פָּטִיר
𐤐𐤈𐤉𐤓
pâṭîyr
H6359 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Unoccupied or free, especially in the sense of not being claimed, dedicated, or obligated to a particular use. In the context of biblical law, often refers to something (such as a firstborn animal) not subject to a vow, dedication, or religious obligation. Historically associated with the notion of being released, exempt, or not subject to a required service or claim.
Semantic Range
unoccupied, free, exempt, released, not obligated, not dedicated, not subject to claim
Root / Etymology
פָּטִיר derives from the root פָּטַר (patar), which means 'to open', 'to set free', or 'to release.' The term forms an adjective or participial noun signifying a state of being released or unbound from obligations, particularly religious or legal requirements.
Historical & Contextual Notes
פָּטִיר appears chiefly in legal or cultic contexts such as descriptions of firstborn animals or other items that are 'free' in the sense that they are unclaimed or exempt from certain obligations (e.g., not dedicated to the altar, not under a vow). This distinguishes פָּטִיר from stronger terms for liberation and freedom, such as חָפְשִׁי (ḥofshi), which suggest broader personal or societal freedom. In the biblical period, פָּטִיר is linked to status, ownership, or consecration rather than general liberty. Later translations (including some English versions) render the word as 'free' or 'open,' but these may under-represent its specific cultic or legal connotations in most Hebrew Bible contexts. The term's usage narrows by the post-exilic period, as religious and legal categories become more defined.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from פָּטַר; open, i.e. unoccupied; free.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פטר (p-ṭ-r) — to open, to release, to set free
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6358 | פָּטוּר | and opened ones of |
| H6362 | פָּטַר | he released |
| H6363 | פֶּטֶר | womb-opener |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6359-01 |
פטירים | ftyrym | HNcmpa |
free | released ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6359-01 |
1 Chronicles 9:33 | פטירים | ftyrym | HNcmpa |
free | released ones |