The Hebrew word pilʼîy, represented by H6383, is defined as remarkable; secret, wonderful. It appears 4 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used to describe things that are beyond ordinary human comprehension or access, pointing to a divine quality that is set apart and extraordinary.
In its biblical usage, H6383 describes two distinct concepts that are divinely inaccessible. In Psalms, it characterizes a type of knowledge that is too wonderful for the human mind to grasp, something so far above us that it cannot be attained Psalms 139:6. In the book of Judges, the angel of the LORD uses the term to describe his own name, telling Manoah that it is secret and thus not to be inquired after Judges 13:18. In both cases, the word delineates a boundary between the human realm and the divine.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of H6383 within its context:
- H1847 daʻath (knowledge): This word is directly qualified as wonderful H6383 in Psalms 139:6. True knowledge is presented as having its beginning in the fear of the LORD Proverbs 1:7, setting it apart from mere human intellect.
- H7682 sâgab (to be lofty, inaccessible): Paired with H6383 in Psalms 139:6, this word emphasizes that the wonderful knowledge is "high" or inaccessible. This concept of being lofty or safe is also applied to the Lord, in whom one can be safe from harm Proverbs 29:25.
- H8034 shêm (an appellation, name): In Judges 13:18, it is the angel's name that is described as secret H6383. A name in scripture often signifies character and authority, as when God's holy name is associated with His dwelling in a high and holy place Isaiah 57:15.
The theological weight of H6383 centers on the distinction between God and humanity.
- Divine Incomprehensibility: The term establishes that certain aspects of God, such as his complete knowledge H1847, are fundamentally too wonderful and high for the human mind to attain Psalms 139:6. This highlights God's transcendence.
- The Sacredness of the Divine Name: By describing the angel's name H8034 as secret H6383, the word underscores that divine identity and authority are not things to be casually grasped or defined by mortals. The name itself possesses a sacred and remarkable quality Judges 13:18.
- Inaccessible Heights: The connection to sâgab H7682 reinforces the theme of loftiness. What is described as H6383 is not just impressive, but exists on a plane that is inaccessible and exalted, a quality repeatedly ascribed to the LORD himself Isaiah 2:11.
In summary, H6383 is a specific and powerful term that signifies more than simple wonder. It is used to mark that which is divinely remarkable and set apart from human experience. Whether describing the unattainable knowledge of God Psalms 139:6 or the sacred and secret name of a divine messenger Judges 13:18, pilʼîy points to the awesome and inaccessible nature of God.
TRV