or פִּתְרֹן; from פָּתַר; interpretation (of a dream); interpretation.
Transliteration:pithrôwn
Pronunciation:pith-rone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun פִּתְרוֹן (pithrôwn, `{{H6623}}`) is derived from the verbal root פָּתַר (pāthar, `{{H6622}}`), which signifies "to interpret," "to explain," or "to solve." Consequently, פִּתְרוֹן denotes the "interpretation" or "explanation" of something. Its semantic range is notably narrow within the biblical text, being almost exclusively applied to the deciphering of dreams. It refers to the revealed meaning, the decoded message, or the solution to a symbolic riddle presented in a nocturnal vision. The word encapsulates the act of making sense of the enigmatic and the result of that process, providing clarity and understanding where there was confusion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פִּתְרוֹן (pithrôwn) appears exclusively in the book of Genesis, specifically within the extended narrative of Joseph in Egypt. Its occurrences are central to the plot development, particularly concerning the dreams of Pharaoh's chief cupbearer and chief baker, and subsequently Pharaoh's own dreams.
* In [[Genesis 40:5]], the cupbearer and baker are distressed because their significant dreams lack an interpretation (פִּתְרוֹן). This highlights the human need for understanding divine communication.
* Joseph's immediate response in [[Genesis 40:8]] is pivotal: "Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me." Here, Joseph explicitly attributes the power to provide a correct פִּתְרוֹן to divine revelation, not human wisdom or magical arts. This sets the theological framework for all subsequent uses of the word.
* Joseph then proceeds to give the accurate פִּתְרוֹן for the cupbearer's dream ([[Genesis 40:12]]) and the baker's dream ([[Genesis 40:18]]), both of which prove to be precise predictions of their fates.
* Later, when Pharaoh is troubled by his own dreams, his wise men and magicians are unable to provide a פִּתְרוֹן ([[Genesis 41:8]]), underscoring the inadequacy of human wisdom apart from God.
* The chief cupbearer then remembers Joseph's unique ability to provide interpretations ([[Genesis 41:12]]), leading to Joseph's summons before Pharaoh.
* Pharaoh himself uses the term, stating, "I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it" ([[Genesis 41:15]]).
* Joseph's response again emphasizes divine agency: "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer" ([[Genesis 41:16]]). He then delivers the divinely revealed פִּתְרוֹן for Pharaoh's dreams, detailing the seven years of plenty and seven years of famine ([[Genesis 41:24]], [[Genesis 41:25]], [[Genesis 41:30]], [[Genesis 41:31]]).
The consistent usage of פִּתְרוֹן in this narrative underscores that the *absence* of interpretation causes distress and uncertainty, while the *presence* of a divinely granted interpretation brings clarity, understanding, and often, a prophetic glimpse into the future. It serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over events and His capacity to communicate His will through extraordinary means.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **פָּתַר (pāthar, `{{H6622}}`):** The verbal root from which פִּתְרוֹן is derived. While פִּתְרוֹן is the "interpretation" (the noun), פָּתַר is the "act of interpreting" (the verb). The noun is the result or outcome of the verb's action.
* **חָלַם (ḥālam, `{{H2492}}`):** "To dream." This verb describes the experience that necessitates a פִּתְרוֹן. Dreams are the raw material for which interpretation is sought.
* **מִצְרַיִם (Miṣrayim):** Egypt. The geographical and cultural setting for all occurrences of פִּתְרוֹן. This context is significant because ancient Egypt was renowned for its dream interpreters and diviners, yet their collective wisdom proved insufficient compared to the singular, divine revelation granted through Joseph.
* **חֲכָמִים (ḥăkāmîm):** "Wise men" or "magicians." These are the human experts in Pharaoh's court who attempt, but ultimately fail, to provide the accurate פִּתְרוֹן that only God can truly give through His chosen servant, Joseph.
* **רָאָה (rā’āh, `{{H7200}}`):** "To see." Dreams are often described as something seen or perceived. The interpretation reveals the true meaning of what was seen.
* **נָגַד (nāgad, `{{H5046}}`):** "To tell, declare." Joseph is repeatedly asked to "tell" or "declare" the interpretation, emphasizing the verbal revelation of the hidden meaning.
* **גָּלָה (gālâ, `{{H1540}}`):** "To uncover, reveal." The concept of interpretation is intrinsically linked to revelation, the act of uncovering what is hidden or obscure.
### Theological Significance
The consistent and exclusive use of פִּתְרוֹן in the Joseph narrative carries profound theological weight, primarily emphasizing divine sovereignty and revelation. The repeated failure of the Egyptian wise men and magicians to provide a correct interpretation highlights the inherent limitations of human understanding and wisdom when operating apart from God's guidance.
Joseph's unwavering declarations—"Do not interpretations belong to God?" ([[Genesis 40:8]]) and "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer" ([[Genesis 41:16]])—serve as the theological cornerstone of the word's usage. These statements firmly establish that true understanding of divine communications, particularly through dreams, originates solely with God. Joseph is presented not as a skilled diviner in his own right, but as a humble vessel through whom God's פִּתְרוֹן is revealed.
This word, therefore, points to God as the ultimate source of knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to discern future events. It affirms that God communicates His purposes to humanity, sometimes through extraordinary means like dreams, and provides the necessary understanding to respond to His will. The accuracy and fulfillment of Joseph's divinely granted interpretations validate his prophetic role and underscore God's active involvement in the lives of His people and even the nations. The פִּתְרוֹן is not merely an explanation; it is a divine decree or foretelling that shapes history. This narrative establishes a foundational understanding that spiritual insight and prophetic clarity are gifts from God, not products of human intellect, magic, or divination.
### Summary
פִּתְרוֹן (pithrôwn, `{{H6623}}`) is a Hebrew noun meaning "interpretation," derived from the verb "to interpret." Its biblical occurrences are confined to the book of Genesis, specifically within the Joseph narrative, where it refers exclusively to the interpretation of dreams. The word underscores the critical need for understanding divine communications and highlights the limitations of human wisdom apart from God. Joseph consistently attributes the ability to provide accurate פִּתְרוֹן to God alone, contrasting sharply with the failed attempts of Egyptian wise men. The theological significance of פִּתְרוֹן lies in its affirmation of God as the ultimate source of knowledge, wisdom, and prophetic insight. It demonstrates His sovereignty in revealing His plans and purposes to humanity, not through human ingenuity, but through His chosen servants, thereby shaping historical events according to His divine will.
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