פְּתַח (pe.tach)
pe.tach
to open
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The verb pethach, found in Strong’s H6606, carries the straightforward meaning "to open." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the book of Daniel, where it describes the action of opening books or records. This singular usage highlights a specific context: the revelation or examination of written documents.
In its sole occurrence, the term is used in the Piel stem, which often intensifies the basic meaning of the root. Here, it signifies the physical act of unrolling or unfolding scrolls to access their contents. The sources note this usage alongside other instances where windows are opened, suggesting a consistent theme of creating an opening for visibility or access.
While the word itself is simple, its placement in Daniel underscores the importance of accessing divine records. The act of opening here is not merely mechanical but serves as a gateway to understanding hidden truths or historical accounts recorded by God. This limited occurrence makes it a precise tool for translators dealing with textual revelation in apocalyptic literature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter words that appear only once in Scripture, they often highlight a specific moment where God’s truth becomes visible. In Daniel 7:10, the phrase "the books were opened" marks a pivotal shift from mystery to clarity. This act is not just about unrolling scrolls; it represents the moment when hidden things are brought into the light for examination.
For your faith, this reminds us that nothing remains concealed forever. What feels like uncertainty or delay in your life is often part of a larger record being reviewed by God. You can trust that He sees every detail and will bring understanding at the right time. The opening of these books assures us that justice and truth are ultimately established.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were opened1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּתִֽיחוּ\׃1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 7:10
A fiery stream issued and came out from before him. Thousands of thousands ministered to him. Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The judgment was set. The books were opened.
This verse uses the word to describe the specific moment when divine records are unrolled for judgment, shifting the scene from mystery to revealed truth.