פִּתְרוֹן (pit.ron)
pit.ron
interpretation
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun pitron means interpretation, specifically referring to the explanation of a dream. It appears only five times in the Old Testament, all within the narrative of Joseph in Genesis chapters 40 and 41. In these passages, the word describes the act of decoding divine messages hidden within royal visions.
Joseph uses this term when speaking to Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, distinguishing his gift from that of other diviners. The sources note an Aramaic equivalent, pešar, which carries the same sense of making something plain or clear. This linguistic link highlights how the concept moved across languages in the ancient Near East.
The word emphasizes clarity over mystery. Joseph does not just guess; he provides a reasoned explanation that reveals the future. By using pitron, the text shows that true insight comes from God, who turns confusing dreams into understandable truth for those who seek His guidance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pitron appears only five times in Scripture, all within the story of Joseph in Genesis. It refers specifically to the interpretation of a dream, distinguishing true insight from mere guessing. Joseph uses this term when explaining that understanding comes not from human divination but from God alone.
This focus on clarity over mystery offers comfort when life feels confusing. Dreams and visions can seem random, yet pitron reminds us that God brings light to darkness. When we face uncertainty, we can trust that He provides the explanation we need.
Joseph’s example shows that true wisdom is a gift from above. By seeking God first, we invite Him to reveal what lies ahead. This hope anchors our faith, knowing that no situation is beyond His understanding or care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- according to/ [the] interpretation of2×
- [is] interpretation/ its2×
- [do] interpretations1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פִּתְרֹנ֑/וֹ2×
- פִּתְרֹנִ֔ים1×
- כְּ/פִתְר֥וֹן1×
- כְּ/פִתְר֣וֹן1×
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 declares that interpretations belong to God, establishing the divine source of true insight rather than human ability.
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Genesis 40:12
Joseph said to him, “This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days.
Joseph provides a specific explanation for the cupbearer's dream, linking the three branches directly to three days.
-
Genesis 40:18
Joseph answered, “This is its interpretation. The three baskets are three days.
Joseph interprets the baker's dream with similar precision, showing how God reveals hidden meanings through clear explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pitron mean in the Bible?
How is pitron different from other words for understanding?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Genesis 5 verses
They both dreamed a dream, each man his dream, in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the…
Genesis 40:8They said to him, “We have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it.” Joseph said to them, “Don’t…
Genesis 40:12Joseph said to him, “This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days.
Genesis 40:18Joseph answered, “This is its interpretation. The three baskets are three days.
Genesis 41:11We dreamed a dream in one night, he and I. Each man dreamed according to the interpretation of his dream.