English · KJV
H6622

פָּתַר

pâthar /paw-thar'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto open up, i.e. (figuratively) interpret (a dream)
KJV usageinterpret(-ation, -er).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of pâthar — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew root pâthar, represented by H6622, means to open up, i.e. (figuratively) interpret (a dream). It appears 9 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is highly specific, consistently referring to the act of interpreting dreams, particularly in the context of divine revelation.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The word H6622 is found exclusively in the narrative of Joseph in Genesis. It first appears when Pharaoh's butler and baker are imprisoned with Joseph, having dreamed a dream H2472 but having no interpreter H6622 Genesis 40:8. Later, Pharaoh H6547 himself is troubled by a dream, and though he calls for all the magicians H2748 and wise men H2450 of Egypt H4714, none could interpret his dream Genesis 41:8. The word's usage culminates in Joseph H3130, who is presented to Pharaoh as one who can interpret dreams, ultimately demonstrating that the interpretation he provides is accurate and comes to pass (Genesis 41:13, Genesis 41:15).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the context in which H6622 is used:

  • H6623 pithrôwn (interpretation): This is the noun form, meaning interpretation (of a dream). Joseph uses this when he asks the butler and baker about their dreams, stating, "Do not interpretations belong to God?" Genesis 40:8.
  • H2472 chălôwm (dream): This word for a dream is the object that requires interpretation. The entire narrative is driven by the fact that Pharaoh and his servants have a dream but cannot understand its meaning without an interpreter Genesis 41:8.
  • H2450 châkâm (wise): This term describes the wise men of Egypt who were summoned by Pharaoh. Their failure to interpret the dream contrasts sharply with Joseph's God-given ability, setting the stage for his elevation Genesis 41:8.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H6622 centers on the source of true understanding and wisdom.

  • Divine Revelation: The ability to interpret is not presented as a human skill but as a gift from God H430. Joseph makes this clear when he attributes the power of interpretation directly to God Genesis 40:8.
  • Insufficiency of Human Wisdom: The narrative uses the failure of Egypt's most esteemed magicians H2748 and wise men H2450 to interpret Pharaoh's dream to show the limitations of worldly wisdom when faced with divine communication Genesis 41:8.
  • Vindication of God's Messenger: Joseph's successful interpretations, which are proven true by events, serve as God's validation of His servant. The chief baker is hanged H8518 and the butler restored H7725 to his office H3653 exactly as Joseph had interpreted (Genesis 40:22, Genesis 41:13).

Summary

In summary, H6622 is more than a simple verb for interpretation; it is a key term in the story of Joseph that distinguishes divine revelation from human intellect. It functions within the narrative to demonstrate that the power to "open up" the meaning of dreams belongs to God alone. Through Joseph's ability to interpret where others failed, God's sovereignty is displayed, elevating his servant and unfolding his divine plan within the heart of Egypt.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 9 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • פָּתָר
  • פֹתֵר
  • יִּפְתָּר
  • פְתֹּר

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H2472 חֲלוֹם or (shortened) חֲלֹם; from חָלַם; a dream; dream(-er). H6547 פַּרְעֹה of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings; Pharaoh. H2748 חַרְטֹם from the same as חֶרֶט; a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles); magician. H2450 חָכָם from חָכַם; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful); cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). H4714 מִצְרַיִם dual of מָצוֹר; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt; Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. H3130 יוֹסֵף future of יָסַף; let him add (or perhaps simply active participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites; Joseph.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

7 verses, all in Genesis — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.