Lexical Summary pithgam: edict, sentence Original Word: פִתְגָּם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance decree, sentence Of Persian origin; a (judicial) sentence -- decree, sentence. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition an edict, decree NASB Translation edict (1), sentence (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִּתְגָּם noun masculine edict, decree (Persian loan-word, Old Persian patigâma (patigam, come to, arrive), New Persian paigâm, message; see GildemZKM iv. 214 MeyEntstehung 23; Aramaic מִּתְגָּמָא, ![]() Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range פִתְגָּם denotes an authoritative proclamation—an edict, decree, or formal sentence issued by a ruler or governing body. It carries the sense of a word that is fixed, public, and enforceable, emphasizing the binding nature of spoken or written authority. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Esther 1:20 – A royal ordinance published throughout the Persian Empire. “And when the king’s edict is proclaimed throughout his vast kingdom, all women will honor their husbands, from the least to the greatest.” (Berean Standard Bible) “When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.” (Berean Standard Bible) Historical Background In the Persian administrative system, decrees were irrevocable once issued (Esther 1:19; Daniel 6:8). The term fits this milieu, underscoring the unalterable character of royal commands. Ecclesiastes reflects a later period when Hebrew wisdom literature absorbed Aramaic legal vocabulary, suggesting sustained contact with imperial cultures where the king’s word stood as law. Theological Themes 1. Authority of the Spoken Word – Both passages reveal that words, once officially uttered, possess life-shaping power. This mirrors the divine pattern: “For He spoke, and it came to be” (Psalm 33:9). Applications for Ministry • Preaching and Teaching – Use פִתְגָּם to illustrate the reliability of God’s promises; unlike fallible human decrees, the Lord’s statutes are perfect (Psalm 19:7). Related Biblical Concepts Word of the King (Proverbs 16:10; Ecclesiastes 8:4) Law and Decree (Ezra 7:26; Daniel 6:15) Irrevocability of God’s Covenant Promises (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11) Summary פִתְגָּם underscores the potency of authoritative words in shaping societal conduct and moral behavior. Whether in a Persian palace or within the reflections of wisdom literature, the term calls attention to the profound responsibility borne by those who issue commands and to the greater, unassailable authority of God, whose every decree stands forever (Psalm 119:89). Forms and Transliterations פִּתְגָ֨ם פִתְגָ֔ם פתגם fitGam piṯ·ḡām p̄iṯ·ḡām pitGam piṯḡām p̄iṯḡāmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 1:20 HEB: וְנִשְׁמַע֩ פִּתְגָ֨ם הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ אֲשֶֽׁר־ NAS: When the king's edict which KJV: And when the king's decree which he shall make INT: is heard edict the king's which Ecclesiastes 8:11 2 Occurrences |