The Hebrew word pâṭûwr, represented by H6358, is derived from a root meaning opened and can be used to describe a bud or something that is open. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, with its meaning shifting significantly depending on the context.
The two uses of H6358 illustrate its contextual flexibility. In Psalms, it is part of a visceral description of mockery, where the psalmist's enemies "shoot out the lip" in contempt Psalms 22:7. This usage conveys a gesture of opening the mouth to scorn. In a completely different setting in 2 Chronicles, the word is used to mean dismissed. The priest Jehoiada did not release the Levitical courses from their duties, ensuring continuous service in the temple 2 Chronicles 23:8.
The context of mockery in Psalms 22:7 links H6358 to other words of derision:
- H3932 lâʻag: Defined as to deride or laugh (to scorn), this word appears alongside H6358 to describe the verbal taunts of the psalmist's enemies Psalms 22:7.
- H5128 nûwaʻ: This word, meaning to waver or shake, is used in the same verse to depict the physical act of shaking the head in scorn, complementing the gesture of shooting out the lip Psalms 22:7.
The significance of H6358 is tied directly to its two distinct applications:
- A Gesture of Contempt: In Psalms, the word helps paint a vivid picture of humiliation. The act of "shooting out the lip" H6358 is a physical manifestation of the deep scorn and derision expressed by the speaker's tormentors Psalms 22:7.
- Release from Duty: In Chronicles, the word carries an administrative meaning of release or discharge. Jehoiada's refusal to dismiss the Levites highlights the gravity of the situation and the necessity of uninterrupted priestly service 2 Chronicles 23:8.
In summary, while pâṭûwr H6358 is a rare term, its two appearances demonstrate a notable range. It can signify either a physical expression of profound mockery, as seen in the psalmist's lament, or the procedural act of dismissing someone from their responsibilities, as recorded in the historical narrative of the priesthood. The meaning is entirely dependent on the surrounding biblical context.
TRV