6608. pethach
Lexical Summary
pethach: Opening, entrance, doorway

Original Word: פֵתַח
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: pethach
Pronunciation: peh-thakh
Phonetic Spelling: (pay'-thakh)
KJV: entrance
NASB: unfolding
Word Origin: [from H6605 (פָּתַח - To open)]

1. opening (figuratively) i.e. disclosure

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
entrance

From pathach; opening (figuratively) i.e. Disclosure -- entrance.

see HEBREW pathach

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from 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.
2. Accessibility: Understanding is granted “to the simple,” highlighting God’s willingness to reveal Himself to those without worldly sophistication (Proverbs 8:5; Matthew 11:25).
3. Progressive Clarity: The image suggests layers within Scripture that yield deeper insight as they are “opened,” underscoring the inexhaustible richness of God’s word (Isaiah 34:16; Romans 11:33).

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).
• Personal Devotion: Believers approach Scripture expectantly, trusting the Spirit to grant understanding beyond human intellect (1 Corinthians 2:12).
• Discipleship: Psalm 119:130 encourages inclusion of new or “simple” believers, assuring them that God’s word itself supplies the needed insight for growth.

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 pêṯaḥ
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman'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

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 6608
1 Occurrence


pê·ṯaḥ — 1 Occ.

6607
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