The Hebrew word pêyâh, represented by H6366, is a very specific term meaning an edge. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Derived as the feminine form of a word meaning "mouth," its sole application in scripture is to describe the sharp quality of a weapon, specifically as being "two-edged."
The single use of H6366 is found in the narrative of Ehud's deliverance of Israel from Moabite oppression. The text describes the unique weapon he prepared for his mission, stating that "Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges" Judges 3:16. This specific detail highlights the deadly and carefully crafted nature of the instrument used to carry out his plan, which was concealed on his right thigh.
Several related words provide context for the object being described:
- H2719 chereb (dagger, sword): This is the word for the cutting instrument that H6366 describes. While used for Ehud's "dagger" Judges 3:16, it more broadly refers to a sword as an instrument of war and judgment, as when David faced Goliath with a sword 1 Samuel 17:45 or in prophecies where nations "beat their swords into plowshares" Isaiah 2:4.
- H8147 shᵉnayim (two): This word quantifies the number of edges on Ehud's dagger. It is the common Hebrew word for two, used to denote pairs, duality, or a choice between two things, such as when Elijah challenged the people for halting "between two opinions" 1 Kings 18:21.
While its singular use limits broad theological development, the context of H6366 points to several themes:
- Instrument of Deliverance: The dagger with "two edges" is the specific tool used by Ehud, a judge raised up by God, to execute judgment and bring deliverance to Israel Judges 3:16. The description emphasizes the effectiveness of the chosen instrument.
- Narrative Specificity: The inclusion of this precise detail—not just a dagger, but a chereb H2719 with shᵉnayim H8147 pêyâh H6366—underscores the vividness of the biblical account. It highlights a key element of Ehud's strategy and God's plan.
- The Sword as a Symbol: The object it describes, a chereb H2719, is often a symbol of divine action. The LORD can call forth his "sword" against his enemies Zechariah 13:7, and here, it is wielded by his appointed agent.
In summary, H6366 pêyâh is a term whose entire biblical meaning is tied to a single, memorable event. It functions as a descriptive word for "edge," used exclusively to characterize the two-edged dagger crafted by Ehud. Its significance lies not in its frequency, but in how its precision contributes to a key moment in Israel's history, adding a vivid detail to the instrument of a judge's divinely-appointed mission.
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