The noun paqid refers to an officer, overseer, or deputy — someone appointed to a position of authority or administrative responsibility. It derives from the verb paqad (H6485), meaning to visit, appoint, number, or oversee. A paqid was entrusted with specific duties: overseeing workers (Nehemiah 11:9), managing treasury resources (Nehemiah 11:14), or exercising authority in various civic or religious roles.
The concept of the paqid reflects the biblical theology of delegated authority and stewardship. God himself is the ultimate Overseer (paqid) of his people — he visits, appoints, and watches over them. But he delegates oversight through human officers and leaders who bear responsibility before him. The misuse of such authority is a serious offense (Ezekiel 34, where shepherds who fail their oversight are condemned). Joseph became a great paqid over Egypt (Genesis 41:34), a picture of how God works through appointed leaders for the good of many.