פָּטַר
𐤐𐤈𐤓
pâṭar
H6362 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To break or split open, especially in the sense of causing to burst forth (as in opening of the womb); to let go free, release, or set apart, especially with reference to persons or animals being exempted from obligation or service. In broader usage, denotes causing release, sending away, or exempting someone or something from a former state or duty.
Semantic Range
to burst or break forth; to be released or let go; to dismiss or liberate from duty or obligation; to exempt; to open the womb (firstborn); to escape or slip away
Root / Etymology
The verb פָּטַר (pâṭar) derives from the root פטר, which conveys the idea of splitting, breaking forth, or opening up. This root gives rise to terms connected with the idea of being released or set free, particularly in contexts relating to the womb ('to open the womb', i.e., to be a firstborn) or to liberation from a prior state or obligation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Biblical Hebrew, פָּטַר (pâṭar) most prominently appears in the expression פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם (peṭer reḥem), 'he who opens the womb', generally signifying the firstborn male offspring, whether human or animal, who is subject to specific Israelite ritual laws. The verb's basic sense of 'to break forth' or 'burst out' is thus closely associated with the moment of birth, and by extension, with empowerment for release or exemption (e.g., setting someone free from obligation). The causal stem (pi'el) often bears the connotation of dismissing or freeing (cf. Genesis 40:14, 22, Pharaoh 'releasing' his officials). In later Hebrew, and in some contexts, its usage narrows, often signifying legal or ritual release. English translations such as 'let go', 'release', or 'dismiss' may capture the sense, but the ritual and social significance—especially surrounding firstborn status—is often diminished in translation. Notably, distinction should be made from other verbs of release, such as שׁלח (to send away), where פָּטַר frequently bears a nuance of formal exemption or liberation, rather than mere physical sending.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to cleave or burst through, i.e. (causatively) to emit, whether literal or figurative (gape); dismiss, free, let (shoot) out, slip away.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פטר (p-ṭ-r) — break open, burst forth, let go, release, exempt
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6358 | פָּטוּר | and opened ones of |
| H6359 | פָּטִיר | released ones |
| H6363 | פֶּטֶר | womb-opener |
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6362-01 |
פָטַ֛ר | fatar | HVqp3ms |
dismissed | he released | 1 |
H6362-02 |
פְּטוּרִ֑ים | peturim | HVqsmpa |
exempt | released ones | 1 |
H6362-03 |
פּ֣וֹטֵֽר | poter | HVqrmsc |
letting out | one who releases | 1 |
H6362-04 |
וַ/יִּפְטַר֙ | vayifetar | HC/Vqw3ms |
and he slipped away | and he released | 1 |
H6362-05 |
יַפְטִ֥ירוּ | yafetiru | HVhi3mp |
they shoot out | they will release | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6362-04 |
1 Samuel 19:10 | וַ/יִּפְטַר֙ | vayifetar | HC/Vqw3ms |
and he slipped away | and he released |
H6362-05 |
Psalms 22:8 | יַפְטִ֥ירוּ | yafetiru | HVhi3mp |
they shoot out | they will release |
H6362-03 |
Proverbs 17:14 | פּ֣וֹטֵֽר | poter | HVqrmsc |
letting out | one who releases |
H6362-02 |
1 Chronicles 9:33 | פְּטוּרִ֑ים | peturim | HVqsmpa |
exempt | released ones |
H6362-01 |
2 Chronicles 23:8 | פָטַ֛ר | fatar | HVqp3ms |
dismissed | he released |