### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pᵉthichâh**, represented by `{{H6609}}`, means a **drawn sword**. It is a very rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a powerful and specific metaphor for something that is opened or unsheathed for attack.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H6609}}` is in [[Psalms 55:21]], where the psalmist describes the words of an enemy. The speech is outwardly pleasant, "smoother than butter" and "softer than oil," but inwardly malicious. In this context, the words are revealed for what they truly are: **drawn swords**. This illustrates how speech can be used as a weapon, concealing hostile intentions behind a facade of peace.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its single context illuminate the meaning of `{{H6609}}`:
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (word): This term for a "word" or "matter" is set in direct contrast to its hidden nature in the verse. While the **words** are soft, their effect is that of drawn swords [[Psalms 55:21]].
* `{{H7128}}` **qᵉrâb** (war): Defined as a "hostile encounter," this word reveals the true state of the speaker's heart. While the mouth speaks smoothly, **war** is the underlying reality [[Psalms 55:21]].
* `{{H3820}}` **lêb** (heart): This is the seat of true feelings and will. The verse locates the **war** in the **heart**, exposing the source of the deceptive words and highlighting the internal source of conflict [[Psalms 55:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6609}}` is tied directly to its metaphorical use.
* **The Deceptive Power of Words:** The primary lesson from `{{H6609}}` is that words can be weapons. Speech that is seemingly harmless and pleasant can carry a destructive, hidden intent, equivalent to an unsheathed blade [[Psalms 55:21]].
* **Appearance versus Reality:** The use of **drawn swords** serves as the ultimate reveal of the speaker's true nature. It contrasts the "smoother" words of the mouth `{{H6310}}` with the "war" that is in the heart `{{H3820}}`.
* **The Heart as the Source of Conflict:** This term emphasizes the biblical principle that true intent resides in the heart. While the words are soft, the heart contains war, making the words themselves **drawn swords**. This aligns with the teaching to "Keep thy **heart** with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" [[Proverbs 4:23]].
### Summary
In summary, **pᵉthichâh** `{{H6609}}` provides a potent and concise image. Though used only once, its appearance in [[Psalms 55:21]] powerfully illustrates the theme of verbal deceit. It serves as a stark reminder that speech can be weaponized, and the true measure of words is found not in their smoothness but in the intent of the heart from which they originate.
TRV