פִּתְגָם (pit.gam)
pit.gam
edict
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun pitgam refers to an official decree or edict issued by a ruler. It appears exclusively in the books of Ezra and Daniel, reflecting its use in the context of Persian imperial administration. The word denotes a formal command that carries the full weight of royal authority, distinguishing it from casual speech or general advice.
In these texts, pitgam describes laws that are binding and enforceable by the state. For instance, King Darius issues a decree regarding the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 6:1), and Nebuchadnezzar promulgates statutes concerning worship and punishment (Daniel 3:4-5; 6:7). The term underscores the legal finality of such orders, which subjects were required to obey under penalty of severe consequences.
The word’s presence in these specific books highlights the tension between imperial power and religious faith. Believers often found themselves navigating the demands of pitgam when their loyalty to God conflicted with royal commands. This lexical choice emphasizes that these were not mere suggestions but state-mandated regulations that tested the resolve of those who served the Lord.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pitgam refers to an official decree issued by a ruler, carrying the full weight of royal authority. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, it describes binding laws enforced by the Persian state. These were not casual suggestions but formal commands that required obedience under penalty of severe consequences.
For believers in these texts, pitgam created tension between imperial power and religious faith. When King Darius issued a decree regarding the temple, or when Nebuchadnezzar promulgated statutes on worship, subjects had to navigate conflicting loyalties. The term underscores the legal finality of such orders.
Understanding this word helps us see how ancient Christians faced state mandates that tested their resolve. It reminds us that faithfulness often requires standing firm when civil demands conflict with divine commands. This historical context highlights the courage required to serve God under pressure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- word/ the3×
- command/ the1×
- affair1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פִּתְגָמָ֣/א1×
- פִּתְגָמָ֞/א1×
- פִּתְגָמָ֖/א1×
- פִּתְגָ֖ם1×
- פִתְגָמָ֖/א1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:11
I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened on it; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
This verse uses pitgam to describe Darius's decree, showing how the king enforced temple restoration with severe penalties for alteration.
-
Daniel 3:16
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
Here Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego face Nebuchadnezzar's pitgam, refusing to bow to the image despite the royal command.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pitgam mean in the Bible?
Where does pitgam appear in Scripture?
How is pitgam different from other words for law?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 4 verses
Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions…
Ezra 5:7They sent a letter to him, in which was written: To Darius the king, all peace.
Ezra 5:11Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house…
Ezra 6:11I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be…