of Persian origin; a dainty; portion (provision) of meat.
Transliteration:pathbag
Pronunciation:pathbag'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פַּתְבַּג (pathbag, `{{H6598}}`) is a loanword of Persian origin, denoting a specific kind of provision, often translated as "dainty," "portion," or "provision of meat." Its semantic range points to food that is not merely sustenance, but food of a superior quality, specially prepared or allocated, typically associated with a royal table or high-status individuals. It signifies a rich, perhaps luxurious, diet, distinguishing it from common fare. The nuance of "dainty" implies something choice, selected for its excellence or desirability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פַּתְבַּג (pathbag, `{{H6598}}`) appears exclusively within the Book of Daniel, specifically in chapter 1. Its four occurrences are central to the narrative concerning Daniel and his three friends in the Babylonian court:
* **[[Daniel 1:5]]**: "The king appointed for them a daily portion of the king’s food and of the wine that he drank, and they were to be educated for three years, at the end of which they were to stand before the king." Here, the *pathbag* is the royal provision intended for the young Judean captives, designed to integrate them into the Babylonian court system.
* **[[Daniel 1:8]]**: "But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, nor with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself." This verse highlights Daniel’s conscientious objection to the *pathbag*, viewing it as a source of defilement. The defilement could stem from several factors: the food potentially violating Mosaic dietary laws (e.g., unclean animals, improper slaughter); it might have been offered to Babylonian idols; or it could simply represent assimilation into a pagan culture, compromising their distinct identity as Yahweh's people.
* **[[Daniel 1:13]]**: "Then let our appearance be observed before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the king’s food, and deal with your servants according to what you see." Daniel proposes a ten-day test, comparing the physical well-being of those who eat the *pathbag* with those who eat only vegetables and water.
* **[[Daniel 1:16]]**: "So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables." This verse confirms the outcome of the test, where Daniel and his friends were granted their request, and the *pathbag* was withheld from them.
In each instance, *pathbag* represents the lavish, potentially defiling, and culturally assimilating diet of the Babylonian court, standing in stark contrast to the simple, clean diet chosen by Daniel and his companions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of פַּתְבַּג (pathbag, `{{H6598}}`) is intrinsically linked to several broader biblical themes and terms:
* **Dietary Laws:** The refusal of *pathbag* immediately brings to mind the Mosaic dietary laws outlined in books like [[Leviticus 11]] and [[Deuteronomy 14]], which distinguish between clean and unclean foods. While not explicitly stated that the *pathbag* violated these laws, the concern for defilement strongly implies it.
* **Holiness and Purity:** The act of abstaining from the *pathbag* is an act of maintaining ritual and moral purity, a core concept in Israelite faith (e.g., `{{H6944}}`, *qodesh* - holiness).
* **Idolatry and Pagan Practices:** Food from a pagan king's table was often associated with offerings to idols, a practice strictly forbidden for Israelites (e.g., [[Exodus 34:15]], [[1 Corinthians 8:7-10]]).
* **Divine Provision:** The narrative implicitly contrasts the king's provision (the *pathbag*) with God's provision, as Daniel and his friends thrive on a simple diet, demonstrating God's ability to sustain His faithful servants (e.g., `{{H400}}`, *okel* - food; `{{H3899}}`, *lechem* - bread, food).
* **Wisdom and Discernment:** Daniel's approach to the situation, not through open rebellion but through a respectful request and proposed test, showcases divine wisdom (e.g., `{{H2451}}`, *chokmah* - wisdom).
### Theological Significance
The refusal of the פַּתְבַּג (pathbag, `{{H6598}}`) by Daniel and his friends carries profound theological weight:
1. **Commitment to Holiness and Separation:** It underscores a radical commitment to God's covenant and laws, even in a foreign, hostile environment. Their refusal was not merely about diet but about maintaining a distinct identity as Yahweh's people, refusing to assimilate fully into pagan culture. It was a conscious act of separation unto God.
2. **Faith and Trust in Divine Providence:** By rejecting the king's abundant provisions, Daniel and his companions demonstrated unwavering faith that God would sustain them. Their flourishing on a simple diet, surpassing those who ate the *pathbag*, powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness to those who honor Him. This serves as a testament to God's ability to provide and bless beyond conventional means.
3. **Integrity in Exile:** The *pathbag* becomes a symbol of the pervasive temptations and pressures to compromise one's faith and integrity when living as a minority in a dominant, ungodly culture. Daniel's example provides a model for living faithfully and uncompromisingly in exile.
4. **God's Sovereignty Over Human Authority:** Despite being captives in a foreign land, Daniel's obedience to God ultimately results in divine favor and wisdom that surpasses the wisdom of the Babylonian court. This narrative subtly asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and systems.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פַּתְבַּג (pathbag, `{{H6598}}`) refers to a special, choice portion of food, particularly associated with a royal or high-status table. Though appearing only in the Book of Daniel, its significance is immense. It serves as a focal point for Daniel's resolve to maintain his purity and commitment to God's law while in Babylonian exile. His refusal of the *pathbag* symbolizes a deep theological commitment to holiness, unwavering faith in God's provision, and the preservation of spiritual integrity amidst cultural pressure. The narrative surrounding *pathbag* powerfully illustrates that obedience to God, even in seemingly small matters, leads to divine blessing and demonstrates God's faithfulness to those who honor Him above all earthly allurements.
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