from פָּתַח; something opened, i.e. a drawn sword; drawn sword.
Transliteration:pᵉthichâh
Pronunciation:peth-ee-khaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun פְּתִחָה (pᵉthichâh, `{{H6609}}`) is derived from the verb פָּתַח (pātach, `{{H6605}}`), which fundamentally means "to open," "to loosen," or "to set free." As a noun, pᵉthichâh carries the sense of "something opened." However, its semantic range is highly specialized and narrow, exclusively referring to a "drawn sword" or an "unsheathed sword." This specific meaning highlights the action of drawing a sword from its scabbard, thereby "opening" or "unveiling" its destructive potential. It does not refer to a sword in general, but specifically one that is ready for immediate use, poised for battle or execution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פְּתִחָה (pᵉthichâh, `{{H6609}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezekiel:
* **[[Ezekiel 21:28]]**: "And you, son of man, prophesy and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites and concerning their reproach, "Indeed, a sword, a sword is drawn (פְּתִחָה), made bright for slaughter, polished for consumption, for flashing like lightning."'"
In this singular occurrence, pᵉthichâh is used in a powerful prophetic oracle against Ammon, within a broader "sword song" (Ezekiel 21:1-32) that pronounces divine judgment upon Judah and surrounding nations. The repetition of "a sword, a sword" emphasizes its certainty and severity. The term pᵉthichâh describes the sword's state: it is not merely present, but "drawn" or "unsheathed," signifying its imminent and active deployment. The accompanying descriptions—"made bright for slaughter," "polished for consumption," and "flashing like lightning"—further underscore the sword's readiness, its terrifying brilliance, and its swift, decisive purpose. The context clearly establishes this "drawn sword" as an instrument of divine wrath and judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for pᵉthichâh (`{{H6609}}`) is its root verb, פָּתַח (pātach, `{{H6605}}`), which means "to open." This root is used broadly throughout the Hebrew Bible for opening gates, doors, mouths, eyes, wombs, or even the heavens. The noun pᵉthichâh takes this general concept of "opening" and applies it specifically to the act of drawing a weapon, thereby "opening" its deadly potential.
While pᵉthichâh describes a *state* of the sword, the most common Hebrew word for "sword" itself is חֶרֶב (cherev, `{{H2719}}`). Other related concepts include:
* **Divine Judgment:** The sword is a recurring biblical metaphor for God's judgment and wrath (e.g., [[Leviticus 26:25]], [[Jeremiah 25:29]], [[Isaiah 34:5]]).
* **Warfare and Destruction:** The imagery of a drawn sword inherently evokes themes of conflict, violence, and devastation.
* **Readiness and Imminence:** The "drawn" state conveys a sense of immediate action and unavoidable outcome.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of פְּתִחָה (pᵉthichâh, `{{H6609}}`) in [[Ezekiel 21:28]] carries profound theological weight. The "drawn sword" is not merely a human weapon but is explicitly identified as belonging to "the Lord GOD." This signifies that the impending judgment is not random or arbitrary but is a direct, deliberate act of divine will.
The term emphasizes the *imminence* and *irrevocability* of God's judgment. A sword that is "drawn" is no longer merely a threat; it is out of its scabbard, poised to strike. This imagery conveys that the time for repentance has passed, and the execution of divine justice is at hand. The "drawn sword" symbolizes God's active engagement in history to punish wickedness and uphold His righteousness.
Furthermore, the description of the sword being "made bright for slaughter, polished for consumption, for flashing like lightning" underscores the perfection, precision, and terrifying swiftness of God's judgment. It is not a clumsy or hesitant act but a meticulously prepared and devastating blow. The "flashing like lightning" suggests both the suddenness and the undeniable power of God's intervention, making His judgment inescapable and visible to all. Thus, pᵉthichâh serves as a potent symbol of God's sovereign power to execute His righteous decrees.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פְּתִחָה (pᵉthichâh, `{{H6609}}`) is a unique and powerful term, appearing only once in the biblical text. Derived from the root meaning "to open," it specifically denotes a "drawn" or "unsheathed" sword. In its sole occurrence in [[Ezekiel 21:28]], it vividly portrays the instrument of God's imminent and severe judgment. The "drawn sword" symbolizes the active, unavoidable, and devastating nature of divine wrath against sin. It underscores the Lord GOD's sovereign power and His readiness to execute justice, leaving no doubt as to the certainty and precision of His righteous decrees.
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