פַּת (pat)
pat
morsel
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun pat refers to a small portion or fragment, most commonly describing a morsel of bread. It appears in thirteen verses across the Old Testament, with significant usage in narrative texts like Ruth and Samuel, as well as in the wisdom literature of Proverbs. The word conveys the idea of a distinct, manageable piece rather than a whole loaf, emphasizing the specific quantity being handled or shared.
In practical contexts, this term highlights acts of provision and care. For instance, when Naomi gives bread to Ruth in Ruth 2:14, the text uses pat to describe the portion offered, illustrating a moment of hospitality and sustenance for the weary. Similarly, Proverbs 25:21 advises feeding the hungry with such morsels, framing the word within ethical instructions about compassion. The plural form, patot, occasionally appears in prophetic literature like Ezekiel 13:19 to denote fragments in a metaphorical sense.
Translators typically render pat as "morsel," "piece," or "fragment," depending on whether the context involves literal food or a figurative share. The term’s simplicity underscores its function in daily life, serving as a concrete image for basic needs and generosity. Its recurring presence in stories of survival and wisdom literature reinforces its association with essential sustenance and the moral duty to provide it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word pat describes a small portion of food, often translated as a "morsel" or "piece." In the Old Testament, this simple term appears in stories where people are tired, hungry, or facing uncertainty. It reminds us that God cares about our basic needs. When Naomi offered bread to Ruth, or when the widow shared her last meal with Elijah, these were not grand gestures but acts of faithful provision. The word highlights that even a small amount of sustenance can be a gift from God.
This concept invites us to look at how we treat others in our daily lives. Proverbs teaches that a quiet home with enough food is better than a large house filled with conflict. It suggests that contentment does not require abundance, but rather gratitude for what we have. We are also called to share, even when resources seem scarce. Offering a "morsel" to someone in need reflects the heart of God, who provides for the weary and the stranger.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a piece of5×
- portion/ your1×
- morsel/ your1×
- morsel of bread/ my1×
- like/ crumbs1×
- from/ morsel/ his1×
- crumbs1×
- a morsel of1×
- a morsel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פַּת\־5×
- פַּ֣ת1×
- פִּתֵּ֖/ךְ1×
- פִּתִּ֣/י1×
- פִּתִּ֔ים1×
- פִּֽתְּ/ךָ\־1×
- פַת\־1×
- מִ/פִּתּ֨/וֹ1×
- כְ/פִתִּ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
Ruth 2:14
At meal time Boaz said to her, “Come here, and eat some bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar.” She sat beside the reapers, and they passed her parched grain. She ate, was satisfied, and left some of it.
This verse shows Boaz offering Ruth a specific portion of bread, illustrating how pat marks an act of practical hospitality and care for the vulnerable.
-
Proverbs 17:1
Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
Here the word contrasts a simple meal in peace with a lavish feast in strife, emphasizing that relational harmony is more valuable than material excess.
-
I Samuel 28:22
Now therefore, please listen also to the voice of your servant, and let me set a morsel of bread before you. Eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.”
The woman prepares a pat of bread for Saul to strengthen him before battle, showing how this term denotes essential sustenance in times of crisis.
-
Genesis 18:5
I will get a piece of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.” They said, “Very well, do as you have said.”
Abraham offers a morsel of bread to refresh his guests, using the word to describe a gesture of welcome and restoration for travelers.