פָּתַר (pa.tar)
pa.tar
to interpret
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb pātar means to untie or loosen, and in Scripture it specifically refers to interpreting dreams. Its core image is that of untying a knot: just as one loosens a tied bundle to reveal its contents, the interpreter reveals the hidden meaning behind a symbolic vision. This word appears seven times in the Bible, with most occurrences found in the book of Genesis during the narratives of Joseph and Pharaoh.
In these stories, pātar describes the act of explaining divine messages encoded in dreams. Joseph uses this term when he tells Pharaoh that God alone can provide the interpretation (Genesis 41:16), and later when he explains the dream to the cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40:8). The related Aramaic word pešar carries the same sense of explanation, showing how this concept of "untying" meaning was understood across Semitic languages.
Unlike general words for speaking or teaching, pātar is tightly bound to the realm of dreams and visions. It suggests that the dream itself contains a message that must be carefully unraveled rather than simply translated. This usage highlights how ancient readers viewed dreams not as random thoughts but as structured communications requiring skilled interpretation to unlock their significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels like a locked door with no key in sight, the Hebrew word pātar reminds us that meaning is not always immediately visible. It literally means to untie or loosen, painting a picture of someone carefully working through a tangled knot to reveal what lies inside. In the ancient world, this was specifically used for interpreting dreams, suggesting that hidden messages require patience and skill to unravel.
The story of Joseph illustrates this beautifully. When Pharaoh was troubled by confusing dreams, he sought out those who could untie these spiritual knots. Joseph’s response points us toward a deeper truth: while human wisdom is valuable, true understanding often comes from God alone. This word invites us to trust that even when our circumstances seem chaotic or unclear, there is an Interpreter who can bring clarity to the confusion.
We do not need to have all the answers right now. Like Joseph, we can acknowledge that interpretations belong to God and rest in the assurance that He has the ability to untie the most difficult situations. This brings a quiet hope to our faith, knowing that no mystery is too complex for Him to resolve.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he interpreted2×
- he had interpreted2×
- and/ [is one who] interprets2×
- to/ interpret1×
- and/ he interpreted1×
- [was one who] interpreted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/פֹתֵ֖ר2×
- פּוֹתֵ֥ר1×
- פָּתָֽר\׃1×
- פָּתָ֑ר1×
- פָּתַ֛ר1×
- פָּֽתַר\־1×
- לִ/פְתֹּ֥ר1×
- וַ/יִּפְתָּר\־1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 40:8
They said to him, “We have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it.” Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Please tell it to me.”
Joseph shifts the focus from human ability to divine sovereignty by stating that interpretations belong to God.
-
Genesis 41:15
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
Pharaoh acknowledges Joseph’s specific gift, highlighting the cultural value placed on those who could unlock hidden meanings.
-
Genesis 41:12
There was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams. He interpreted to each man according to his dream.
This verse confirms the reliability of the interpretation by showing that Joseph’s explanation matched the eventual outcome exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pātar mean in the Bible?
Why is this word important in the story of Joseph?
Is pātar used for general teaching?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 1 books)
Genesis 7 verses
They said to him, “We have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it.” Joseph said to them, “Don’t…
Genesis 40:16When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and behold,…
Genesis 40:22but he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them.
Genesis 41:8In the morning, his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all of Egypt’s magicians and wise men. Pharaoh told…
Genesis 41:12There was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted…
Genesis 41:13As he interpreted to us, so it was. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”
Genesis 41:15Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you,…