פִּתְרוֹן
𐤐𐤕𐤓𐤅𐤍
pithrôwn
H6623 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Interpretation, specifically the explanation or elucidation of something enigmatic, primarily a dream or riddle. The term denotes the process or result of providing meaning to something obscure or ambiguous, typically within the narrative context of dream interpretation.
Semantic Range
interpretation (of a dream), explanation of an enigmatic saying or riddle, solution to a mystery, elucidation
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root פָּתַר (patar), meaning 'to interpret, explain (dreams, riddles, secrets).' פִּתְרוֹן is formed as a noun from this root, referring to the act or result of interpreting, especially dreams.
Historical & Contextual Notes
פִּתְרוֹן appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in contexts involving dream interpretation, notably in the narratives of Joseph (Genesis 40–41) and Daniel (Daniel 2, Aramaic equivalent פְּשַׁר). The term is especially associated with revealing hidden meaning rather than merely offering a translation or paraphrase. In the monarchic and exilic periods, the idea of a פִּתְרוֹן is often linked to wisdom and courtly knowledge. English translations often render פִּתְרוֹן as 'interpretation,' but the term's biblical usage is contextually narrower, focusing on uncovering divinely concealed significance in dreams. The Aramaic parallels in Daniel underscore the persistence of this concept into the Second Temple period. Other Hebrew terms for interpretation, such as בִּיאֵר (bi'er, 'to make clear'), have broader meanings, while פִּתְרוֹן retains its focus on solving enigmas, often of a dream-related nature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or פִּתְרֹן; from פָּתַר; interpretation (of a dream); interpretation.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פתר (p-t-r) — to interpret, to solve, to explain
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6622 | פָּתַר | to interpret |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6623-01 |
כְּ/פִתְר֣וֹן | kefiteron | HR/Ncmsc |
according to the interpretation | as interpretation of | 2 |
H6623-03 |
פִּתְרֹנ֑/וֹ | piterono | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
its interpretation | its interpretation | 2 |
H6623-02 |
פִּתְרֹנִ֔ים | piteronim | HNcmpa |
interpretations | interpretations | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6623-01 |
Genesis 40:5 | כְּ/פִתְר֣וֹן | kefiteron | HR/Ncmsc |
according to the interpretation | as interpretation of |
H6623-02 |
Genesis 40:8 | פִּתְרֹנִ֔ים | piteronim | HNcmpa |
interpretations | interpretations |
H6623-03 |
Genesis 40:12 | פִּתְרֹנ֑/וֹ | piterono | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
its interpretation | its interpretation |
H6623-03 |
Genesis 40:18 | פִּתְרֹנ֑/וֹ | piterono | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
its interpretation | its interpretation |
H6623-01 |
Genesis 41:11 | כְּ/פִתְר֥וֹן | kefiteron | HR/Ncmsc |
according to the interpretation | as interpretation of |