Original Word: פִתְגָּם
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: pithgam
Pronunciation: pith-gawm'
Phonetic Spelling: (pith-gawm')
Definition: a word, answer, letter, decree
Meaning: The term "pitgam" refers to a word, answer, letter, or decree. It is used in the context of official or authoritative communication, often implying a formal or legal pronouncement.

Word Origin: Derived from Persian origin.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G2003 (ἐπιτάσσω, epitassō): To command, order, or charge, often used in the context of authoritative instruction.
• G3056 (λόγος, logos): A word, speech, or message, frequently used to denote a saying or doctrine.
• G3551 (νόμος, nomos): Law, principle, or regulation, often referring to the Mosaic Law or legal decrees.
• G4487 (ῥῆμα, rhēma): A word or saying, particularly one that is spoken or uttered, emphasizing the spoken aspect of communication.

The term "pitgam" highlights the importance of authoritative communication in the biblical narrative, reflecting the cultural and administrative practices of the time. Its usage in the context of decrees and responses underscores the significance of formal pronouncements in the governance and religious life of the Jewish people during the Persian period.

Usage: The word "pitgam" appears in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. It is used to denote official decrees or communications from a king or governing authority.

Context: • The term "pitgam" is found in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Ezra and Daniel. In Ezra 4:17, it is used to describe the response of King Artaxerxes to the officials in Samaria, indicating an official letter or decree. Similarly, in Daniel 3:16, it is used in the context of a response or answer given by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to King Nebuchadnezzar.
• The use of "pitgam" underscores the formal nature of communication in the ancient Near Eastern context, where decrees and letters carried the weight of authority and were often used to convey important decisions or responses.
• The term reflects the influence of Persian administrative practices on the Jewish community during the post-exilic period, as seen in the use of Aramaic as a lingua franca and the adoption of Persian bureaucratic terms.

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to pithgam
Definition
a command, word, affair
NASB Translation
answer (1), answer...matter (1), answered* (1), edict (1), report (1), sentence (1).

מִּתְגָם noun masculine^{Ezra 6:11} command, word, affair (Persian: see Biblical Hebrew); — absolute ׳פ Daniel 3:16; emphatic מָא- Ezra 4:17 +; — command Ezra 6:11, word, by missive Ezra 5:7, from king Ezra 4:17 (both with שְׁלַת), in answer Ezra 5:11 (with התיב); weakened, thing, affair Daniel 3:16; Daniel 4:14.

answer, letter, matter, word

(Aramaic) corresponding to pithgam; a word, answer, letter or decree -- answer, letter, matter, word.

see HEBREW pithgam

פִּתְגָ֖ם פִּתְגָמָ֔א פִּתְגָמָ֖א פִּתְגָמָ֞א פִּתְגָמָ֣א פִתְגָמָ֖א פתגם פתגמא fitgaMa piṯ·ḡā·mā p̄iṯ·ḡā·mā piṯ·ḡām pitGam piṯḡām pitgaMa piṯḡāmā p̄iṯḡāmāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts