The Hebrew word path, represented by H6595, means a bit, morsel, or piece. It is derived from a root meaning to break up. This term appears 15 times in 15 unique verses, often referring to a small portion of food, typically bread. While simple, it carries significant meaning related to sustenance, hospitality, and moral value.
In biblical usage, H6595 frequently appears in contexts of providing food and comfort. Abraham offers his divine visitors a "morsel of bread" as a gesture of hospitality and refreshment Genesis 18:5. Similarly, Boaz invites Ruth to dip her "morsel" at mealtime, an act of kindness and inclusion Ruth 2:14. The term is also used in the context of sacred offerings, where a meat offering is to be parted "in pieces" Leviticus 2:6. In a unique metaphorical use, God's power over nature is described as casting forth ice "like morsels" Psalms 147:17.
Several related words help define the scope of path:
- H3899 lechem (food, especially bread): This word is frequently paired with path, clarifying that the "morsel" or "piece" is most often bread. It signifies basic sustenance, as seen when the woman of Shunem offers a "morsel of bread" to Saul 1 Samuel 28:22.
- H3603 kikkâr (a round loaf; morsel; piece): This term can also mean a morsel or piece of bread, appearing alongside path in the prophecy against Eli's house 1 Samuel 2:36. However, kikkâr has a broader meaning, also referring to a large round coin or "talent" 2 Kings 5:5 or a geographical "plain" Genesis 13:10.
- H95 ʼăgôwrâh (piece of silver): Used in the curse upon Eli's house, a descendant is prophesied to beg for a "piece of silver" and a morsel of bread, contrasting a meager amount of money with a meager amount of food 1 Samuel 2:36.
The theological and moral weight of H6595 is expressed in several key themes:
- Hospitality and Compassion: Offering a "morsel" is a fundamental act of kindness. This is exemplified by Abraham's welcome to his guests Genesis 18:5 and Job's insistence that he never ate his "morsel" alone without sharing it with the fatherless Job 31:17.
- The Value of Integrity: The word is used to measure moral worth. A "dry morsel" with peace is better than a house full of feasting with strife Proverbs 17:1. Conversely, it highlights moral failure when a person transgresses "for a piece of bread" Proverbs 28:21 or when false prophets pollute God's name "for pieces of bread" Ezekiel 13:19.
- Sustenance and Judgment: The "morsel" represents basic provision. In Nathan's parable, the poor man's lamb ate from his own "meat" (or morsel), highlighting its intimate place in the household 2 Samuel 12:3. Its lack signifies judgment, as when Eli's descendants are reduced to begging for a "piece of bread" to survive 1 Samuel 2:36.
In summary, H6595 is more than just a reference to a scrap of food. As path, it functions as a powerful symbol in Scripture. It represents the building block of hospitality, a measure of moral character, and a signifier of both divine provision and judgment. From a simple "morsel of bread" to ice cast from heaven, the word illustrates how the most basic elements of life are imbued with profound spiritual significance.
TRV