פֶּתֶן
𐤐𐤕𐤍
pethen
H6620 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A venomous serpent, most likely referencing a type of viper or asp, noted for its dangerous bite; denoting a snake of deadly potential. In biblical texts, פֶּתֶן (pethen) refers to a specific venomous serpent, often used metaphorically to connote threat, cunning, or mortal danger.
Semantic Range
venomous snake, viper, asp (type of cobra), adder, symbol of mortal danger or cunning
Root / Etymology
Root: פָּתַן (uncertain, as it is not attested); possibly tied to the idea of 'twisting' or 'coiling' based on Semitic cognates, though the primary word פֶּתֶן itself only appears as a noun, not a verb. The etymology is thus classified as uncertain, and no fully attested verbal root exists in Hebrew—its derivation from a Semitic root meaning 'to twist' is speculative.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, פֶּתֶן occurs primarily in poetic and wisdom literature (Psalms, Job, Deuteronomy), typically in depictions of threatening, venomous snakes. The exact zoological identification is debated: it is sometimes equated with the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) or various species of viper endemic to the region. Later Jewish (rabbinic) tradition and Greek translations (LXX: ἀσπίς) translate as 'asp,' though the word does not refer to the European adder but likely to a Near Eastern venomous snake. Unlike נָחָשׁ (nachash, generic for serpent or snake), פֶּתֶן is usually restricted to contexts of specific danger and metaphorical evil. The association with fatal venom gives it a distinctive role in passages about curses and divine wrath. Modern translations use 'asp' or 'viper,' though 'asp' (which refers to different snakes in European contexts) can be misleading for the original fauna of the Levant. The word does not carry any symbolic connotation beyond its role as a dangerous reptile.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to twist; an asp (from its contortions); adder.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פתן (p-t-n) — to twist (speculative), coil (speculative), venomous serpent
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4670 | מִפְתָּן | the doorway-threshold |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6620-03 |
פְּתָנִ֖ים | petanim | HNcmpa |
of asps | venomous serpents | 3 |
H6620-04 |
וָ/פֶ֣תֶן | vafeten | HC/Ncmsa |
and cobra | venomous viper | 1 |
H6620-02 |
פָּ֑תֶן | paten | HNcmsa |
asp | venomous viper | 1 |
H6620-01 |
פֶ֥תֶן | feten | HNcmsa |
adder | venomous viper | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6620-03 |
Deuteronomy 32:33 | פְּתָנִ֖ים | petanim | HNcmpa |
of asps | venomous serpents |
H6620-02 |
Isaiah 11:8 | פָּ֑תֶן | paten | HNcmsa |
asp | venomous viper |
H6620-01 |
Psalms 58:5 | פֶ֥תֶן | feten | HNcmsa |
adder | venomous viper |
H6620-04 |
Psalms 91:13 | וָ/פֶ֣תֶן | vafeten | HC/Ncmsa |
and cobra | venomous viper |
H6620-03 |
Job 20:14 | פְּתָנִ֣ים | petanim | HNcmpa |
of cobras | venomous serpents |
H6620-03 |
Job 20:16 | פְּתָנִ֥ים | petanim | HNcmpa |
of asps | venomous serpents |