Lexical Summary pethach: Opening, entrance, doorway Original Word: פֵתַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance entrance From pathach; opening (figuratively) i.e. Disclosure -- entrance. see HEBREW pathach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pathach Definition an opening, unfolding NASB Translation unfolding (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֵּ֫תַח noun masculine opening, unfolding; — construct דְּבָרֶיךָ יָאִיר ׳פ Psalm 119:130, so ᵐ5 and most; > Symm Jerome Bae מֶּתַח (= thy words as a doorway). Topical Lexicon Canonical Occurrence Psalm 119:130 records the sole Old Testament use of פֵתַח, rendered in the Berean Standard Bible: “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Literary Setting in Psalms Placed within the Pe stanza of the acrostic Psalm dedicated to exalting God’s instruction, the term draws attention to the dynamic moment when Scripture moves from written text to revealed truth. The psalmist does not merely study God’s statutes; he experiences their “unfolding,” emphasizing an active, personal encounter with divine illumination (compare Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:129). Unfolding as Divine Revelation 1. Illumination: Light in biblical theology symbolizes truth, purity, and guidance (Psalm 27:1; John 8:12). By linking light to the opening of God’s words, Psalm 119:130 affirms that revelation originates in God and is mediated through His speech. Relationship to Wisdom Tradition Wisdom literature often equates true knowledge with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). פֵתַח depicts the moment wisdom is bestowed. The verse aligns with Proverbs 6:23, where the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, showing continuity in the biblical witness concerning the transformative power of divine instruction. Historical Jewish Interpretation Rabbinic commentators viewed Psalm 119:130 as support for the oral exposition of Torah. As readings were expounded in the synagogue, the “opening” of the text enlightened the congregation, shaping the tradition of targum and midrash. Thus, פֵתַח became a rationale for diligent study and teaching of Scripture in community life (Nehemiah 8:8). New Testament Resonance The concept finds fulfillment in the ministry of Jesus Christ, who “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). The apostolic proclamation that God “has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6) echoes Psalm 119:130. Further, 2 Peter 1:19 affirms that prophetic Scripture is a lamp shining until the morning star rises, capturing the same motif of progressive revelation. Ministerial Applications • Preaching and Teaching: Expositors are called to “open up” the text so that hearers encounter divine light (2 Timothy 4:2). Contemporary Reflection In an age saturated with information yet marked by moral ambiguity, פֵתַח reminds the church that genuine clarity comes from God’s revelation. Daily immersion in Scripture equips believers to navigate darkness and to bear witness to the light of Christ (Philippians 2:15). Summary Though occurring only once, פֵתַח encapsulates the biblical doctrine of illumination: God reveals Himself through His word, brings light to all who seek Him, and calls His people to participate in that unveiling for the life of the world. Forms and Transliterations פֵּ֖תַח פתח pê·ṯaḥ Petach pêṯaḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 119:130 HEB: פֵּ֖תַח דְּבָרֶ֥יךָ יָאִ֗יר NAS: The unfolding of Your words KJV: The entrance of thy words INT: the unfolding of your words gives |
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