a primitive root; to cleave or burst through, i.e. (causatively) to emit, whether literal or figurative (gape); dismiss, free, let (shoot) out, slip away.
Transliteration:pâṭar
Pronunciation:paw-tar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root פָּטַר (pâṭar, `{{H6362}}`) is a primitive verb carrying the core semantic idea of "to cleave or burst through." This foundational sense extends to a causative meaning: "to emit," "to release," or "to open." The range of its application is quite broad, encompassing both literal and figurative uses. Literally, it can describe the act of "opening" or "gapeing," as in the mouth. Causatively, it signifies "to dismiss," "to free," "to let (shoot) out," or "to slip away." A crucial aspect of its semantic range is its connection to the concept of "firstborn," where it denotes that which "opens the womb," thus being the first to emerge. This highlights a dynamic action of breaking forth and initiating.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb פָּטַר (pâṭar, `{{H6362}}`) appears in various forms and contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its nuanced meaning:
* **Opening the Womb / Firstborn:** This is arguably the most significant and frequent usage, particularly in the Piel participle form, פֶּטֶר (peter, `{{H6363}}`), meaning "that which opens." It consistently refers to the "firstborn" of humans and animals, emphasizing their status as the initial offspring to emerge from the womb.
* In [[Exodus 13:2]] and [[Exodus 13:12]], God commands the consecration of "every firstborn (פֶּטֶר) that opens the womb." This establishes a divine claim over the firstfruits of life.
* Similarly, [[Exodus 34:19]], [[Numbers 3:12]], [[Numbers 8:16]], and [[Numbers 18:15]] reiterate this principle, underscoring the sacredness and ownership of the firstborn by Yahweh. The act of "opening" here signifies a unique position of preeminence and divine right.
* **Releasing / Setting Free:** The root also conveys the idea of releasing or setting something free.
* In [[Job 39:5]], the question is posed, "Who has let the wild donkey go free (פָּטַר)?" Here, the verb describes the act of releasing an animal from captivity or restraint, allowing it to roam freely.
* [[Numbers 30:5]] uses the verb in the context of vows: if a father hears his daughter's vow and "releases her" (וְהֵפֵר לָהּ, literally "and he breaks it for her," but the root is pâṭar in the Hiphil, meaning to "let go" or "release" from the vow), then the vow is not binding. This demonstrates the power to nullify or free someone from an obligation.
* **Dismissing / Casting Out:** In a more forceful sense, פָּטַר can mean to dismiss or cast out.
* [[1 Samuel 19:10]] describes Saul attempting to pin David to the wall with his spear, stating that David "slipped away" (וַיִּפְטַר) from Saul's presence. Here, it conveys a swift, decisive departure or escape, a "letting go" from a dangerous situation. The nuance is more about *slipping out* or *getting clear*.
* **Opening the Mouth / Gaping:**
* [[Psalm 22:13]] uses the verb to describe enemies, likened to ravening wolves, who "gape" (פָּטְרוּ) with their mouths wide open against the psalmist. This illustrates the literal sense of opening or bursting forth, specifically in the context of a predatory or hostile action.
Across these contexts, the underlying theme of initiation, release, or breaking forth remains consistent, whether it's the first life emerging, an animal being set free, a person escaping, or a mouth opening wide.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most significant derivative of פָּטַר (pâṭar, `{{H6362}}`) is the noun פֶּטֶר (peter, `{{H6363}}`), which directly means "that which opens" or "firstborn." This noun encapsulates the core meaning of the verb as it applies to the initial offspring. Another related term is פִּטְרָה (pitrah, `{{H6364}}`), meaning "opening," specifically referring to the opening of the womb.
Conceptually, פָּטַר relates to:
* **Consecration:** The act of setting apart the firstborn for God.
* **Redemption:** The necessity of redeeming the firstborn, often through sacrifice or payment.
* **Sovereignty:** God's ultimate claim over all life, particularly that which "opens" or initiates.
* **Freedom/Liberation:** The broader idea of being released from bondage, obligation, or restraint.
* **Firstfruits:** The principle of giving the first and best to God, a concept closely tied to the firstborn.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּטַר (pâṭar, `{{H6362}}`) is profound, largely due to its association with the "firstborn" (פֶּטֶר).
1. **Divine Ownership and Consecration:** The repeated command to consecrate "every firstborn that opens the womb" (e.g., [[Exodus 13:2]]) establishes God's absolute ownership over all life, especially the initial and most potent expression of it. This principle is rooted in the Exodus narrative, where God "opened" the womb of Egypt by striking down their firstborn, thereby liberating Israel, His "firstborn" nation. The firstborn thus serves as a representative of all, symbolizing God's claim over the entirety of creation.
2. **Redemption and Substitution:** Because the firstborn belonged to God, they had to be redeemed. This requirement (e.g., [[Numbers 18:15]]) prefigures the concept of substitutionary atonement. The redemption of the firstborn through a lamb (Passover) or through payment (Levites for the firstborn males) foreshadows the ultimate redemption provided by Jesus Christ, the "firstborn over all creation" ([[Colossians 1:15]]) and the "firstborn from the dead" ([[Colossians 1:18]]), who by His sacrifice "opened" the way to salvation and eternal life.
3. **Covenantal Relationship:** The consecration of the firstborn served as a constant reminder of God's covenant with Israel and His saving acts. It was a tangible expression of their identity as a people set apart by God, who had been "released" from slavery.
4. **Freedom and Release:** In its broader sense of "releasing" or "setting free," פָּטַר speaks to God's character as a liberator. He frees His people from bondage, from vows, and from dangerous situations. This resonates with the spiritual freedom offered through faith, where believers are "released" from the power of sin and death.
### Summary
The Hebrew root פָּטַר (pâṭar, `{{H6362}}`) fundamentally conveys the idea of "cleaving or bursting through," leading to the causative sense of "to emit," "to release," or "to open." Its most prominent usage is in relation to the "firstborn" (פֶּטֶר), signifying that which "opens the womb" and is therefore uniquely claimed by God. Beyond this, the word describes acts of setting free, dismissing, escaping, or literally opening the mouth. Theologically, פָּטַט underscores God's absolute ownership over life, particularly His claim on the firstfruits, which necessitates consecration and redemption. This principle of redemption, profoundly illustrated by the Passover and the substitutionary atonement, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the divine "Firstborn" who provides true release and freedom. The multifaceted nature of פָּטַר thus reveals a dynamic aspect of divine sovereignty, liberation, and covenantal relationship.
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