The Hebrew word pᵉthîygîyl, represented by H6614, is understood to be a stomacher or a figured mantle for holidays. Its derivation is uncertain. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The single occurrence of H6614 is found in a prophecy of judgment in Isaiah 3:24. The verse describes a great reversal where the Lord will replace the luxuries of the daughters of Zion with signs of humiliation and mourning. In this context, the stomacher H6614 is set in direct contrast to "a girding H4228 of sackcloth H8242". It is part of a list of losses, including sweet smell being replaced by stink and beauty by burning, signifying a complete stripping away of worldly finery and pride.
The meaning of H6614 is illuminated by the words it is contrasted with in its only appearance:
- H4228 machăgôreth (girding): This term for a girdle stands in for the ornate stomacher, implying a simpler, more functional garment.
- H8242 saq (sackcloth): Paired with "girding," this word defines the material of the replacement garment. It is coarse loose cloth used in times of deep mourning and repentance (Jonah 3:5, Daniel 9:3).
- H3308 yŏphîy (beauty): This word appears at the end of the same verse, where it is replaced by "burning" H3587. It captures the overall theme of the passage: the loss of external beauty and honor as a consequence of judgment Isaiah 3:24.
The theological significance of H6614 is derived entirely from its singular, impactful use in Isaiah:
- Symbol of Worldly Pride: As a "figured mantle for holidays," the stomacher represents the affluence, status, and vanity that God judges. It is an emblem of a society focused on external appearance rather than inner righteousness.
- The Reversal of Judgment: The replacement of the stomacher with a "girding of sackcloth" is a stark illustration of divine judgment. God turns celebration into mourning and luxury into abasement, demonstrating His power over human fortune and status Isaiah 3:24.
- Transience of Earthly Glory: The stomacher is part of a list of items that are beautiful but fleeting. Its loss, alongside beauty itself, serves as a warning that trust in material possessions and physical appearance is futile and will end in shame Proverbs 31:30.
In summary, pᵉthîygîyl H6614 is a term whose entire scriptural identity is tied to its use as a symbol of condemned luxury in Isaiah 3:24. Though it appears only once, it serves as a potent example of worldly finery that will be stripped away in a moment of divine judgment. It powerfully illustrates the biblical theme that God will replace the proud symbols of human glory with the humble emblems of mourning and repentance.
TRV