The Hebrew word pithrôwn, represented by H6623, means interpretation, specifically in the context of a dream. It is derived from the root word H6622 pâthar, "to interpret". It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the narrative of Joseph.
In its biblical usage, H6623 is central to the account of Joseph in Egypt. When the butler and the baker dream dreams in prison, their distress comes from the lack of an interpreter, to which Joseph responds, "Do not interpretations belong to God?" Genesis 40:8. The term is used to describe the content of Joseph's explanations for their dreams (Genesis 40:12, Genesis 40:18). It underscores that each dream had a specific meaning, with the men dreaming "each man according to the interpretation of his dream" (Genesis 40:5, Genesis 41:11).
Several related words provide context for understanding the role of interpretation:
- H6622 pâthar (to open up, i.e. (figuratively) interpret (a dream); interpret(-ation, -er)): This is the root verb from which pithrôwn is derived. It describes the action of interpreting, as when Joseph had interpreted the dreams for the baker and butler Genesis 40:22.
- H2472 chălôwm (a dream; dream(-er)): This is the object requiring interpretation. Every use of pithrôwn is directly linked to a dream, highlighting that divine messages can require a key to be understood Genesis 40:5.
- H430 ʼĕlôhîym (God): The source of true interpretation. Joseph explicitly connects the ability to provide a pithrôwn to God, setting divine wisdom apart from human attempts Genesis 40:8.
- H5608 çâphar (to recount, i.e. celebrate;... declare, ... tell): This verb is used for the act of telling or declaring the dream so it can be interpreted. Joseph asks the men to tell him their dreams, and the heavens declare the glory of God (Genesis 40:8, Psalms 19:1).
The theological significance of H6623 is tied to the nature of divine revelation.
- Divine Sovereignty over Knowledge: The word's usage firmly establishes that the meaning of divine communication, such as dreams, is not accessible through human wisdom alone. The key belongs to God, who can grant the ability to understand Genesis 40:8.
- Authenticating a Prophet: Joseph's ability to provide accurate interpretations that came to pass validated him as a messenger of God. A true pithrôwn is a mark of authentic divine insight, in contrast to false dreams which cause God's people to err Jeremiah 23:32.
- Purposeful Revelation: Dreams from God are not random but are purposeful messages that require interpretation to be understood and acted upon. The interpretation is as crucial as the dream itself for fulfilling God's plan.
In summary, H6623 pithrôwn is a precise term that encapsulates the concept of a divinely-sourced interpretation for a dream. Though used infrequently, its placement in the story of Joseph is critical, demonstrating that understanding God's messages is a gift from God himself. It highlights a key theme in scripture: that God not only speaks, but also provides the means for his revelation to be understood.
TRV