פָּתַח (pa.tach)
pa.tach
to open; to engrave
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 107 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb pathach primarily means to open, but it carries a physical weight that goes beyond simple access. In its basic form, it describes the act of untying or loosening something that is bound. This is vividly seen when characters in Job and Psalms are described as having their necks freed from fetters, emphasizing liberation from restraint rather than just an open door.
A distinct second meaning found in the Piel stem is to carve or engrave. Here, the word shifts from opening space to creating permanent marks on hard surfaces like stone. This usage appears when describing seals or inscriptions, where the action leaves a lasting impression rather than removing a barrier. Translators must carefully distinguish between these two senses based on context.
This dual nature reflects a consistent biblical theme: opening is often linked with freedom, while engraving signifies permanence. Whether God opens the womb to allow life or engraves names on priestly garments to show enduring covenant identity, the word points to decisive, tangible changes in state. The sources highlight its frequent use in Isaiah and Psalms, where it underscores both divine intervention and lasting commitment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb pathach carries a physical weight that goes beyond simple access. In its basic form, it describes the act of untying or loosening something bound. This is vividly seen when characters in Job and Psalms are described as having their necks freed from fetters, emphasizing liberation from restraint rather than just an open door.
A distinct second meaning found in the Piel stem is to carve or engrave. Here, the word shifts from opening space to creating permanent marks on hard surfaces like stone. This usage appears when describing seals or inscriptions, where the action leaves a lasting impression rather than removing a barrier. Whether God opens the womb to allow life or engraves names on priestly garments to show enduring covenant identity, the word points to decisive, tangible changes in state.
The sources highlight its frequent use in Isaiah and Psalms, where it underscores both divine intervention and lasting commitment. This dual nature reflects a consistent biblical theme: opening is often linked with freedom, while engraving signifies permanence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 107 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- open19×
- and/ he opened10×
- he opened7×
- it opened3×
- I will open3×
- you will open2×
- to/ open2×
- he will open2×
- he has opened2×
- certainly <to open>2×
- and/ you will engrave2×
- and/ it opened2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּפְתַּ֨ח3×
- וַ/יִּפְתַּ֖ח3×
- תִּפְתַּח\־2×
- פָּתַ֤ח2×
- פִּתְח֖וּ2×
- פְּתַח\־2×
- פְתֻח֜וֹת2×
- יִפְתַּח\־2×
- וּ/פִתַּחְתָּ֤2×
- וַ/יִּפְתַּ֥ח2×
- תִּפָּתַֽחְנָה\׃1×
- תִּפָּתַ֣ח1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 29:31
Yahweh saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
This verse shows God actively removing the barrier of barrenness to allow life, illustrating the word's sense of liberation.
-
Exodus 28:9
You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel.
Here the Piel stem is used for engraving, shifting the meaning from opening space to creating permanent marks on stone for covenant identity.
-
Numbers 16:32
The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their households, all of Korah’s men, and all their goods.
The earth opening its mouth demonstrates a dramatic, involuntary act of divine judgment rather than a gentle invitation.
-
Deuteronomy 15:8
but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, which he lacks.
This command uses the physical act of opening one's hand as a metaphor for generous financial support to the poor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word pathach mean?
How is pathach different from other words for open?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (107 verses across 21 books)
Genesis 9 verses
In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the…
Genesis 8:6At the end of forty days, Noah opened the window of the ship which he had made,
Genesis 24:32The man came into the house, and he unloaded the camels. He gave straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his…
Genesis 29:31Yahweh saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
Genesis 30:22God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her, and opened her womb.
Genesis 41:56The famine was over all the surface of the earth. Joseph opened all the store houses, and sold to the Egyptians. The…
Genesis 42:27As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey food in the lodging place, he saw his money. Behold, it was in the…
Genesis 43:21When we came to the lodging place, we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our…
Genesis 44:11Then they hurried, and each man took his sack down to the ground, and each man opened his sack.