְנ֣וֹת לִפְנ֤וֹת לִפְנ֥וֹת לִפְנֽוֹת־ לפנות לפנות־ מַפְנֶֽה׃ מָפְנֶ֣ה מפנה מפנה׃ פְּנ֣וּ פְּנ֣וּ ׀ פְּנ֥וֹת פְּנ֥וּ פְּנ֨וּ פְּנֵ֣ה פְּנֵ֥ה פְּנֵה־ פְּנוֹת֙ פְּנוּ֩ פְּנוּ־ פְנוּ־ פִּנִּ֣יתִי פִּנִּ֥יתָ פִּנָּ֖ה פַּנּ֖וּ פַּנּוּ־ פָּ֭נָה פָּנ֔וּ פָּנ֣וּ פָּנִ֑ינוּ פָּנָ֣ה פָּנֹ֤ה פָנ֥וּ פָנִ֔יתָ פָנָ֔ה פָנָ֣ה פָנָ֥ה פֹּנִ֣ים פֹּנִים֙ פֹּנֶ֖ה פֹּנֶ֣ה פֹנִ֣ים ׀ פֹנִ֨ים ׀ פֹנֶ֤ה פנה פנה־ פנו פנו־ פנות פנים פנינו פנית פניתי תִּפְנ֤וּ תִּפְנֶ֖ה תִּפְנֶ֤ה תִּפְנֶֽה׃ תִּפְנוּ֙ תֵּ֖פֶן תֵּ֗פֶן תֵּ֣פֶן תפן תפנה תפנה׃ תפנו bifnoTam bip̄·nō·w·ṯām bip̄nōwṯām faNah faNita faNu fenu foNeh foNim hā·p̄ə·nū hafeNu hap·pō·neh hap·pō·nō·wṯ hap·pō·w·neh hāp̄ənū happoNeh happōneh happoNot happōnōwṯ happōwneh hifnah hifneTah hifNu hip̄·nāh- hip̄·nə·ṯāh hip̄·nū hip̄nāh- hip̄nəṯāh hip̄nū kə·hap̄·nō·ṯōw kehafnoTo kəhap̄nōṯōw lifNot lip̄·nō·wṯ lip̄·nō·wṯ- lip̄nōwṯ lip̄nōwṯ- mā·p̄ə·neh mafeNeh mafNeh map̄·neh māp̄əneh map̄neh pā·nāh p̄ā·nāh pā·nî·nū p̄ā·nî·ṯā pā·nōh pā·nū p̄ā·nū pan·nū pan·nū- Panah pānāh p̄ānāh paNinu pānînū p̄ānîṯā panNu pannū pannū- paNoh pānōh paNu pānū p̄ānū pə·nêh pə·nêh- pə·nō·wṯ pə·nū pə·nū- p̄ə·nū- peneh pənêh pənêh- peNot pənōwṯ peNu pənū pənū- p̄ənū- pin·nāh pin·nî·ṯā pin·nî·ṯî pinNah pinnāh pinNita pinnîṯā pinNiti pinnîṯî pō·neh p̄ō·neh pō·nîm p̄ō·nîm poNeh pōneh p̄ōneh poNim pōnîm p̄ōnîm tê·p̄en Tefen têp̄en tifNeh tifNu tip̄·neh tip̄·nū tip̄neh tip̄nū ū·p̄ā·nāh ū·p̄ā·nî·ṯā ū·p̄ā·nî·ṯî ū·p̄in·nāh- ū·p̄in·nū ufaNah ufaNita ufaNiti ufinnah ufinNu ūp̄ānāh ūp̄ānîṯā ūp̄ānîṯî ūp̄innāh- ūp̄innū vaEfen vaiYefen vaiYifen vaiyifNu vanNefen vatTefen veefNeh wā’êp̄en wā·’ê·p̄en wan·nê·p̄en wannêp̄en wat·tê·p̄en wattêp̄en way·ye·p̄en way·yi·p̄en way·yip̄·nū wayyep̄en wayyip̄en wayyip̄nū wə’ep̄neh wə·’ep̄·neh yifNeh yifNu yip̄·neh yip̄·nū yip̄neh yip̄nū
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