פָּתִיל (pa.til)
pa.til
cord
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word patil refers to a cord, rope, or string used for binding and securing objects. In the Old Testament, these cords often served as tangible signs of identity, authority, or covenant. For instance, Judah recognized his father-in-law not by his face, but by the signet, the patil, and the staff he left behind (Genesis 38:18). These items were personal markers that carried weight beyond their material value.
In worship, cords played a functional yet symbolic role. The high priest’s breastplate was bound to the ephod with a blue cord to prevent it from coming loose (Exodus 28:28). This detail reminds us that God cares about the stability and security of those who serve Him. Similarly, the Israelites were commanded to attach a blue patil to the fringes of their garments as a reminder of God’s laws (Numbers 15:38).
For your faith life, this word invites reflection on what binds you to God and His people. Are there cords of commitment, trust, or remembrance that keep you secure in your walk? Just as the priestly garments were secured with care, so too is our relationship with Christ held together by His faithful love. Consider how everyday objects or practices can serve as gentle reminders of His presence and promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a cord of3×
- with/ a cord of2×
- threads1×
- and/ the/ cord1×
- and/ cord/ your1×
- a cord1×
- <the> thread of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּתִ֣יל2×
- בִּ/פְתִ֣יל2×
- פָּתִ֖יל1×
- פְּתִילִם֒1×
- פְּתִֽיל\־1×
- פְּתִ֥יל1×
- וּ/פְתִילֶ֔/ךָ1×
- וְ/הַ/פְּתִילִ֛ים1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 38:18
He said, “What pledge will I give you?” She said, “Your signet and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” He gave them to her, and came in to her, and she conceived by him.
Judah uses the cord as a personal identifier, showing how physical objects could carry significant relational weight in ancient times.
-
Exodus 28:28
They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate may not swing out from the ephod.
The blue cord secures the high priest’s breastplate, emphasizing the importance of stability and order in sacred service.
-
Numbers 15:38
“Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes on the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue.
God commands a blue cord to be attached to garment fringes, serving as a constant visual reminder of obedience.