### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pálē**, represented by `{{G3823}}`, defines the act of **wrestling**. Its base definition implies a struggle or vibration. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verses** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant in framing the nature of spiritual conflict.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word's sole appearance is in [[Ephesians 6:12]], where it establishes the central theme of spiritual warfare. The verse clarifies that "we **wrestle** not against flesh and blood" [[Ephesians 6:12]]. This explicitly directs the focus away from human or physical opponents. Instead, the struggle, or **pálē**, is aimed at a formidable hierarchy of spiritual adversaries: "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" [[Ephesians 6:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from its context clarify the nature of this spiritual **wrestle**:
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh): This refers to human nature, the body, or a human being. In its context with `{{G3823}}`, it clarifies that the primary struggle is not with people [[Ephesians 6:12]].
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood): Used literally for blood, it works in tandem with **sárx** to denote mortal, human opponents, distinguishing them from the true spiritual enemy [[Ephesians 6:12]].
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (power): This word signifies delegated influence, authority, or mastery. It identifies one of the categories of spiritual beings against whom the believer must **wrestle** [[Ephesians 6:12]].
* `{{G2888}}` **kosmokrátōr** (ruler): Defined as a "world-ruler," this term is used as an epithet for Satan, highlighting the high-ranking and orderly nature of the opposition [[Ephesians 6:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3823}}` is immense, as it defines the essence of the believer's conflict in the world.
* **A Spiritual, Not Physical, Conflict:** The use of **pálē** immediately establishes that the Christian life involves a direct struggle. However, it redirects this struggle away from the physical realm of **flesh** `{{G4561}}` and **blood** `{{G129}}`.
* **Identifying the True Adversary:** The passage gives a clear description of the opposition. The **wrestle** is against organized spiritual forces, described as **principalities** `{{G746}}`, **powers** `{{G1849}}`, and **rulers** `{{G2888}}` of **darkness** `{{G4655}}`.
* **The Battlefield is Heavenly:** The conflict is explicitly located "in high places" `{{G2032}}`, a term defined as being "above the sky." This confirms the struggle is supernatural, not earthly.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3823}}` **pálē**, though used only once, is a critical term for understanding Christian spiritual warfare. It conveys a sense of intimate, hand-to-hand combat. Its application in [[Ephesians 6:12]] powerfully reorients the believer’s perspective, teaching that the fundamental struggle is not against fellow human beings, but against an organized dominion of **spiritual** `{{G4152}}` evil.
TRV