פְּתַיּוּת
𐤐𐤕𐤉𐤅𐤕
pᵉthayûwth
H6615 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Naïveté, simplicity, or lack of discernment, particularly in the sense of being easily persuaded or lacking prudent judgment. Refers to a mental or moral state in which one is open to influence, particularly negative or foolish influence, due to inexperience or lack of wisdom. In Wisdom literature, פְּתַיּוּת (pethayyuth) connotes a susceptibility to folly and seduction by misleading influences.
Semantic Range
naïveté, gullibility, lack of discernment, susceptibility to persuasion, simplicity, openness to influence
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root פתה (p-t-h), meaning 'to be open, naive, or gullible.' The noun פְּתַיּוּת is formed after the pattern designating an abstract quality or condition, indicating the state or quality of being 'simple' or 'naïve.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term occurs primarily in Wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs 9:6) and always in a context that contrasts wisdom with the condition of naïveté or gullibility. It reflects a stage of moral and intellectual immaturity, lacking the self-protective discernment encouraged by wisdom tradition. The word is related to פֶּתִי (pethi), 'simpleton,' indicating a person with this characteristic. While English translations often render it as 'simplicity,' 'naïveté,' or 'gullibility,' the nuance of vulnerability to persuasion or seduction is central. In contrast to folly (אִוֶּלֶת, ivvelet), which may entail active rejection of wisdom, פְּתַיּוּת focuses on a passive openness or lack of guardedness. Its use reflects socio-ethical concerns of Israelite wisdom literature, warning against moral and intellectual naïveté.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from פְּתִי; silliness (i.e. seducibility); simple.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פתה (p-t-h) — to be open, be naïve, be gullible, be easily persuaded
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6601 | פָּתָה | I will entice us |
| H6612 | פְּתִי | naive ones |
| H6613 | פְּתַי | its broadness |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6615-01 |
פְּ֝תַיּ֗וּת | petayut | HNcfsa |
naive | naïve susceptibility | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6615-01 |
Proverbs 9:13 | פְּ֝תַיּ֗וּת | petayut | HNcfsa |
naive | naïve susceptibility |