The Hebrew word pâṭar, represented by H6362, is a primitive root that means to cleave or burst through. It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses, and its meaning extends figuratively to concepts like emitting, dismissing, being free, letting out, or slipping away.
The usage of H6362 spans several distinct contexts. In the wisdom of Proverbs, it is used metaphorically to describe the beginning of conflict as the "letteth out" of water, a release that is difficult to stop Proverbs 17:14. In historical narrative, it describes David's narrow escape from King Saul, where he "slipped away" to avoid being struck by a javelin 1 Samuel 19:10. The word also denotes a state of being set apart or "free," as with the Levite singers who were exempt from other duties to focus on their work in the temple 1 Chronicles 9:33. A prominent use appears in 1 Kings, where it repeatedly describes the "open" flowers carved as decorations throughout Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:18, 1 Kings 6:29, 1 Kings 6:32, 1 Kings 6:35).
Several related words help clarify the meaning of pâṭar by appearing in the same context:
- H4066 mâdôwn (strife): This word is directly connected to H6362 in the warning that letting out water is the beginning of strife Proverbs 17:14.
- H4422 mâlaṭ (to escape): In the account of David's flight from Saul, he first "slipped away" (pâṭar) and then "escaped" (mâlaṭ), showing the two actions working together to secure his deliverance 1 Samuel 19:10.
- H5127 nûwç (to flee): Immediately after David "slipped away" (pâṭar) from Saul's presence, the text states that he "fled" (nûwç), highlighting the urgent nature of the escape 1 Samuel 19:10.
- H5203 nâṭash (to leave off): The proverb that warns against letting out strife also provides the solution: to leave off contention before it escalates, linking the act of releasing with the need to cease Proverbs 17:14.
The conceptual weight of H6362 is seen in its application to both human action and divine space.
- The Start of Conflict: The image of letting out water powerfully illustrates how a single action can release uncontrollable consequences, establishing a principle of wisdom regarding strife and contention Proverbs 17:14.
- Freedom and Deliverance: The word is used to signify a release from immediate danger, as when David slipped away from Saul 1 Samuel 19:10. It also conveys a sense of freedom for a higher purpose, as when the Levites were free for their sacred duties 1 Chronicles 9:33.
- Revealed Beauty: In the context of the temple, "open flowers" suggests a state of bursting forth into full bloom. This application of H6362 points to the idea of beauty being revealed or manifested in a sacred setting.
In summary, pâṭar H6362 is a dynamic word signifying a bursting forth or release. Whether describing David slipping away from death, the unstoppable flow of strife when let out, the freedom of Levites dedicated to service, or the decorative open flowers in the temple, it consistently carries the idea of something breaking through a boundary. It serves as a reminder of the power of release, for good or for ill, and the beauty that can be revealed when something is set free or opened up.
TRV