### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **peleg**, represented by `{{H6388}}`, describes a rill or a small channel of water, often translated as **river** or **stream**. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. While it can refer to literal irrigation channels, it is more frequently used in a figurative sense to convey concepts of divine blessing, control, and profound emotion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical imagery, `{{H6388}}` is consistently associated with life, provision, and stability. The righteous man is famously depicted as "like a tree planted by the **rivers** of water" that prospers [[Psalms 1:3]]. The term is also used to illustrate God's absolute sovereignty, as the king's heart is turned by the Lord like "the **rivers** of water" [[Proverbs 21:1]]. In a different metaphorical context, it can represent overwhelming sorrow, as seen when the psalmist's eyes "run down" with **rivers** of waters over lawlessness [[Psalms 119:136]] or when Jeremiah weeps over the destruction of his people [[Lamentations 3:48]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of water-related imagery in scripture:
* `{{H2988}}` **yâbâl** (stream): Often used interchangeably with `{{H6388}}`, this word also means stream or watercourse. The two appear together to emphasize abundant water sources, as in the promise of "**rivers** and **streams** of waters" on every high mountain [[Isaiah 30:25]].
* `{{H4325}}` **mayim** (water): This general term for water is almost always paired with `{{H6388}}` to form the common phrase "**rivers** of water," grounding the imagery in the essential substance of life [[Psalms 1:3]].
* `{{H4599}}` **maʻyân** (fountain): As a source of water, this word is used in parallel with `{{H6388}}` to describe the widespread availability of life-giving resources, such as fountains dispersed abroad and "**rivers** of waters in the streets" [[Proverbs 5:16]].
* `{{H5104}}` **nâhâr** (river): This term often refers to a larger river, while `{{H6388}}` can denote its channels or streams. In the city of God, it is the **streams** of the river that bring gladness [[Psalms 46:4]].
* `{{H6086}}` **ʻêts** (tree): This word is contextually linked through the powerful metaphor of a righteous person being like a **tree** sustained by the **rivers** `{{H6388}}`, symbolizing stability and fruitfulness derived from a divine source [[Psalms 1:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and figurative weight of `{{H6388}}` is significant, often pointing to God's direct interaction with the world.
* **Divine Provision:** The "river of God" is described as being full of water, a means by which God enriches the earth and provides for humanity [[Psalms 65:9]]. A righteous man can also be a source of blessing, like "**rivers** of water in a dry place" [[Isaiah 32:2]].
* **Sovereign Control:** The image of God turning **rivers** of water is used to declare His effortless control over the most powerful human rulers, showing that their hearts are in His hand [[Proverbs 21:1]].
* **Metaphor for Abundance:** The word can be used to describe immense prosperity, as when Job recalls a time when the rock poured him out "**rivers** of oil" [[Job 29:6]].
* **Expression of Grief:** The term provides a powerful hyperbole for sorrow, where tears become "**rivers** of water" flowing from the eyes in response to sin and destruction ([[Psalms 119:136]], [[Lamentations 3:48]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6388}}` moves far beyond a simple description of a water channel. It serves as a dynamic symbol in scripture, representing the conduits of divine blessing, the totality of God's sovereignty, and the depths of human emotion. From the life-sustaining streams that nourish a prosperous tree to the rivers of tears shed in grief, **peleg** illustrates how God's power and presence flow through the world and the human experience.