### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H6294 (פֶּגַע, pegaʻ) is derived from the verb `{{H6293}}` (pagaʻ), which carries a semantic range including "to meet," "to encounter," "to strike," or "to intercede." As a noun, pegaʻ refers to the *result* or *instance* of such an encounter, specifically one that is often casual, unexpected, or happens by "chance." Its core meaning revolves around an "impact" or "occurrence" that is not necessarily pre-planned or intended. It can denote either a fortuitous or an unfortunate happening, depending on the context. The term captures the contingency inherent in human experience, pointing to events that arise seemingly without direct human agency or foresight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word pegaʻ appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant for understanding its nuance:
* **[[1 Kings 5:4]] (MT 1 Kings 5:18):** "But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor misfortune (pegaʻ)." Here, Solomon speaks of a divinely granted state of peace. The juxtaposition of pegaʻ with "adversary" (שָׂטָן - satan) indicates that it refers to a negative or troublesome occurrence, an "unfortunate happening" or "mishap" that would disrupt peace and stability. The absence of pegaʻ signifies a comprehensive state of well-being and security.
* **[[Ecclesiastes 9:11]]:** "I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance (pegaʻ) happen to them all." This is arguably the most pivotal occurrence. pegaʻ is linked directly with "time" (עֵת - 'et), emphasizing the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of life's events. The Preacher uses this to highlight that human effort, skill, or wisdom do not guarantee success; outcomes are also influenced by unforeseen circumstances. It underscores the limitations of human control and the inscrutability of divine providence from a human perspective.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H6293}}` (pagaʻ):** The verbal root from which pegaʻ is derived. The noun pegaʻ represents the concrete manifestation of the verb's action, often emphasizing the *unforeseen* or *casual* nature of the encounter or impact.
* **`{{H6297}}` (pagaʻ):** Another noun derived from the same root, typically meaning a "blow" or "stroke," often with a connotation of violence or injury. While sharing a root, pegaʻ (H6294) carries a broader sense of an "occurrence" or "chance event" rather than solely a physical impact.
* **`{{H6256}}` ('et):** "Time." This word is notably paired with pegaʻ in [[Ecclesiastes 9:11]], underscoring the temporal and contingent nature of events that unfold in human experience.
* **Divine Providence vs. Human Perception of Chance:** The concept of pegaʻ directly engages the theological tension between God's sovereign control over all things and the human experience of events appearing to happen randomly or by "chance."
* **Fortune and Misfortune:** As seen in [[1 Kings 5:4]], pegaʻ can align with the idea of misfortune or adverse circumstances.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pegaʻ lies primarily in its articulation of the human perception of contingency and unpredictability in life. In [[Ecclesiastes 9:11]], it serves as a profound statement on the limits of human agency and wisdom. From a human vantage point, events can seem to unfold by "chance," challenging our assumptions about meritocracy and control. This perspective, however, is balanced within the broader biblical narrative. While humans perceive pegaʻ as an unlooked-for occurrence, the consistent biblical worldview affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over all things, including seemingly random events. In [[1 Kings 5:4]], the absence of pegaʻ is explicitly attributed to the Lord's blessing, demonstrating that even "chance" occurrences are under divine purview and can be mitigated or removed by God's will. Thus, pegaʻ does not imply an absence of divine activity, but rather highlights the often mysterious and inscrutable nature of God's providence. It calls believers to humility, recognizing that God's ways and timing often transcend human understanding, and encourages a trusting reliance on Him amidst life's inherent uncertainties.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6294 (פֶּגַע, pegaʻ) describes an "impact" or "occurrence" that is casual, unexpected, or happens by "chance." Derived from the verb `{{H6293}}` ("to meet," "to encounter"), it denotes an event not necessarily pre-planned from a human perspective. In [[1 Kings 5:4]], it signifies "misfortune" or an undesirable "occurrence" from which God grants relief. Most notably, in [[Ecclesiastes 9:11]], pegaʻ is linked with "time" (`{{H6256}}`) to emphasize the unpredictable nature of life's outcomes, suggesting that success is not solely a matter of human effort but also subject to unforeseen circumstances. Theologically, while pegaʻ expresses a human perception of randomness, the broader biblical narrative consistently affirms God's ultimate sovereignty, even over events that appear to occur by "chance," thereby calling believers to trust in divine providence amidst life's contingencies.
TRV