פְּתַיּוּת (pe.tay.yut)
pe.tay.yut
naivite
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun petayyuth describes a state of simple-mindedness or naive openness. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within Proverbs 9:13, where it characterizes the woman named Folly. In this context, the word conveys a lack of experience and discernment, suggesting someone who is easily misled because they do not yet understand the consequences of their actions.
This term differs from wisdom, which involves careful judgment and moral insight. Instead, petayyuth represents an unguarded simplicity that leaves one vulnerable to deception. The sources link it to the root meaning "to be simple" or "plain," highlighting a raw, unrefined state of understanding rather than intentional foolishness.
Its singular usage underscores how rare and specific this condition is in Scripture. By isolating this trait in one vivid portrait, the text warns that naivety is not innocence but a dangerous lack of spiritual awareness. The word serves as a stark contrast to the prudent heart that seeks knowledge and avoids evil.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word petayyuth describes a simple-mindedness that leaves one open to being misled. It appears only once in Scripture, in Proverbs 9:13, where it defines the character of Folly. This is not the harmless innocence of a child, but a dangerous lack of discernment. It represents an unguarded state of mind that does not yet understand the consequences of its choices.
For your faith life, this word serves as a gentle warning to seek wisdom rather than remaining in spiritual naivety. The Bible invites you to grow in understanding so you are not easily deceived by false teachings or harmful paths. By asking for God’s insight, you can move from a place of vulnerability to one of grounded strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- naivete1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּ֝תַיּ֗וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 9:13
The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and knows nothing.
This verse uses the word to define the foolish woman as knowing nothing, highlighting her complete lack of discernment.