Lexical Summary pethach: Opening, entrance, doorway Original Word: פְתַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance open (Aramaic) corresponding to pathach; to open -- open. see HEBREW pathach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to pathach Definition to open NASB Translation open (1), opened (1). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 6606 פְתַח appears only twice, both in the Aramaic sections of Daniel, where it functions as a verb meaning “to open.” Though sparse in usage, its strategic placement highlights two foundational biblical themes: the believer’s unfettered access to God in prayer and the certain disclosure of God’s righteous judgments. Occurrences in Daniel 1. Daniel 6:10 – “...the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God...”. Portrait of Faithful Devotion The first occurrence frames Daniel’s disciplined prayer life. The opening of the windows toward Jerusalem was not merely architectural detail; it testified that exile could not close fellowship with the covenant-keeping God. By openly maintaining his prayer rhythm despite royal prohibition, Daniel models the New Testament exhortation to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and demonstrates that true worship transcends political threats and geographic displacement. Revelation of Divine Justice The second occurrence transports the reader from earthly persecution to the heavenly courtroom. The opening of the books signals the unveiling of every deed, echoing Ecclesiastes 12:14 and anticipating Revelation 20:12. What is hidden on earth is fully disclosed before God’s throne. Together with the “River of fire” and the multitude of attendants, the opened books affirm that final judgment is exhaustive, fair, and inescapable. Interplay Between the Two Scenes Placed in consecutive chapters, the verb creates a literary bridge: the private opening of windows (6:10) leads to the public opening of books (7:10). The believer’s hidden life of obedience will one day be vindicated openly. Daniel’s willingness to face lions precedes the vision that all earthly powers must face the Ancient of Days. Thus, פְתַח underscores the continuity between present faithfulness and future accountability. Christological Resonance The motif anticipates the ministry of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate “door” (John 10:9) granting access to the Father and whose atoning work ensures that the books of judgment can be answered with His righteousness (Romans 8:1). In Him, the ultimate opening occurs: the veil of the temple is torn (Matthew 27:51), granting bold entry for every believer (Hebrews 10:19-22). Ministry Implications • Prayer: Like Daniel, believers are called to keep their “windows” open, cultivating habitual, visible, and thankful prayer even under pressure. Related Scriptures Psalm 118:19; Isaiah 26:2; Matthew 6:6; Luke 24:45; Acts 14:27; Revelation 3:7-8; Revelation 20:12. Summary Though appearing only twice, פְתַח in Daniel magnifies the openness of communion with God and the inevitability of His judgment. Together these truths fortify the believer’s daily devotion and fuel steadfast hope in the consummation of God’s righteous kingdom. Forms and Transliterations פְּתִֽיחוּ׃ פְּתִיחָ֥ן פתיחו׃ פתיחן pə·ṯî·ḥān pə·ṯî·ḥū petiChan peTichu pəṯîḥān pəṯîḥūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 6:10 HEB: לְבַיְתֵ֔הּ וְכַוִּ֨ין פְּתִיחָ֥ן לֵהּ֙ בְּעִלִּיתֵ֔הּ NAS: he had windows open toward KJV: and his windows being open in his chamber INT: his house had windows open his roof toward Daniel 7:10 2 Occurrences |
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