### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פַּת (path), Strong's number `{{H6595}}`, is derived from the verbal root פָּתַת (patat), meaning "to break into pieces" or "to divide." Consequently, פַּת fundamentally denotes a "piece," "bit," or "fragment." While it can theoretically refer to a piece of anything, its overwhelming usage in the Hebrew Bible is in reference to a small portion of bread. Thus, common translations include "morsel," "slice," or "piece" (of bread). The word emphasizes the smallness and divisibility of the item, often highlighting a basic, humble portion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פַּת (path) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, almost exclusively in the construct phrase פַּת לֶחֶם (pat lechem), meaning "a piece of bread" or "a morsel of bread." Its contexts reveal significant cultural and theological implications:
* **Hospitality and Provision:** In [[Genesis 18:5]], Abraham offers "a piece of bread" (פַּת לֶחֶם) to his divine visitors, a foundational act of hospitality. Similarly, in [[Judges 19:5]], a host urges the Levite to "strengthen your heart with a piece of bread," illustrating the provision of basic sustenance to a guest. This highlights the vital role of sharing food, even a small portion, in ancient Near Eastern culture.
* **Basic Sustenance:** The phrase often signifies the most fundamental requirement for life. In [[Ruth 2:14]], Boaz invites Ruth to "dip your morsel in the sour wine," indicating a simple, yet sufficient, meal provided to a gleaner. This underscores the provision of daily needs, often through the kindness of others.
* **Poverty and Desperation:** The term can also underscore dire circumstances. In [[1 Samuel 2:36]], a prophecy against Eli's corrupt house states that his descendants will "crouch before him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread" (וּלְפַת לֶחֶם), depicting a future of extreme destitution and dependency. This usage powerfully conveys the humiliation and desperation of those reduced to begging for even the smallest sustenance.
* **Temptation and Transgression:** [[Proverbs 28:21]] states, "To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will transgress" (וּבְפַת לֶחֶם יִפְשַׁע גָּבֶר). Here, the humble "piece of bread" symbolizes a minimal gain or a desperate need that can corrupt one's integrity, leading to sin or injustice. This verse serves as a potent warning against the dangers of covetousness, even for a seemingly insignificant reward.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary etymological connection for פַּת (path) is its root verb פָּתַת (patat), which signifies "to break," "to cleave," or "to divide." This connection reinforces the core meaning of פַּת as a fragment or broken piece.
The most significant conceptual relationship is with the noun לֶחֶם (lechem), `{{H3899}}`, meaning "bread" or "food" in general. פַּת is nearly always used in conjunction with לֶחֶם, emphasizing that it is a *piece* of bread. This highlights the universality and centrality of bread as a staple food in the biblical world.
Related concepts include:
* **Hospitality:** The act of offering a "piece of bread" is a recurring motif of welcoming strangers and providing for those in need.
* **Provision:** Whether divine or human, the provision of a "morsel" speaks to the basic sustenance necessary for life.
* **Humility and Dependence:** The need for even a "piece of bread" can symbolize human vulnerability and reliance on God or others.
* **Justice and Righteousness:** The warning in Proverbs connects the pursuit of even a small gain (a "piece of bread") to potential transgression, underscoring the importance of ethical conduct regardless of the perceived value of the temptation.
### Theological Significance
While פַּת (path) describes a mundane object, its consistent usage within the biblical narrative imbues it with profound theological significance.
* **God's Daily Provision:** The frequent mention of "a piece of bread" subtly affirms God's faithfulness in providing for the daily needs of His people. Even the smallest morsel is a testament to His sustaining care, echoing the later New Testament concept of "daily bread" in the Lord's Prayer.
* **The Mandate of Hospitality and Charity:** The acts of Abraham and the host in Judges underscore the divine expectation for hospitality and generosity towards the stranger and the needy. Offering "a piece of bread" is not merely a cultural custom but an embodiment of covenant love and compassion, reflecting God's own character.
* **Human Vulnerability and Dependence:** The contexts of destitution (1 Samuel) and temptation (Proverbs) highlight the precariousness of human existence and the profound dependence on either divine blessing or human kindness for even the most basic necessities. It serves as a reminder that all life, and its sustenance, ultimately comes from God.
* **Ethical Integrity:** Proverbs 28:21 elevates the humble "piece of bread" into a moral lesson. It warns against the insidious nature of even small temptations that can lead to significant moral compromise, emphasizing that integrity must be maintained regardless of the perceived value of the bribe or gain.
* **Symbol of Life and Sustenance:** As a fundamental component of "bread," פַּת points to the very essence of life's sustenance. This resonates with broader biblical themes where bread often symbolizes life, blessing, and even divine presence (e.g., the Bread of the Presence, the manna in the wilderness).
### Summary
The Hebrew word פַּת (path), `{{H6595}}`, primarily denotes a "piece" or "morsel," almost exclusively referring to a small portion of bread. Derived from the root meaning "to break," it emphasizes the humble, divisible nature of basic sustenance. Its biblical occurrences consistently highlight its role in acts of hospitality and divine provision, underscoring human dependence and vulnerability. Furthermore, it serves as a potent symbol in warnings against the moral compromises that even seemingly insignificant gains can induce. Theologically, פַּת embodies God's faithful provision, the ethical imperative of charity, and the profound significance of human reliance on both divine and human kindness for the most fundamental necessities of life.
TRV