← H6595 H6597 →

פֹּת

𐤐𐤕

pôth

H6596 noun

SILEX Entry

Root פתח to open, make accessible, reveal

Definition

Refers primarily to an opening or aperture, with specialized contextual usage in ancient Israelite texts as a euphemism for female genitalia. In general terms, denotes a hole or a hinge (as a device allowing something to open). In Ezekiel 13:19 the term is used figuratively for the female pudenda, suggesting an intimate or secretive aperture.

Semantic Range

aperture, hole, hinge (rare), female genitalia (euphemism), secret or intimate aperture

Root / Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew root פתה (p-t-h), which fundamentally means 'to open.' The noun פֹּת (pôth) is a derivative from this root, bearing the abstract sense of an opening or portal, but in this specific formation, it is primarily attested as a rare or specialized euphemism.

Historical & Contextual Notes

פֹּת is an extremely rare term in the Hebrew Bible, occurring primarily in Ezekiel 13:19 as a euphemism for the female genitalia. This textual context points to its function as a discreet or modest reference, much like the English term 'privy part.' The root פתה expresses the idea of opening, but the noun itself is restricted in usage and should not be confused with the more common פֶתַח (pethach, 'doorway,' 'entrance'). The function as 'hinge' in later Hebrew or interpretive traditions is likely derived from the association with things that open or allow for opening, rather than a direct lexical sense. English translations often mask the anatomical meaning with euphemistic or generalized language. In post-biblical and rabbinic Hebrew, related terms continue to reference openings or apertures, but פֹּת as such does not persist as a standard term.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or פֹּתָה; (Ezekiel 13:19), from an unused root meaning to open; a hole, i.e. hinge or the female pudenda; hinge, secret participle

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

פתח (p-t-ḥ) — to open, make accessible, reveal

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3315 יֶפֶת to Yepheth
H3316 יִפְתָּח to He-Will-Open
H4668 מַפְתֵּחַ the opener
H4669 מִפְתָּח the opening
H5318 נֶפְתּוֹחַ Opening-Spring

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6596-02 וְ/הַ/פֹּת֡וֹת vehapotot HC/Td/Ncfpa and the hinges and the openings 1
H6596-01 פָּתְ/הֵ֥ן patehen HNcfsc/Sp3fp their secret parts their intimate opening 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6596-02 1 Kings 7:50 וְ/הַ/פֹּת֡וֹת vehapotot HC/Td/Ncfpa and the hinges and the openings
H6596-01 Isaiah 3:17 פָּתְ/הֵ֥ן patehen HNcfsc/Sp3fp their secret parts their intimate opening
← H6595 Hebrew Lexicon H6597 →