feminine of פִּשְׁתֶּה; flax; by implication, a wick; flax, tow.
Transliteration:pishtâh
Pronunciation:pish-taw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פִּשְׁתָּה (pishtâh, `{{H6594}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root meaning "flax." Its primary semantic range encompasses the plant *Linum usitatissimum* itself, the fibers extracted from it, and by extension, the products made from these fibers, particularly linen cloth. Crucially, the term also extends metaphorically to denote a "wick," typically fashioned from flax or tow, due to its characteristic ability to absorb oil and sustain a flame. This dual meaning—the raw material and the specific application as a wick—is central to its biblical usage. It distinguishes itself from the masculine form פִּשְׁתֶּה (pishteh, `{{H6593}}`), which often refers more broadly to the raw flax plant or unprocessed material.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of פִּשְׁתָּה (pishtâh, `{{H6594}}`) in the Hebrew Bible reveal its diverse applications, ranging from agricultural contexts to profound theological metaphors.
In [[Exodus 9:31]], during the seventh plague upon Egypt, the text notes, "Now the flax and the barley were ruined, for the barley was in the ear and the flax in bud." Here, פִּשְׁתָּה refers to the growing flax plant, highlighting its vulnerability to divine judgment and its significance as a staple crop in ancient Egypt.
[[Joshua 2:6]] describes Rahab's actions in Jericho: "But she had brought them up to the roof and hid them with the stalks of flax which she had laid out on the roof." This passage depicts the raw flax stalks, likely laid out to dry for processing into fibers, demonstrating its use in everyday life and, in this case, for concealment.
[[Proverbs 31:13]], within the description of the virtuous woman, states, "She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." This verse underscores flax as a primary raw material for textile production, indicative of industry, diligence, and domestic skill. Similarly, in [[Hosea 2:5]] and [[Hosea 2:9]], flax appears as a valuable commodity, part of the "bread, water, wool, and flax" that Israel wrongly attributed to her lovers rather than to Yahweh, emphasizing its economic and material importance.
Perhaps the most profound and widely cited usage of פִּשְׁתָּה is found in [[Isaiah 42:3]]: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice." Here, פִּשְׁתָּה denotes a "dimly burning wick" (often translated "smoking flax" or "smoldering wick"). This is a powerful metaphor for the Messiah's gentle, compassionate character. He will not extinguish even the weakest spark of life or faith, demonstrating patience and restorative grace towards the struggling and vulnerable.
A similar metaphorical usage appears in [[Isaiah 43:17]]: "who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down together, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick." In this context, the "quenched wick" signifies the swift and complete destruction of military might before the overwhelming power of God, illustrating transience and divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of פִּשְׁשְׁתָּה (pishtâh, `{{H6594}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts. Its masculine counterpart, פִּשְׁתֶּה (pishteh, `{{H6593}}`), often refers to the raw flax plant or material, while פִּשְׁתָּה tends to emphasize the processed fiber or a specific product like a wick.
The most significant related concept is "linen," the fabric produced from flax. While the Hebrew word for linen (e.g., בּוּץ *būṣ*, שֵׁשׁ *šēš*) is distinct, linen's pervasive use throughout the Bible for priestly garments, tabernacle coverings, and royal attire imbues it with strong symbolic associations of purity, holiness, righteousness, and wealth. The raw material, פִּשְׁתָּה, is thus foundational to these profound symbolic meanings.
The metaphorical usage as a "wick" connects פִּשְׁתָּה to concepts of light, life, fragility, and the sustenance of a flame. This naturally links to themes of divine presence (e.g., the lampstand in the Tabernacle), spiritual vitality, and the gentle preservation of life.
Agriculturally, פִּשְׁתָּה is intertwined with terms related to farming, harvesting, and textile production, reflecting ancient Israel's agrarian economy and the industriousness of its people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פִּשְׁתָּה (pishtâh, `{{H6594}}`) spans several key areas:
Firstly, as a natural resource, flax speaks to God's **provision and the created order**. Its destruction in the plagues of Egypt underscores divine **judgment** and God's sovereignty over creation.
Secondly, in passages like [[Proverbs 31:13]], flax represents **human industry, diligence, and wisdom**. The virtuous woman's engagement with flax highlights the value of productive labor and the creation of useful goods for the household.
Thirdly, and most profoundly, the metaphor of the "dimly burning wick" in [[Isaiah 42:3]] (and later quoted in [[Matthew 12:20]] concerning Jesus) reveals the **Messiah's profound compassion and gentle restorative power**. This image portrays one who does not crush the weak or extinguish the struggling, but rather nurtures the faintest spark of hope or faith. It is a powerful testament to divine grace and the tender care for the vulnerable.
Conversely, the "quenched wick" in [[Isaiah 43:17]] serves as a stark reminder of the **fragility and transience of human power** when confronted by the might of God. It underscores the futility of human resistance against divine purposes.
Finally, through its product, linen, פִּשְׁתָּה is indirectly linked to **purity, righteousness, and holiness**. While the raw material itself is not inherently sacred, its transformation into white linen for priestly vestments and righteous garments in Revelation carries significant theological weight regarding sanctification and divine favor.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פִּשְׁתָּה (pishtâh, `{{H6594}}`) denotes "flax," encompassing the plant, its fibers, and by implication, a "wick." Its biblical occurrences illustrate its literal importance as an agricultural crop and textile material in ancient Israel, evident in contexts from divine judgment ([[Exodus 9:31]]) to domestic industry ([[Proverbs 31:13]]). The most profound theological insight derives from its metaphorical use as a "dimly burning wick" ([[Isaiah 42:3]]). This image powerfully conveys the Messiah's gentle compassion, his refusal to extinguish even the weakest spark of life or faith, and his commitment to restorative justice. Conversely, the "quenched wick" in [[Isaiah 43:17]] underscores the swift and complete demise of human strength before God's omnipotence. Thus, פִּשְׁתָּה moves beyond a simple botanical term to embody themes of divine provision, human diligence, and, most significantly, the tender and merciful character of God's redemptive work.
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