a primitive root; to twine, i.e. (literally) to struggle or (figuratively) be (morally) tortuous; (shew self) froward, shew self unsavoury, wrestle.
Transliteration:pâthal
Pronunciation:paw-thal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H6617}}` (pâthal) carries the fundamental meaning of "to twine," "to twist," or "to wrestle." This literal sense evokes the imagery of something being coiled, intertwined, or contorted. From this physical sense, the word extends semantically into a significant figurative domain, primarily describing moral perversion or crookedness. When applied to character or action, it denotes being "tortuous," "froward," "perverse," or "unsavory." The essence is a departure from straightness, integrity, or uprightness, suggesting a deliberate bending or distortion of truth and righteousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H6617}}` in the Hebrew Bible are few but highly significant, primarily appearing in the Hithpael stem, which often conveys a reflexive or reciprocal action, or the showing of oneself to be a certain way.
One of the most prominent uses is found in the parallel passages of [[2 Samuel 22:27]] and [[Psalm 18:26]]. In these verses, part of David's psalm of deliverance, it is stated: "With the pure you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you make yourself tortuous" (ESV). The phrase "you make yourself tortuous" (תִּתְפַּתָּל - titpattal) employs `{{H6617}}` in the Hithpael, describing God's reciprocal action towards the perverse. This does not imply that God is inherently perverse, but rather that He deals with the perverse according to their own twisted ways. His justice is perfectly aligned with their crookedness, often allowing their own schemes to ensnare them, or acting in a manner that appears "twisted" to the unrighteous because it thwarts their perverse intentions. It is a profound statement on divine retribution and the principle of *lex talionis* applied spiritually: God's dealings with humanity reflect the character humanity presents to Him.
Another notable instance is in [[Job 5:13]], where Eliphaz declares, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the cunning are quickly overthrown." While some translations render this as "craftiness" or "cunning," the underlying Hebrew root `{{H6617}}` here, often translated "froward" in older versions, retains the sense of twisted, devious, or perverse wisdom. God's action is to ensnare those who employ such "twisted" counsel, revealing the futility of human wisdom when it deviates from divine truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H6617}}` intersects with several other Hebrew words and concepts related to moral deviation, crookedness, and perversion.
* `{{H6140}}` (ʿāqash): This root means "to twist," "to pervert," or "to make crooked." It frequently describes moral perversion, as seen in phrases like "a twisted generation" (`{{H6140}}` + generation). It shares the core idea of deviation from a straight path.
* `{{H6127}}` (ʿāqōb): Derived from `{{H6117}}` (ʿāqab - to supplant, deceive), this adjective means "crooked," "deceitful," or "insidious." It often describes a heart or path that is not straightforward.
* `{{H3868}}` (lāwāh): While primarily meaning "to join" or "to lend," certain derived forms can carry the sense of "perverting" or "twisting," particularly in legal or moral contexts.
* The concept of "straightness" or "uprightness" (e.g., `{{H3477}}` - yāshār) serves as a direct antithesis to the "twisted" nature implied by `{{H6617}}`, highlighting the moral dichotomy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6617}}` is profound, particularly in its depiction of God's character and His interaction with human sinfulness.
1. **Divine Justice and Reciprocity:** The most striking theological implication comes from [[Psalm 18:26]] / [[2 Samuel 22:27]]. It reveals God as perfectly just and reciprocal in His dealings. He does not treat the pure and the perverse in the same manner. While He shows Himself "pure" to the pure, He responds to the "twisted" with a "twisted" (or tortuous) dealing. This is an anthropopathism, illustrating that God's actions confound and ensnare the wicked in their own perversity, rather than implying moral defect in God Himself. It underscores His righteousness in judgment, demonstrating that the consequences of sin are intrinsically linked to the nature of sin itself.
2. **The Nature of Sin:** `{{H6617}}` vividly portrays sin not merely as a mistake or a transgression, but as a fundamental perversion or twisting of what is right, true, and good. It speaks to a deliberate contortion of moral pathways, a departure from the "straight" path of God's commandments and character. This moral "crookedness" is an affront to God's inherent straightness and integrity.
3. **Divine Sovereignty over Human Deceit:** In [[Job 5:13]], `{{H6617}}` highlights God's sovereignty over human cunning and deceit. Even the most "twisted" or ingenious schemes of the wicked are ultimately subject to God's overarching plan. He uses their own perversion to bring about their downfall, demonstrating His wisdom and power in overcoming human rebellion.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6617}}` (pâthal) is a potent term carrying the literal sense of "to twine" or "to twist," which extends powerfully into the figurative meaning of "to be morally tortuous" or "perverse." Its limited but impactful occurrences in the Bible, particularly in [[Psalm 18:26]] and [[2 Samuel 22:27]], illuminate a critical aspect of divine justice: God's reciprocal dealing with humanity. He responds to the morally "twisted" by allowing their own perversity to become their undoing, or by acting in ways that confound their crooked schemes, thereby demonstrating His unwavering righteousness. `{{H6617}}` thus serves as a stark descriptor of human sin as a fundamental departure from integrity and a powerful affirmation of God's just and sovereign response to such moral deviation.
TRV