The Aramaic word paṭṭîysh, represented by H6361, refers to a type of garment, specifically hose or a gown described as if "hammered out wide." This term is highly specific, appearing only 2 times within a single biblical verse.
The sole use of H6361 is found in the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. When they refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, they were ordered to be executed. The scripture states that these men H1400 were bound H3729 in their coats H5622, their hosen H6361, and their hats H3737, and then cast H7412 into the burning H3345 fiery H5135 furnace H861. The mention of their hosen is part of a detailed list emphasizing they were thrown into the fire fully clothed Daniel 3:21.
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the scene in which H6361 appears:
- H5622 çarbal (coat): A cloak or outer garment mentioned immediately before hosen, illustrating the layers of clothing the men were wearing Daniel 3:21.
- H3737 karbᵉlâʼ (hat): Defined as a mantle, this word for headwear completes the description of their attire, highlighting that they were fully dressed Daniel 3:21.
- H3831 lᵉbûwsh (garment): This general term for a garment is used to encompass their "other garments," showing the thoroughness of the description of their clothing Daniel 3:21.
- H3729 kᵉphath (bind): This verb, meaning to fetter, describes the action performed on the men while they were still in their hosen and other clothes, signifying their complete restraint Daniel 3:21.
While a simple article of clothing, the significance of H6361 is found entirely within its narrative context.
- Emphasis on the Sentence: Listing specific articles of clothing, including their hosen, underscores the immediacy and totality of the punishment. The men were seized and thrown into the furnace without even being stripped of their attire.
- Foundation for the Miracle: The detailed record of their clothing, including their hosen H6361, sets the stage for the magnitude of God's deliverance. Later, it is explicitly noted that not even their coats H5622 were changed, nor did the smell of fire H5135 pass on them Daniel 3:27.
- Symbol of Earthly vs. Divine Power: The act of binding men in their everyday garments like hosen to be consumed by fire represents the ultimate extent of human authority, which is then shown to be powerless against divine intervention.
In summary, H6361 is an Aramaic term for hose whose importance is tied exclusively to its appearance in Daniel 3. It functions as a specific detail that enhances the dramatic tension of the scene, highlighting the helplessness of the three men as they were bound fully clothed. Ultimately, its mention serves to magnify the completeness of the miracle, where not a single thread of their attire was harmed by the furnace.
TRV