### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pâthal**, represented by `{{H6617}}`, is a primitive root used to describe something that is twined. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is twofold: it can refer to a literal, physical struggle, or it can be used figuratively to describe a person or counsel that is morally tortuous and unsavoury.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{H6617}}` is used to depict a physical contest. When Rachel bore a son, she declared, "With great wrestlings have I **wrestled** with my sister, and I have prevailed" [[Genesis 30:8]]. Here, the word signifies a deep, personal struggle for family and blessing. Figuratively, the word describes a morally twisted or crooked nature. In [[Proverbs 8:8]], the words of wisdom are described as being entirely in righteousness, with "nothing **froward** or perverse in them." Similarly, [[Job 5:13]] states that God takes the wise in their own craftiness and that "the counsel of the **froward** is carried headlong." The Psalms and 2 Samuel present a principle of divine interaction: God shows himself pure to the pure, but with the froward, He will "shew thyself **froward**" [[Psalms 18:26]] or "shew thyself **unsavoury**" [[2 Samuel 22:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning of `{{H6617}}`:
* `{{H5319}}` **naphtûwl** (wrestling): This noun is derived from `{{H6617}}` and is used in [[Genesis 30:8]] to describe the "great **wrestlings**" between Rachel and her sister. It defines the literal, intense struggle that the verb conveys.
* `{{H6141}}` **ʻiqqêsh** (perverse): This word for something distorted or crooked is frequently paired with `{{H6617}}`. It describes the character of the **froward** in [[Psalms 18:26]] and [[2 Samuel 22:27]], and appears alongside `{{H6617}}` in [[Proverbs 8:8]] to emphasize the twisted nature being condemned.
* `{{H1305}}` **bârar** (pure): This term stands in direct contrast to the concept of being froward. In both [[Psalms 18:26]] and [[2 Samuel 22:27]], God's promise to "shew thyself **pure**" to the pure highlights the opposite path to the one described by `{{H6617}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6617}}` is seen in its portrayal of both human struggle and moral deviation.
* **Foundational Struggle:** The word's use in the story of Naphtali's birth frames a physical and emotional contest as a pivotal event in Israel's history, where one is able to **wrestle** and prevail [[Genesis 30:8]].
* **Contrast with Divine Wisdom:** By setting the "froward" in opposition to the righteousness of God's words, scripture establishes that a tortuous or devious character is incompatible with divine wisdom and truth [[Proverbs 8:8]].
* **Principle of Reciprocity:** The most significant theological point is that God's actions toward people reflect their own ways. To the froward, God shows Himself "unsavoury" or "froward," meaning He acts adversely toward those whose ways are crooked and against His own nature ([[2 Samuel 22:27]], [[Psalms 18:26]]).
* **Futility of Crooked Counsel:** The counsel of the **froward** is ultimately destined for failure, as it is "carried headlong" by God, who captures the cunning in their own schemes [[Job 5:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6617}}` **pâthal** carries a powerful dual meaning. It represents both a literal, strenuous **wrestle** and a figurative, moral crookedness described as being **froward** or **unsavoury**. While its literal use marks a key moment of struggle and victory in Israel's patriarchal history, its figurative use serves as a warning. It illustrates the biblical principle that a tortuous character is contrary to divine wisdom and will be met with divine opposition, while purity is met with purity.
TRV