פֵּ֫תַח (pe.tach)
pe.tach
opening
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun petach denotes an opening, entrance, or doorway. It describes a physical gap that allows passage or light to enter a space. While it can refer to any kind of aperture, its primary sense is the threshold of a structure.
This word appears only once in the Bible, in Psalm 119:130. The psalmist writes, "The unfolding of your words gives light." Here, petach carries the nuance of an opening or unfolding action. It suggests that Scripture does not just sit closed; it opens up to reveal understanding.
The metaphor is striking. Just as a door opens to let in daylight, God’s commands open the mind to insight. The sources note this unique usage where petach means "unfolding." It implies that truth is not static but dynamic, revealing itself when engaged. This single instance highlights how language can bridge physical architecture and spiritual perception.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word petach describes an opening, a doorway through which light enters a dark room. In Psalm 119:130, the psalmist uses this image to describe how God’s words bring understanding. The text suggests that Scripture is not a sealed book but something that unfolds, revealing truth to those who seek it.
When you feel confused or lost in life, remember that clarity comes from engaging with God’s word. Just as an open door lets in daylight, reading and meditating on the Bible opens your mind to insight. This process is gentle and gradual, inviting you into deeper understanding rather than forcing answers upon you.
You do not need to have all the answers right away. The simple act of letting God’s words enter your heart can bring peace and direction. Trust that as you spend time with Scripture, light will continue to shine in places where you once saw only darkness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] opening of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פֵּ֖תַח1×
Key Verses
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Psalms 119:130
The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.
This verse uniquely uses petach to mean 'unfolding' or 'entrance,' showing how God's words actively bring light and understanding to the simple.