Bible Word Study
פְּתַי
pᵉthay · open, i.e. (as noun) width
פְּתַי
open, i.e. (as noun) width
Definition
פְּתַי is an Aramaic noun meaning 'breadth' or 'width,' referring specifically to the horizontal measurement of an object or space. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes the dimensions of physical structures: the breadth of the rebuilt temple in Ezra 6:3 and the breadth of King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image in Daniel 3:1. The word consistently denotes a literal, spatial measurement, with no attested figurative or abstract meanings in the biblical text. Its usage is purely descriptive, quantifying the physical scope of significant man-made objects.
Biblical Usage
This word appears exclusively in Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel, which contain sections written in Aramaic. In both instances, it is used in the context of royal decrees or descriptions detailing construction projects. In Ezra 6:3, it specifies the breadth of the Jerusalem temple as part of King Cyrus's decree. In Daniel 3:1, it gives the breadth of the golden image erected by Nebuchadnezzar. The pattern is strictly architectural, denoting a precise physical dimension.
Etymology
פְּתַי is an Aramaic word derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew root פָּתָה (H6601), which carries the core idea of 'opening' or 'being spacious.' This etymological connection shows how the concept of an 'opening' or 'open space' developed into the specific dimensional term for 'breadth.' It is a cognate, sharing a semantic field with Hebrew words for width and openness.
Semantic Range
In the ancient Near Eastern context, specifying the dimensions of a temple or a royal statue was a matter of great importance, reflecting precision, grandeur, and official decree. The measurements given, including the breadth, were not casual estimates but formal specifications, often intended to convey the scale and significance of the project. For the temple, it underscored the restoration of proper worship; for the statue, it emphasized the king's imposing authority. רֹחַב (rochab, H7341) — The primary Hebrew term for 'breadth' or 'width,' used extensively throughout the Old Testament.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]