(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to פָּתָה; open, i.e. (as noun) width; breadth.
Transliteration:pᵉthay
Pronunciation:peth-ah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H6613}}` (פְּתַי, pᵉthay) is derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H6601}}` (פָּתָה, pathah), which signifies "to open," "to be wide," or "to be spacious." As a noun, pᵉthay specifically denotes "width" or "breadth." Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily focusing on a physical dimension. It describes the lateral extent of an object or space, distinguishing it from length or height. This Aramaic form is consistent with the architectural and dimensional vocabulary found in the Aramaic sections of the biblical text, where precise measurements are often given for structures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6613}}` appears twice in the biblical text, both times in Aramaic sections, and consistently refers to physical dimensions:
1. **[[Ezra 6:3]]**: "Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices are offered, and let its foundations be retained, its height sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits."
In this passage, King Cyrus's decree regarding the rebuilding of the Second Temple specifies its dimensions. The use of pᵉthay here refers to the "breadth" of the Temple, indicating a square foundation of sixty cubits by sixty cubits. This precision underscores the divinely ordained specifications for the sacred dwelling place, reflecting order and grandeur. The measurement contributes to the overall understanding of the Temple's significant scale.
2. **[[Daniel 3:1]]**: "King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits."
Here, pᵉthay describes the "breadth" of the colossal golden image erected by Nebuchadnezzar on the plain of Dura. The dimensions (sixty cubits high by six cubits wide) suggest a very tall and slender, yet imposing, structure. This usage again emphasizes a physical dimension, contributing to the description of an object of immense size, intended to command awe and absolute reverence from the people.
In both occurrences, pᵉthay functions as a precise architectural or sculptural measurement, providing concrete details about the scale of significant structures within their respective narratives.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H6613}}` is the Hebrew verb `{{H6601}}` (פָּתָה, pathah), from which the Aramaic noun conceptually derives. `{{H6601}}` carries the core meaning of "to open," "to be wide," or "to be spacious," which naturally extends to the noun form denoting "width."
Other related Hebrew terms that describe dimensions or space include:
* `{{H7341}}` (רֹחַב, rochav): A Hebrew noun meaning "breadth," "width," or "expanse," frequently used for physical dimensions (e.g., of the tabernacle, temple, or land).
* `{{H7337}}` (רָחַב, rachav): A Hebrew verb meaning "to be wide," "to enlarge," or "to make broad."
* `{{H7521}}` (רָחָב, rachav): A Hebrew adjective meaning "wide" or "broad."
While pᵉthay is distinct in its Aramaic origin and specific occurrences, it functions within the broader biblical vocabulary that meticulously describes physical spaces, whether divinely ordained (like the Temple) or humanly constructed (like Nebuchadnezzar's idol). It contributes to the concrete grounding of biblical narratives, allowing the reader to visualize the scale of events and objects.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6613}}` is primarily indirect, deriving from the objects it describes rather than the word itself. As a term for "width" or "breadth," it is a neutral descriptor of physical dimension.
In the context of the Temple in [[Ezra 6:3]], the specified "breadth" of sixty cubits contributes to the understanding of the sacred space's grandeur and capacity. The meticulous divine and royal decrees concerning the Temple's dimensions underscore the importance of precision and order in the worship of God. The Temple's size, including its breadth, reflects the majesty of the God it houses and the vastness of His presence. It speaks to the careful planning and execution of a structure dedicated to the divine, emphasizing that God's dwelling place is not small or insignificant but built to a scale befitting His glory.
Conversely, in [[Daniel 3:1]], the "breadth" of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image contributes to its imposing and intimidating presence. The colossal dimensions of the idol (sixty cubits high by six cubits wide) symbolize human pride, idolatry, and the king's attempt to establish a rival authority to God. The sheer scale, including its breadth, was designed to compel universal worship and submission, highlighting the human tendency towards self-exaltation and the creation of false gods. The word pᵉthay here helps to paint a vivid picture of the physical manifestation of this idolatrous act.
Thus, while pᵉthay itself is a descriptive term, its usage in these pivotal narratives provides concrete details that enhance the theological implications of divine command and human defiance.
### Summary
`{{H6613}}` (פְּתַי, pᵉthay) is an Aramaic noun meaning "width" or "breadth," rooted in the concept of "opening" or "being wide" (cf. `{{H6601}}`). It appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Bible. Its two occurrences in [[Ezra 6:3]] and [[Daniel 3:1]] consistently describe the physical breadth of significant structures: the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem and Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, respectively. In both instances, pᵉthay provides precise dimensional details, contributing to the reader's understanding of the scale and significance of these objects. While the word itself is a neutral descriptor, its application in these contexts underscores the meticulousness of divine architectural plans and the grandiosity of human idolatrous constructs, thereby indirectly serving to ground profound theological narratives in concrete, measurable reality.
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