Overview of the Hebrew Letter Pey (פ)

The Hebrew letter Pey (פ) is the sixteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is a letter with significant spiritual and linguistic depth. Pey represents the mouth, symbolizing speech, proclamation, and the power of words. The letter has a numeric value of 80, which also holds symbolic significance in biblical contexts. In its ancient pictorial form, Pey was depicted as a mouth—an opening through which words and declarations are made.

In the Hebrew Bible, words are powerful. They can create or destroy, heal or harm, and shape reality. Pey reflects this fundamental truth about the potency of speech and the responsibility that comes with it. It signifies the outpouring of words, speech, and communication—particularly the spoken word and its ability to bring life or death. Speech is not only an expression but also a tool of revelation and creation. The mouth speaks what is in the heart, and through speech, one either honors or dishonors God.

Words Associated with Pey

Several key Hebrew words are derived from the letter Pey, each of which enhances our understanding of its biblical significance.

• Peh (פה) – Mouth: The primary meaning of Pey is “mouth.” The mouth is the instrument through which words are spoken, and in biblical terms, words can have immense spiritual significance. The use of the mouth in Scripture is often connected with praise, declaration, confession, and prayer. This word emphasizes the power of speech and highlights how God’s people are called to use their words in alignment with His will.
• Peh (פ) also forms the root of other words connected to speech:
  • Pekudim (פקודים) – Commands or Appointments: These are instructions or decrees that come from a divine authority. God’s commands are often given through His mouth, and He calls His people to speak according to His decrees.
  • Pishon (פישון) – A river mentioned in Genesis. The name Pishon could symbolize abundance and overflowing life—a characteristic associated with the mouth, which can overflow with blessings or curses, wisdom or folly.
• Peh is the root for “to speak,” “to declare,” and “to utter”. In the ancient world, the spoken word was seen as a prophetic tool used to communicate divine will and to proclaim God’s truth. The letter Pey therefore reminds us of our responsibility to speak the words of God, to declare His glory, and to be mindful of the impact our words have.

Scriptural Connections to Pey

The letter Pey is intimately connected with the concept of speech, communication, and revelation in Scripture. The power of words and the consequences of speech are central themes throughout the Bible. Pey, as the letter of the mouth, speaks to how we use our words in relationship to God’s will and our spiritual growth.

• Psalm 19:14 – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” This verse demonstrates the connection between speech (the mouth) and the heart. Pey reminds us that what comes out of our mouth is a reflection of our inner state, and we are called to ensure that our speech honors God.
• Matthew 12:34-37 – “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” This passage emphasizes that the words spoken by a person are a reflection of the heart’s condition. Pey speaks to the significance of speech in shaping our spiritual walk, and how the words we speak reveal our relationship with God.
• Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse highlights the power of words—something deeply connected with the meaning of Pey. Words can bring life or destruction, and we are reminded to be cautious with what we speak, as it has eternal consequences.
• Genesis 1:3 – “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” In the act of creation, God used His speech to bring all things into existence. His words have creative power, and as His people, we are called to declare His truth with the same authority—though not to create new realities but to align with His established will.
• Exodus 4:10-12 – When Moses hesitates to speak before Pharaoh, God reassures him, saying, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” This passage emphasizes that speech is a gift from God, and He gives His people the ability to speak His truth when they trust in His guidance. Pey as the letter of the mouth speaks to the importance of trusting God with our words.

Historical Significance of Pey

In the history of ancient Hebrew writing, Pey represents the mouth as a tool of both communication and creation. In early Semitic inscriptions, the letter was often depicted as an open mouth, symbolizing speech, declaration, and utterance. Pey, as a letter, also encapsulated the idea that words carry power—a principle deeply ingrained in Hebrew culture and thought.

The number associated with Pey is 80, which often symbolizes new beginnings or the culmination of a process. In the context of words, the number suggests that when we speak in alignment with God’s truth, it can bring forth new life and transformation. Speech has the power to declare God’s intentions for His people, as seen in God’s communication with His prophets and people throughout history.

Pey also reflects God’s faithfulness in speaking. God spoke to His people through prophets, through His Word, and in His commandments. His mouth is a symbol of divine authority and revelation, and the letter Pey calls us to align our speech with His.

The Spiritual Meaning of Pey in Ancient Times

In ancient times, the mouth (Pey) was seen as a portal through which spiritual truths were transmitted. In ancient Hebrew understanding, the mouth held both a creative and destructive power, reflecting the biblical notion that words can either build up or tear down. Speech, particularly in relation to God’s revelation, was considered sacred, and the mouth was used to declare His glory, share His commandments, and offer prayers.

The deeper spiritual meaning of Pey in ancient times is seen in how the mouth could be used to proclaim God’s truth and to bring spiritual change. The mouth has the ability to bless or curse, to speak life or death, and it is the responsibility of God’s people to use their speech for His purposes.

The Oil and Its Reflection of God’s Character

The Pey anointing oil reflects God’s creative word, His powerful declarations, and His revealed truth. Just as God spoke and brought creation into being, so the letter Pey symbolizes the outpouring of words that carry the authority and power of God’s will. The mouth reflects God’s character as the communicator of divine wisdom and the One who speaks life into existence.

The Pey oil reflects the character of God as the One who speaks truth, declares righteousness, and calls His people to proclaim His word. It serves as a reminder to use our mouths for godly purposes—to speak life, to declare His will, and to praise Him. It embodies the idea of speech as a tool for spiritual edification and worship.

Using the Pey Anointing Oil in Prayer

The Pey anointing oil can be used in prayer for:

• Declaration of God’s truth: Apply the oil while declaring God’s Word over your life, your family, or your community. Ask God to guide your words to align with His will and speak life into situations.
• Healing of the mouth: If you are struggling with harsh or harmful words, use the oil to pray for a transformation in your speech, asking God to purify your words and fill them with wisdom and life.
• Proclaiming blessings: Use the oil to anoint yourself or others when praying for blessings, protection, or guidance. Just as God’s words bring blessings, our words, when aligned with His truth, have the power to bless.
• Overcoming spiritual attacks through speech: If you are facing verbal or spiritual attacks, anoint yourself with the Pey oil as a symbol of proclaiming God’s authority and power over your situation.

Through the use of this oil, ask God to empower your words, to speak through you, and to give you the ability to declare His will with wisdom and clarity.