from פָּלָא; a miracle; marvellous thing, wonder(-ful, -fully).
Transliteration:peleʼ
Pronunciation:peh'-leh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun פֶּלֶא (transliterated *peleʼ*, Strong's `{{H6382}}`) is derived from the verbal root פָּלָא (*palaʼ*, Strong's `{{H6381}}`), which carries the core meaning "to be distinct," "to be extraordinary," "to be difficult," or "to be wonderful." Consequently, *peleʼ* denotes something that is a "wonder," "marvel," or "miracle." It describes an event or phenomenon that transcends the ordinary course of nature or human capability, pointing to a supernatural or divine origin. It is not merely something surprising, but something awe-inspiring, often demonstrating the unique power, wisdom, or nature of God. The semantic range of *peleʼ* therefore encompasses acts of divine power, signs, and extraordinary occurrences that evoke wonder and reveal God's unique intervention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *peleʼ* appears frequently in the Old Testament, predominantly in contexts that highlight God's mighty acts.
1. **Acts of Deliverance and Judgment:** A primary context for *peleʼ* is God's miraculous intervention in history, especially in the Exodus narrative. God promises to perform "wonders" in Egypt to secure Israel's release [[Exodus 3:20]]. The parting of the Red Sea and the plagues are quintessential *peleʼ* acts, demonstrating God's power over creation and His enemies [[Exodus 15:11]]. The Psalms frequently recount these "wonders" as a basis for remembering God's faithfulness and power [[Psalm 78:12]], [[Psalm 105:2]].
2. **Revelation of God's Character:** *Peleʼ* often points to God's uniqueness, transcendence, and omnipotence. His deeds are "wondrous" because they are beyond human comprehension or imitation. The psalmist declares, "I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds" [[Psalm 9:1]]. This term underscores God's "otherness" and His capacity to act in ways that defy natural explanation.
3. **Creation and Providence:** While less direct, the intricate design of creation and God's ongoing sustenance of life can be understood through the lens of *peleʼ*. The psalmist's declaration "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" [[Psalm 139:14]] uses the verbal root *palaʼ*, capturing the essence of the wonder of God's creative work in humanity.
4. **Messianic Prophecy:** Perhaps one of the most profound uses of *peleʼ* is in the prophetic naming of the Messiah in [[Isaiah 9:6]], where He is called "Wonderful Counselor" (*peleʼ yo'etz*). This designation elevates the Messiah's person and work to a divine, extraordinary level, suggesting His wisdom and counsel will be beyond human capacity. Similarly, in [[Judges 13:18]], the angel of the Lord's name is declared to be "Wonderful" (*peleʼ*), hinting at His divine nature.
5. **God's Law and Word:** Surprisingly, *peleʼ* is also applied to God's law. In [[Psalm 119:18]], the psalmist prays, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." Here, the "wonders" are not physical miracles but the profound truths, wisdom, and divine insight embedded within God's revealed word, demonstrating its supernatural origin and power to transform.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **פָּלָא (*palaʼ*, `{{H6381}}`):** The verbal root from which *peleʼ* is derived. It signifies the act of being extraordinary, difficult, or wonderful. Understanding the verb helps to grasp the active, dynamic nature of the "wonder."
* **אוֹת (*ʾôt*, `{{H226}}`):** Often translated "sign." This term frequently appears alongside *peleʼ* (e.g., "signs and wonders"). While *ʾôt* emphasizes the indicative or symbolic nature of an event, *peleʼ* highlights its extraordinary, awe-inspiring quality.
* **מוֹפֵת (*môp̄ēt*, `{{H4159}}`):** Translated "wonder" or "portent." This term is also commonly paired with *peleʼ*, especially in the context of divine acts in Egypt. *Môp̄ēt* can carry a connotation of a miraculous sign, sometimes with a predictive or ominous aspect, whereas *peleʼ* focuses more on the inherent nature of the event as extraordinary and divinely wrought.
* **New Testament Parallels:** Greek terms that convey similar concepts include τέρας (*teras*, `{{G5059}}`) for "wonder" or "portent," δύναμις (*dynamis*, `{{G1411}}`) for "power" or "miracle," and σημεῖον (*sēmeion*, `{{G4592}}`) for "sign." These terms collectively capture the various facets of the Hebrew *peleʼ*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *peleʼ* is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Revelation of God's Transcendence and Omnipotence:** *Peleʼ* serves as a primary means by which God reveals His unique nature. He is the only one capable of performing such wonders, underscoring His transcendence over creation and His absolute power. It demonstrates that He is not bound by the limitations of the natural world or human understanding.
2. **Basis for Faith and Worship:** God's *peleʼ* acts form the historical and experiential foundation for Israel's faith. Remembering these wonders inspires trust in God's faithfulness and power to deliver. It also evokes adoration and praise, as His deeds are worthy of worship.
3. **Divine Intervention in History:** The concept of *peleʼ* emphasizes God's active, personal involvement in human history. He is not a distant deity but a sovereign Lord who intervenes decisively for His purposes, whether in salvation, judgment, or revelation.
4. **Messianic and Christological Import:** The application of *peleʼ* to the Messiah in [[Isaiah 9:6]] is a pivotal theological point. It indicates that the Messiah's person, character, and redemptive work will be supernaturally empowered and divinely extraordinary, fulfilling God's ultimate "wonder" in human history. This prophecy points to the unique divine nature of Jesus Christ, whose life, miracles, death, and resurrection are the ultimate *peleʼ*.
5. **God's Sovereignty and Uniqueness:** Ultimately, *peleʼ* reinforces God's absolute sovereignty. Nothing is too difficult or extraordinary for Him. It highlights His "otherness" and His unparalleled ability to accomplish His will.
### Summary
פֶּלֶא (*peleʼ*, `{{H6382}}`) is a central Hebrew term signifying a "wonder," "marvel," or "miracle." Derived from the root *palaʼ* (`{{H6381}}`) meaning "to be extraordinary" or "difficult," it describes phenomena that transcend human ability or natural explanation, pointing directly to divine agency. Its biblical occurrences prominently feature God's mighty acts of deliverance, judgment, and creation, serving as powerful testaments to His unique power and character, from the Exodus [[Exodus 3:20]] to the intricate design of humanity [[Psalm 139:14]]. Often found alongside terms like "signs" (`{{H226}}`) and "portents" (`{{H4159}}`), *peleʼ* emphasizes the awe-inspiring and extraordinary nature of God's deeds. Theologically, *peleʼ* is crucial for understanding God's transcendence, omnipotence, and His role as the sovereign Lord of history. It forms a basis for faith, worship, and the recognition of God's "otherness." Most significantly, its application to the Messiah as "Wonderful Counselor" [[Isaiah 9:6]] imbues the term with profound eschatological and Christological meaning, pointing to the divine and extraordinary nature of the Redeemer. *Peleʼ* encapsulates the divine capacity to do what is humanly impossible, evoking reverence and adoration.
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