the same as פֶּלֶג; earthquake; Peleg, a son of Shem; Peleg.
Transliteration:Peleg
Pronunciation:peh'-leg
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פֶּלֶג (Peleg), transliterated as Peleg, carries a dual semantic range, which is particularly insightful for its biblical usage. While the root פָּלַג `{{H6385}}` fundamentally means "to divide," "split," or "distribute," `{{H6389}}` specifically encompasses both the meaning of "earthquake" (implying a splitting or cleaving of the earth) and, more prominently, the proper name "Peleg." The connection between "division" and "earthquake" is semantically coherent, as an earthquake causes a violent division or rupture of the ground. However, in its primary biblical occurrences, `{{H6389}}` functions as a personal name, whose very etymology is explicitly linked to a significant historical "division."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent occurrences of `{{H6389}}` are as the proper name Peleg, a son of Eber and a descendant of Shem. His name appears twice in the foundational genealogies of the Old Testament:
* [[Genesis 10:25]]: "To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother's name was Joktan."
* [[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; and his brother's name was Joktan."
The explicit parenthetical explanation in both verses—כִּי בְיָמָיו נִפְלְגָה הָאָרֶץ (ki b'yamav niphlegah ha'aretz), "for in his days the earth was divided"—is crucial. This direct etymological link provided by the biblical text itself confirms that the name Peleg serves as a historical marker. The "division of the earth" is widely understood to refer to the dispersion of humanity and the diversification of languages following the Tower of Babel incident, as described in [[Genesis 11]]. This event led to the formation of distinct nations, as detailed in the Table of Nations in [[Genesis 10]], which precedes the Babel narrative but is thematically linked. Some interpretations also suggest a geographical division, though the context of nations and languages in Genesis 10-11 strongly favors a division of peoples and their territories.
### Related Words & Concepts
The lemma `{{H6389}}` is intimately connected to the verbal root פָּלַג `{{H6385}}` (to divide, split, distribute). This root gives rise to other related nouns:
* פֶּלֶג `{{H6388}}`: This noun also transliterated as Peleg, typically refers to a "stream," "channel," or "division of water." This reflects the concept of water dividing into channels or being divided for irrigation.
* פְּלֻגָּה `{{H6390}}`: This noun signifies a "division," "course," or "class," often referring to divisions of priests or administrative units (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 24:1]]).
The semantic field thus revolves around the concept of "division" in various forms—geographical, hydrological, organizational, and, most significantly for `{{H6389}}`, the division of humanity into distinct groups. While the base definition for `{{H6389}}` includes "earthquake," its primary biblical application as a proper name points to a more profound, divinely orchestrated "splitting" of humanity rather than a geological event.
### Theological Significance
The name Peleg stands as a profound theological signpost, commemorating a pivotal moment in God's redemptive history. It underscores divine sovereignty over human affairs, specifically in the aftermath of the rebellion at Babel. The division of the earth/humanity, whether primarily linguistic, national, or territorial, was not a random event but a deliberate act of God to frustrate human hubris and establish the diverse tapestry of nations.
Peleg's name serves as a perpetual reminder that God is the one who "divides" and "distributes" the peoples of the earth, setting their boundaries (cf. [[Deuteronomy 32:8]]). This divine ordering, though a consequence of human sin, ultimately sets the stage for God's particular redemptive plan through Abraham, whose lineage continues through Peleg's brother Joktan and then through Peleg's line to Abraham. The existence of divided nations highlights the universal need for a Redeemer who can reconcile all peoples to God and to one another, ultimately foreshadowing the eschatological gathering of all nations before the throne of God (e.g., [[Revelation 7:9]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word פֶּלֶג `{{H6389}}`, transliterated as Peleg, is primarily known as the proper name of a descendant of Shem. Its meaning, "division," is explicitly linked by the biblical text itself to the significant event of the "division of the earth" (כִּי בְיָמָיו נִפְלְגָה הָאָרֶץ) that occurred in his days, as recorded in [[Genesis 10:25]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:19]]. This division is widely understood to refer to the dispersion of humanity and the diversification of languages and nations following the Tower of Babel. Rooted in פָּלַג `{{H6385}}` (to divide), Peleg's name serves as a perpetual theological marker, testifying to God's sovereign hand in shaping human history and establishing the distinct peoples of the world. It underscores both the consequences of human rebellion and God's providential ordering, setting the stage for His ongoing redemptive work among a divided humanity.
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