(Aramaic) corresponding to פָּלַג; {to split (literally or figuratively)}; divided.
Transliteration:pᵉlag
Pronunciation:pel-ag'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term פְּלַג (pᵉlag, `{{H6386}}`) carries the fundamental meaning of "to split" or "to divide," and derivatively, "to be divided." It serves as the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew פָּלַג (palag, `{{H6385}}`), which shares a similar semantic range encompassing the actions of dividing, distributing, or causing separation. The core concept revolves around the breaking apart of a whole into distinct portions or the establishment of a state of separation. This division can be understood literally, as in the splitting of a physical entity, or figuratively, as in the division of a group, a kingdom, or even a responsibility. The passive sense, "divided," describes the resulting state of something that has undergone this process of separation or fragmentation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, פְּלַג (pᵉlag, `{{H6386}}`) is found exclusively within the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Daniel. Its occurrences are limited but highly significant, appearing in contexts related to the prophetic interpretation of kingdoms.
1. **[[Daniel 2:41]]**: "And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potter's clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay."
* Here, pᵉlag (פְּלִיגָה, peliḡāh, a perfect passive participle) describes the future state of the fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, interpreted by Daniel. The kingdom is characterized as "divided," signifying internal fragmentation and a lack of cohesive unity. This division, symbolized by iron mixed with clay, implies inherent weakness and instability, preventing it from being a fully unified and enduring power. The context is prophetic, foretelling the nature of a future empire that, despite its strength (iron), will ultimately be undermined by its internal divisions.
2. **[[Daniel 5:28]]**: "PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians."
* This is part of the infamous "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" inscription on the wall during Belshazzar's feast. The word "Peres" (פְּרֵס, pᵉrēs), though a noun here, is directly related to the root pᵉlag. The accompanying Aramaic word פְּלִיגַת (peliḡaṯ, a perfect passive participle) explicitly states, "it has been divided." This is a pronouncement of divine judgment upon the Babylonian kingdom, declaring its immediate and irreversible fragmentation. The division is not merely internal but signifies a transfer of power, as the kingdom is literally "split" and handed over to the Medes and Persians. The context is one of immediate, decisive divine intervention and the end of an era.
In both instances, pᵉlag functions figuratively, referring to the political and structural division of human kingdoms. It highlights themes of instability, fragmentation, and ultimately, the sovereign hand of God in determining the fate of nations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew פָּלַג (palag, `{{H6385}}`), from which pᵉlag (`{{H6386}}`) is derived or to which it corresponds. The Hebrew palag is notably used in [[Genesis 10:25]] (and [[1 Chronicles 1:19]]) to explain the name Peleg, "for in his days was the earth divided." This suggests a broader concept of division, possibly geographical or linguistic, stemming from a foundational event. In [[Psalm 55:9]], palag is used figuratively to mean "divide their tongues," implying confusion and disunity among adversaries.
Other Hebrew words that convey concepts of division or separation include:
* בָּדַל (badal, `{{H914}}`): To divide, separate, distinguish (e.g., God separating light from darkness in creation).
* פָּרַשׁ (parash, `{{H6567}}`): To spread out, separate, make distinct.
* חָצָה (chatzah, `{{H2673}}`): To divide, cut in two, halve (often in a military or administrative context).
Thematically, pᵉlag connects to concepts of fragmentation, disunity, and the inherent transience of human constructs. It stands in contrast to divine unity and eternal stability. The concept of divine judgment leading to the partitioning or overthrow of kingdoms is a recurring motif in biblical prophecy, particularly in the Book of Daniel.
### Theological Significance
The use of פְּלַג (pᵉlag, `{{H6386}}`) in Daniel carries profound theological implications:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**: The most prominent theological insight is God's absolute control over human history and political powers. The division of kingdoms, whether through internal weakness or external conquest, is not random but divinely ordained. God is the ultimate orchestrator who "divides" or permits the division of empires, demonstrating His supreme authority over all earthly rulers and their domains ([[Daniel 2:21]]).
2. **Divine Judgment**: In [[Daniel 5:28]], pᵉlag is a direct pronouncement of judgment. The division of Babylon signifies its immediate downfall and the transfer of its power due to the king's blasphemy and pride. This highlights God's righteousness and His active intervention in human affairs to bring justice and to humble the arrogant. It underscores the principle that human kingdoms are accountable to the divine King.
3. **The Fragility of Human Power**: The "divided" nature of the kingdom in [[Daniel 2:41]] emphasizes the inherent instability and eventual collapse of human empires, even those seemingly invincible. The image of iron mixed with clay powerfully conveys that no human power, however strong, can achieve lasting unity or resist the forces of internal decay or divine decree. This stands in stark contrast to the indestructible and eternal nature of God's own kingdom.
4. **Prophetic Fulfillment and Reliability**: The precise fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the divided kingdom, particularly the fall of Babylon, reinforces the reliability and truthfulness of God's prophetic word. pᵉlag thus serves as a tangible sign that God's plans for history unfold exactly as He has declared.
### Summary
The Aramaic term פְּלַג (pᵉlag, `{{H6386}}`) fundamentally means "to split" or "to be divided," mirroring its Hebrew counterpart פָּלַג (palag, `{{H6385}}`). Its limited but crucial appearances in the Book of Daniel ([[Daniel 2:41]], [[Daniel 5:28]]) consistently describe the division or fragmentation of human kingdoms. Theologically, pᵉlag serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over the nations, His righteous judgment against human pride and sin, and the inherent transience and ultimate collapse of all earthly powers. It underscores the divine orchestration of history, where even the rise and fall of empires are but instruments in the hand of the Almighty, leading to the ultimate establishment of His eternal and undivided kingdom.
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