Lexical Summary petha: Suddenness, instant, moment Original Word: פֶתַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance at an instant, suddenly, very From an unused root meaning to open (the eyes); a wink, i.e. Moment (compare pith'owm) (used only (with or without preposition) adverbially, quickly or unexpectedly) -- at an instant, suddenly, X very. see HEBREW pith'owm NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition suddenness NASB Translation instant (1), instantly (2), suddenly (3), very (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֶּתַע substantive suddenness ( √ unknown: compare Assyrian ina pitti, ina pittimma, in suddenness, instantly, DlHWB 553): — Numbers 35:22 . . . הֲדָפוֺ וְאִםבְּֿפֶתַע if he have thrust him in suddenness, before he is aware what he has done (i.e. accidentally); + מִּתְאֹם Numbers 6:9 וכי ימות מת עליו בפתע פתאם i.e. very suddenly; לְפֶתַע according to (לְ, p. 5 I 6 b) suddenness, Isaiah 29:5 והיה לפתע פתאם = at an instant, suddenly, Isaiah 30:13 שִׁבְרָהּ אשׁר פתאם לפתע יבוא. As adverb accusative, suddenly, Proverbs 6:15 (= Proverbs 29:1) מֶּתַע יִשָּׁבֵר, Habakkuk 2:7. Topical Lexicon Semantic Scope of פֶתַעThe noun conveys the idea of something that happens “all at once,” “unexpectedly,” or “without prior warning.” In Scripture it is never divorced from moral or theological implication; a sudden event is not random but unfolds under the sovereign oversight of God. Thus פֶתַע serves as a verbal signpost alerting the reader to divine interruption—whether for blessing, discipline, or judgment. Occurrences in the Torah Numbers 6:9 introduces פֶתַע in the Nazirite legislation: “If someone dies suddenly beside him, defiling his consecrated head….” Here sudden death creates ceremonial contamination, demonstrating that even unanticipated events can disrupt holy vows. The solution—renewed consecration—models God’s gracious provision for unforeseen failure. Numbers 35:22 applies פֶתַע to manslaughter: “If anyone pushes a person suddenly without hostility….” The text underscores God’s justice by distinguishing between premeditated murder and unplanned tragedy, preserving both life and due process through the institution of cities of refuge. Wisdom Literature Insights Proverbs 6:15 warns the schemer: “Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery.” Likewise Proverbs 29:1 states, “A man who remains stiff-necked after much rebuke will suddenly be broken without remedy.” In both cases פֶתַע functions as a moral accelerant: habitual sin invites an abrupt and irreversible collapse. The wise reader learns that delayed judgment is not absent judgment; it may descend without warning. Prophetic Usage Isaiah 29:5 addresses the haughty nations encircling Jerusalem: “But your many enemies will become like fine dust… and suddenly, in an instant.” Isaiah 30:13 depicts Judah’s misplaced confidence: “This iniquity will be to you like a breach ready to fall, bulging in a high wall, whose collapse comes suddenly—in an instant.” Habakkuk 2:7 turns the term against Babylon: “Will not your creditors suddenly arise…?” In each passage, פֶתַע underscores the swiftness of divine retribution. Whether aimed at foreign oppressors or covenant people, God reserves the right to reverse fortunes without warning, vindicating His holiness and faithfulness. Theological Emphasis on Divine Sovereignty Because פֶתַע always describes events that override human expectation, it magnifies God’s prerogative to intervene in history. The suddenness of judgment or reversal anticipates New Testament teaching on the Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3) and the unexpected return of Christ (Matthew 24:44). The Old Testament usage therefore cultivates a posture of humble vigilance among God’s people. Pastoral and Ministry Application 1. Spiritual Readiness: Believers are urged to cultivate continuous holiness, knowing that lapses cannot be scheduled and consequences may emerge abruptly. Christological Reflection At the cross, judgment and salvation converged “in an instant,” fulfilling prophetic patterns of sudden divine action. The resurrection likewise exemplifies God’s power to reverse apparent defeat without warning. Thus פֶתַע foreshadows both the crisis and the triumph manifest in Jesus Christ. Eschatological Outlook The sudden collapses portrayed by פֶתַע prefigure the consummate “twinkling of an eye” transformation promised to the church (1 Corinthians 15:52). Scripture’s consistent witness encourages believers to “be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35), living each moment in anticipation of God’s next unexpected, yet perfectly timed, intervention. Forms and Transliterations בְּפֶ֣תַע בְּפֶ֥תַע בפתע לְפֶ֖תַע לְפֶ֥תַע לפתע פֶ֗תַע פֶּ֥תַע פתע bə·p̄e·ṯa‘ beFeta bəp̄eṯa‘ Feta lə·p̄e·ṯa‘ leFeta ləp̄eṯa‘ pe·ṯa‘ p̄e·ṯa‘ Peta peṯa‘ p̄eṯa‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 6:9 HEB: מֵ֤ת עָלָיו֙ בְּפֶ֣תַע פִּתְאֹ֔ם וְטִמֵּ֖א NAS: But if a man dies very suddenly beside KJV: die very suddenly INT: dies beside very suddenly defiles Numbers 35:22 Proverbs 6:15 Proverbs 29:1 Isaiah 29:5 Isaiah 30:13 Habakkuk 2:7 7 Occurrences |