פֵּיָה (pe.yah)
pe.yah
two-edged
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun peyah denotes the sharp edge or point of a sword, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Judges 3:16. In this narrative, Ehud uses a double-edged dagger to defeat King Eglon, and the text specifically highlights that the weapon’s "mouth" or blade entered deep into the king's body.
This usage extends the common Hebrew word for "mouth" (peh) from a biological opening to the functional tip of an object. Just as the mouth is where speech exits, the peyah is where the sword’s cutting power is concentrated. The term captures the lethal precision of the weapon’s design rather than its length or weight.
Translators typically render this word simply as "edge" or "blade," though the underlying imagery connects the physical sharpness to the concept of an opening or extremity. This singular occurrence underscores the sudden, intimate violence of the judge’s deliverance, focusing attention on the specific point of impact rather than a broad battle scene.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word peyah appears only once in Scripture, describing the double-edged blade Ehud used to deliver Israel from King Eglon. This rare term focuses on the sharpness and precision of the weapon rather than its size or weight. It reminds us that God often uses specific, focused means to bring about justice and rescue.
For your life today, this highlights how God’s interventions can be both sudden and precise. You may face situations where a clear, decisive action is needed. Trust that He equips His people with the right tools for the task at hand, even when the circumstances seem difficult or overwhelming.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lips1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פֵי֖וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:16
Ehud made himself a sword which had two edges, a cubit in length; and he wore it under his clothing on his right thigh.
This verse introduces the term by describing Ehud's specially crafted double-edged sword, emphasizing its lethal precision rather than its length.