a primitive root; to split (literally or figuratively); divide.
Transliteration:pâlag
Pronunciation:paw-lag'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb פָּלַג (pâlag), Strong's number `{{H6385}}`, is a primitive root carrying the fundamental sense of "to split" or "to divide." This division can be understood in both a literal and a figurative sense. Literally, it refers to the physical act of cleaving or separating, such as the division of water. Figuratively, it denotes the separation of people, the distribution of territories, or the causing of disunity and confusion. The root implies a breaking apart from a unified whole into distinct parts. Its semantic range extends from the physical partitioning of space or resources to the social or linguistic fragmentation of humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb פָּלַג (pâlag) appears in the Hebrew Bible in a few significant contexts, each illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **Genesis 10:25** and **[[1 Chronicles 1:19]]**: "To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided..." This is perhaps the most famous occurrence. The verb `{{H6385}}` is used in the passive voice, indicating that the division of the earth *occurred* during Peleg's lifetime. While the exact nature of this "division" is debated (geographical, linguistic, or political/tribal), it clearly points to a significant event of separation or distribution that shaped early human history. The name Peleg (`{{H6389}}`) itself is derived from this root, underscoring the profound impact of this division.
* **[[Psalm 55:9]]**: "Divide their tongues, O Lord, and confuse them; for I have seen violence and strife in the city." Here, the verb is used figuratively in a petition to God. The psalmist asks God to "divide their tongues," meaning to cause dissension, misunderstanding, or linguistic confusion among his enemies. This reflects a desire for divine intervention to weaken adversaries through internal discord, echoing perhaps the confusion at Babel.
* **[[Job 38:25]]**: "Who has divided a channel for the torrents of rain, or a way for the lightning of the thunder?" In this rhetorical question, God highlights His sovereign control over creation. The verb `{{H6385}}` here refers to God's action of physically "dividing" or carving out channels for water, demonstrating His power in ordering the natural world and directing its powerful forces. This usage connects to the noun form `{{H6388}}` (peleg), meaning "stream" or "channel."
* **[[Lamentations 4:16]]**: "The face of the Lord has divided them; He will no longer look on them. They respected not the persons of the priests, they favored not the elders." This verse describes the dire consequences of divine judgment. The "face of the Lord has divided them" signifies that God's disfavor and judgment have led to the scattering, fragmentation, or separation of His people, likely referring to the exile and dispersion of Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb פָּלַג (pâlag) is closely related to its nominal forms, which further illuminate its meaning:
* **פֶּלֶג (peleg)**, `{{H6388}}`: This noun, meaning "stream," "channel," or "division," is a direct derivative of the verb. It emphasizes the concept of a division, particularly of water flowing in a defined course, as seen in Job 38:25 where God "divides a channel."
* **פֶּלֶג (Peleg)**, `{{H6389}}`: This proper noun is the name of Eber's son (Genesis 10:25), explicitly linked to the "division" that occurred in his days.
Conceptually, פָּלַג (pâlag) relates to other Hebrew verbs denoting division or separation:
* `{{H2673}}` (chātsah): "to divide," often implying cutting in half or distributing.
* `{{H6504}}` (pāras): "to break," "to divide," or "to separate," often in the context of breaking bread or separating something.
The theological concepts associated with פָּלַג (pâlag) include divine sovereignty, judgment, and the ordering of creation, as well as human disunity and fragmentation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּלַג (pâlag) is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Order in Creation:** In [[Job 38:25]], the verb highlights God's absolute control over the natural world. He is the one who "divides" the channels for rain, demonstrating His power to establish and maintain order within creation. This underscores His wisdom and omnipotence.
2. **Divine Judgment and Consequences of Sin:** The usage in [[Lamentations 4:16]] reveals פָּלַג (pâlag) as an instrument of divine judgment. God's "dividing" of His people signifies their dispersion and suffering as a consequence of their sin and disobedience. Similarly, the psalmist's prayer in [[Psalm 55:9]] for God to "divide their tongue" reflects a desire for God to bring confusion and disunity upon the wicked, a form of righteous retribution.
3. **The Mystery of Human History:** The most profound theological implication arises from [[Genesis 10:25]], where the earth was "divided" in the days of Peleg. This event, whether interpreted as a geographical split, a linguistic fragmentation (often associated with the Tower of Babel, though not explicitly stated in the text), or a division into nations and tribes, points to a pivotal moment in God's providential ordering of human history. It signifies a shift from a potentially unified humanity to a diverse and often divided world, setting the stage for God's redemptive plan through a chosen people. This division, though perhaps a consequence of human sin (as at Babel), ultimately serves God's larger purposes in the unfolding of His covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb פָּלַג (pâlag), `{{H6385}}`, fundamentally means "to split" or "to divide," encompassing both literal and figurative applications. It describes God's sovereign act of ordering creation by "dividing" channels for water ([[Job 38:25]]) and His righteous judgment leading to the "division" or scattering of people ([[Lamentations 4:16]]). It can also express a plea for divine intervention to cause disunity among adversaries ([[Psalm 55:9]]). Most notably, פָּלַג (pâlag) is intrinsically linked to the name Peleg in [[Genesis 10:25]], marking a significant, divinely orchestrated "division" of the earth or humanity in early biblical history. This word thus speaks powerfully to God's ultimate control over both the natural world and the course of human events, bringing about separation for purposes of order, judgment, or the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
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