Original Word: פַטִּישׁ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: pattiysh
Pronunciation: pat-teesh'
Phonetic Spelling: (pat-teesh')
KJV: hammer
NASB: hammer
Word Origin: [intensively from an unused root meaning to pound]

1. a hammer

hammer

Intensively from an unused root meaning to pound; a hammer -- hammer.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
a forge hammer
NASB Translation
hammer (3).

מַּטִּישׁ noun masculine^{Jeremiah 50:23} forge-hammer; — (Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; Aramaic loan-word according to Frä^{85, and} so Arabic (compare Arabic tradition in Lane), see ᵑ7 מַּטִּישָׁא; but Lag^{BN 103} compare swine's snout, Syriac flat-nosed); — ׳פ absolute Isaiah 41:7; Jeremiah 23:29; construct Jeremiah 50:23 figurative of Babylonian as destroyer.

Definition and Scope

פַטִּישׁ denotes a hammer or mallet—an implement of force, shaping, or destruction—appearing three times in the Old Testament.

Canonical Appearances

1. Isaiah 41:7
2. Jeremiah 23:29
3. Jeremiah 50:23

Idolatrous Craftsmanship (Isaiah 41:7)

In the prophetic mocking of idol-makers, the hammer is portrayed in the hands of artisans who “smooth with the hammer” and “strike the anvil.” The scene underscores the futility of humanly fashioned gods. The hammer, though powerful, can only create lifeless idols when wielded by unbelieving craftsmen. The passage magnifies the Creator’s superiority over created tools and highlights the self-deception of trusting in the work of one’s own hands.

Divine Word as Hammer (Jeremiah 23:29)

“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”

Here פַטִּישׁ pictures the irresistible efficacy of God’s revelation. The hammer does not tap; it shatters. Likewise, Scripture breaks stony resistance, exposing motives, demolishing false doctrine, and bringing repentance. The metaphor calls preachers and teachers to rely on the raw power of the Word rather than persuasive technique alone (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Babylon the Global Hammer (Jeremiah 50:23)

“How the hammer of the whole earth is cut down and broken!”

Babylon had been the instrument of God’s temporal judgment on nations, yet its own pride warranted punishment. The once-mighty hammer becomes the object of breaking, proving that no empire is immune to the justice of the Sovereign LORD. The verse offers both warning and comfort: warning to oppressive powers and comfort to the oppressed who await divine vindication.

Historical Setting

• Isaiah 41 depicts the rise of Cyrus and the panic of idol-worshipers gathering for mutual encouragement.
• Jeremiah 23 addresses false prophets in Judah shortly before exile.
• Jeremiah 50 forms part of an extended oracle against Babylon near the close of the sixth century B.C. The hammer image resonates with Babylon’s military technology—massive siege hammers and battering rams—familiar to ancient hearers.

Theological Themes

1. Sovereign Instrumentality: God employs human “hammers” (nations, prophets, kings) yet remains free to discard or destroy them when His purposes are fulfilled.
2. Word-Centered Power: True spiritual change flows from divine utterance, not human artistry or political might.
3. Inevitable Judgment: Every force that exalts itself will be shattered unless it submits to the LORD.

Ministry Applications

• Preachers should wield Scripture with confidence, trusting its innate power to convict and convert.
• Believers must guard against crafting modern “idols” through consumerism or ideology, remembering the impotence of anything fashioned by human ingenuity.
• Nations and leaders should heed the lesson of Babylon: strength without righteousness invites ruin.

Homiletical Aids

• Illustration: A blacksmith’s hammer shaping iron parallels God’s sanctifying process in the life of a believer (Proverbs 27:17).
• Object Lesson: Physically striking a rock with a hammer during a sermon on Jeremiah 23:29 can dramatize the Word’s penetrating force.
• Application Question: “In what areas has God’s hammer-like Word recently confronted and broken hard places in my heart?”

Cross-References for Further Study

2 Samuel 12:7-9 – Nathan’s confrontational word as a spiritual hammer.

Hebrews 4:12 – The Word discerning thoughts and intentions.

Revelation 18 – Final judgment on Babylon’s spiritual counterpart.

Summary

פַטִּישׁ functions as a vivid emblem of shaping, judging, and dismantling power. Whether in the hands of idol-makers, prophets, or empires, its ultimate owner is the LORD, whose Word and will prevail over every hardness of heart and every proud defense.

וּכְפַטִּ֖ישׁ וכפטיש פַּטִּ֖ישׁ פטיש paṭ·ṭîš paṭṭîš patTish ū·ḵə·p̄aṭ·ṭîš uchefatTish ūḵəp̄aṭṭîšInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts