Lexical Summary pithchon: Opening, entrance, doorway Original Word: פִתְחוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance opening From pathach; opening (the act) -- open(-ing). see HEBREW pathach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pathach Definition an opening NASB Translation open (1), open* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִּתְחוֺן noun [masculine] opening; — construct מִּתְחוֺן מֶּה opening of mouth in speech or song Ezekiel 16:63; Ezekiel 29:21. Topical Lexicon Definition and idiomatic sense The term designates the “opening” that allows speech—whether an answer, a defense, or the fresh release of prophetic utterance. In Scripture it functions more as an event than an object: the moment when God either removes every excuse from sinful lips or, conversely, grants renewed liberty to proclaim His word. Occurrences in Ezekiel 1. Ezekiel 16:63: “So you will remember and be ashamed, and you will never again open your mouth because of your disgrace, when I have forgiven you for all you have done, declares the Lord GOD.” Here the expected “opening” is withdrawn. Israel’s guilt will leave her with nothing to say in her own defense once divine pardon exposes the full depth of her unfaithfulness. Prophetic and judicial silence Throughout Ezekiel’s ministry the shutting of the mouth marked judgment (Ezekiel 3:26). The two appearances of פִתְחוֹן form bookends: first, the silence imposed by shame; later, the lifting of that silence in mercy. Both acts underline that speech about God is never self-generated. It is either restrained or released by Him. Divine restoration of speech In 29:21 the “opening” coincides with the metaphorical “horn” (symbol of strength) sprouting for Israel. When God restores His people, He simultaneously restores a clear witness among them. Their recovery is inseparable from the reappearance of faithful proclamation. Atonement and shame Ezekiel 16:63 couples the absence of an “opening” with the Lord’s declaration, “when I have forgiven you.” Forgiveness, paradoxically, intensifies awareness of sin to the point that self-justification evaporates. Genuine grace leaves no room for excuses; it produces humble silence before God (cf. Romans 3:19). New Testament echoes The pattern recurs when Zechariah’s mouth is opened after John’s birth (Luke 1:64) and when Christ’s disciples, once scattered by fear, receive Spirit-empowered speech at Pentecost (Acts 2:4). God both closes proud lips and opens redeemed ones, ensuring that testimony flows from grace, not presumption (Luke 21:15). Implications for contemporary ministry • Preaching authority is a gift, not an entitlement. Seekers of a fresh “opening” must first submit to God’s purifying work. Forms and Transliterations פִּתְח֣וֹן פִּתְחֽוֹן־ פתחון פתחון־ piṯ·ḥō·wn piṯ·ḥō·wn- pitChon piṯḥōwn piṯḥōwn-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 16:63 HEB: לָּ֥ךְ עוֹד֙ פִּתְח֣וֹן פֶּ֔ה מִפְּנֵ֖י NAS: and never open your mouth KJV: and be confounded, and never open thy mouth INT: become anymore open your mouth because Ezekiel 29:21 2 Occurrences |
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