passive participle of פָּטַר; opened, i.e. (as noun) a bud; open.
Transliteration:pâṭûwr
Pronunciation:paw-toor'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פָּטוּר (pâṭûwr), Strong's H6358, functions as a passive participle derived from the verb פָּטַר (pâṭar, `{{H6362}}`). At its core, the verb `{{H6362}}` conveys the sense of "to open," "to split," "to free," or "to release." Consequently, פָּטוּר (pâṭûwr) signifies something that has been "opened" or "released." Its semantic range extends to describe something in an initial state of emergence or unfolding. As a noun, it specifically denotes a "bud"—an unopened or newly opened flower or leaf, representing the nascent stage of growth and potential. This suggests a state of being "unveiled" or "emerging" from a previously closed or dormant condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פָּטוּר (pâṭûwr) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Numbers:
* **[[Numbers 17:8]]**: "And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds (פָּטוּר), and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds."
In this solitary occurrence, פָּטוּר (pâṭûwr) is used as a noun, referring to the "buds" that miraculously appeared on Aaron's staff. The context is crucial: God's divine authentication of the Aaronic priesthood. The staff, a dry piece of wood, supernaturally burst forth with life, producing buds, blossoms, and ripe almonds overnight. The "buds" (פָּטוּר) represent the very first visible signs of this miraculous reanimation and burgeoning life. This immediate and complete manifestation of life, from dormancy to fruitfulness, serves as an undeniable sign of God's chosen authority. The use of פָּטוּר emphasizes the initial, miraculous "opening" of life from the barren rod.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of פָּטוּר (pâṭûwr) is enriched by its relationship to its root and other derived terms:
* **Root Verb:** פָּטַר (pâṭar, `{{H6362}}`): This verb is foundational, meaning "to open," "to split open," "to let go," "to release," or "to set free." It carries connotations of breaking forth from confinement or initiating a new state.
* **Derived Noun:** פֶּטֶר (peṭer, `{{H6363}}`): This noun specifically means "opening," and is most famously used in the phrase פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם (peṭer reḥem), meaning "opening of the womb." This phrase designates the firstborn, whether human or animal (e.g., [[Exodus 13:2]], [[Numbers 3:12]]). The semantic connection to פָּטוּר (pâṭûwr) lies in the concept of "firstness" or "primacy" associated with something that "opens" or "emerges" first. While פָּטוּר (pâṭûwr) refers to a plant bud, the shared root emphasizes an initial breaking forth.
* **Conceptual Links:** The word evokes concepts of new life, emergence, divine initiation, and the breaking of dormancy. The miraculous "opening" of the bud on Aaron's rod aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's power to bring life from death or barrenness.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of פָּטוּר (pâṭûwr) is profound, primarily through its context in [[Numbers 17:8]]:
* **Divine Validation and Authority:** The "budding" (פָּטוּר) of Aaron's rod serves as an irrefutable sign of God's choice and confirmation of the Aaronic priesthood. The immediate emergence of life from a dead stick, beginning with the "buds," signifies divine approval and the bestowal of spiritual authority. It underscores that true authority originates from God and is supernaturally validated by Him.
* **Life from Barrenness:** The image of the bud, representing nascent life, breaking forth from a dry rod is a powerful metaphor for God's ability to bring life, fruitfulness, and purpose out of seemingly barren or impossible situations. It speaks to the divine capacity for transformation and regeneration.
* **Theological Primacy and Consecration:** While פָּטוּר (pâṭûwr) itself does not directly mean "firstborn," its strong etymological link to `{{H6363}}` (פֶּטֶר), "opening of the womb," subtly connects it to the biblical concept of the firstborn as consecrated to God. The "opening" of the bud, like the "opening" of the womb, signifies a divinely initiated beginning, often associated with special status or dedication. In Aaron's rod, this "firstness" of life signifies the unique and consecrated status of the priesthood.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פָּטוּר (pâṭûwr, `{{H6358}}`) is a passive participle meaning "opened" or "released," and notably functions as a noun for a "bud." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Numbers 17:8]] describes the miraculous "buds" that appeared on Aaron's staff, serving as a divine sign of authentication for the Aaronic priesthood. Rooted in פָּטַר (`{{H6362}}`) meaning "to open" or "to free," and semantically connected to פֶּטֶר (`{{H6363}}`), "opening of the womb" (firstborn), פָּטוּר carries rich theological weight. It signifies divine validation, the miraculous emergence of life and fruitfulness from dormancy, and subtly points to concepts of divine initiation and consecrated beginnings. Despite its rare occurrence, פָּטוּר powerfully communicates God's sovereignty over life, authority, and the unfolding of His divine purposes.
TRV