from the same as פַּחַת; a hole (by mildew in a garment); fret inward.
Transliteration:pᵉchetheth
Pronunciation:pekh-eh'-theth
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פְּחֶתֶת (pᵉchetheth), Strong's number `{{H6356}}`, denotes a specific kind of hole or cavity. Its base definition, "from the same as פַּחַת; a hole (by mildew in a garment); fret inward," immediately points to a destructive process. The root פַּחַת (pachath) (`{{H6354}}`) typically refers to a pit, a snare, or a state of ruin and destruction. Thus, pᵉchetheth signifies not just any hole, but one that results from an insidious, internal decay, specifically mildew or mold. The phrase "fret inward" is crucial, emphasizing that the damage originates from within the material itself, eating away at its substance rather than being a superficial blemish. This implies a pervasive and deeply embedded corruption that compromises the integrity of the object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פְּחֶתֶת (pᵉchetheth) appears exclusively in the book of Leviticus, in two distinct but related contexts, both pertaining to the laws of ritual purity concerning *tzara'at* (often translated as leprosy, but encompassing various skin diseases, mildew, and mold).
1. **[[Leviticus 13:55]]:** Here, pᵉchetheth describes a severe manifestation of mildew in a garment. The text states, "if the spot has turned greenish or reddish in the garment or in the warp or in the woof or in any article of leather, it is a spreading mildew; it shall be burned in the fire." The subsequent verse, [[Leviticus 13:56]], clarifies, "but if the priest looks, and indeed the spot has faded after it is washed, then he shall tear it out of the garment or out of the leather, out of the warp or out of the woof." The use of pᵉchetheth in [[Leviticus 13:55]] implies a situation where the mildew has not merely discolored the surface but has deeply penetrated and damaged the fabric, creating a "fret inward" that renders the garment irredeemably unclean and necessitates its destruction by fire. This indicates a level of contamination beyond repair.
2. **[[Leviticus 14:37]]:** This passage describes a similar phenomenon, but in the walls of a house: "and if he examines it, and indeed the spot on the walls of the house is greenish or reddish streaks, and they appear to be deeper than the surface." While the word pᵉchetheth itself is not explicitly translated in some versions here, the context and the description of the "streaks" that are "deeper than the surface" (implying an inward fretting) align perfectly with the meaning of pᵉchetheth as a deep, structural decay. If such a condition persists after initial measures, the house is deemed unclean and must be demolished ([[Leviticus 14:45]]), again highlighting the pervasive and destructive nature of this defilement.
In both instances, pᵉchetheth signifies a state of deep, internal corruption that cannot be remedied by simple cleansing or repair. It represents a pervasive defilement that necessitates radical excision or destruction to prevent further spread and maintain the holiness of the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for פְּחֶתֶת (pᵉchetheth) is its root, פַּחַת (pachath) (`{{H6354}}`), which denotes a pit, a snare, or a state of ruin. This reinforces the idea of a destructive cavity or a descent into decay.
Other related concepts and words include:
* צָרַעַת (tzara'at) (`{{H6883}}`): The broader term for the defiling condition, which pᵉchetheth is a severe manifestation of. It refers to a "plague" or "leprosy" that can affect humans, garments, and houses.
* נֶגַע (nega') (`{{H5061}}`): A "stroke," "mark," or "plague," often referring to the initial sign or manifestation of tzara'at. pᵉchetheth describes the advanced, destructive result of the nega' having "fretted inward."
* Words related to decay, corruption, and destruction, such as שַׁחַת (shachath) (`{{H7845}}`), meaning a pit or destruction, and verbs like בָּלָה (balah) (`{{H1086}}`), "to wear out" or "decay."
The concept of pᵉchetheth is intrinsically linked to the elaborate purity laws of the Old Testament, which distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and profane. It speaks to the boundaries and requirements for maintaining a consecrated community in the presence of a holy God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פְּחֶתֶת (pᵉchetheth) is profound, extending beyond its literal meaning to serve as a powerful metaphor for spiritual decay and the consequences of unaddressed sin.
1. **Symbol of Pervasive Defilement:** Pᵉchetheth represents a deep-seated, internal corruption that cannot be merely cleaned or patched. It symbolizes a condition where the very essence or integrity of an object (or, by extension, a person or community) is compromised. This speaks to the radical nature of sin, which, if left unchecked, can "fret inward" and corrupt the core of one's being.
2. **Divine Demand for Holiness:** The drastic measures prescribed for pᵉchetheth—burning the garment or demolishing the house—underscore God's absolute demand for holiness within His covenant community. Anything that harbors such pervasive defilement must be radically separated or destroyed to prevent its spread and maintain the purity of God's dwelling place among His people. It highlights God's intolerance for deep-seated impurity.
3. **Consequences of Unaddressed Sin:** Just as pᵉchetheth spreads and renders objects unusable, so too can sin or spiritual impurity, if left unchecked, corrupt and destroy. The "fret inward" aspect serves as a powerful warning against hidden sins or internal moral decay that may not be immediately apparent but ultimately lead to ruin. It emphasizes that superficial remedies are insufficient for deep-seated problems.
4. **Radical Transformation and New Creation:** The necessity of destroying an item afflicted with pᵉchetheth points towards the idea that some forms of corruption are beyond repair and require a complete renewal or a new creation. This concept finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where believers are called to "put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires" ([[Ephesians 4:22]]) and to become "a new creation" in Christ ([[2 Corinthians 5:17]]), where the old has passed away and the new has come.
### Summary
פְּחֶתֶת (pᵉchetheth) (`{{H6356}}`) is a Hebrew term describing a destructive hole or cavity caused by mildew or rot, specifically characterized by its "fretting inward." Appearing exclusively in Leviticus, it denotes a severe, internal, and incurable defilement in garments ([[Leviticus 13:55]]) and houses ([[Leviticus 14:37]]) within the context of *tzara'at* purity laws. Its presence necessitates radical measures—burning or demolition—underscoring the pervasive nature of the corruption and the impossibility of mere repair. Theologically, pᵉchetheth serves as a potent symbol for deep-seated spiritual decay and the profound consequences of unaddressed sin. It highlights God's unwavering demand for holiness, the need for radical separation from pervasive impurity, and the understanding that some forms of corruption require complete eradication rather than superficial cleansing, pointing ultimately to the transformative power of divine grace.
TRV