from פָּלַג; a runlet, i.e. gully; division, river.
Transliteration:pᵉlaggâh
Pronunciation:pel-ag-gaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun pᵉlaggâh (פְּלַגָּה, `{{H6390}}`) is derived from the verbal root pālag (פָּלַג, `{{H6385}}`), which fundamentally means "to divide," "to cleave," or "to split." This etymological origin directly informs its semantic range. At its most concrete, pᵉlaggâh refers to a "runlet," "gully," or "channel," specifically a watercourse that divides or carves through the land. It can also denote a "stream" or "river," emphasizing a flowing body of water that creates a natural separation. Beyond the physical, the underlying concept of "division" extends to more abstract notions of partitioning or splitting, though its primary biblical usage remains tied to water channels.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of pᵉlaggâh (פְּלַגָּה, `{{H6390}}`) in the Hebrew Bible predominantly refer to channels of water, often in poetic or wisdom literature.
In [[Psalm 1:3]], the righteous man is likened to a tree "planted by streams of water" (עַל־פַּלְגֵי־מָיִם). Here, the plural form of pᵉlaggâh vividly portrays a consistent and abundant source of nourishment, ensuring the tree's fruitfulness and vitality. This imagery underscores spiritual prosperity derived from divine sustenance.
[[Job 20:17]] uses pᵉlaggâh metaphorically to describe the wicked's loss of "streams of honey and curds" (נַהֲרֵי נַחֲלֵי דְּבַשׁ וְחֵמָה), indicating a deprivation of rich abundance and luxury. The term here emphasizes the copious flow and richness associated with such streams.
While not directly pᵉlaggâh, the closely related noun peleg (פֶּלֶג, `{{H6388}}`) appears in significant contexts. For instance, [[Psalm 65:9]] speaks of "the river of God" (פֶּלֶג אֱלֹהִים) which is full of water, used by God to provide grain. This reinforces the association of these water channels with divine provision and blessing. Most notably, peleg is the proper name given in [[Genesis 10:25]], "for in his days the earth was divided" (כִּי בְיָמָיו נִפְלְגָה הָאָרֶץ). This verse, though using the verbal form of the root pālag and the noun peleg, undeniably connects the concept of pᵉlaggâh to a profound historical division, whether geographical, linguistic, or societal, following the events at Babel.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **pālag (פָּלַג, `{{H6385}}`):** The fundamental verbal root, meaning "to divide," "to cleave," or "to split." pᵉlaggâh is a direct derivative, embodying the result or means of division.
* **peleg (פֶּלֶג, `{{H6388}}`):** A masculine noun closely related to pᵉlaggâh, often translated as "stream," "channel," or "division." It is frequently used interchangeably with pᵉlaggâh in contexts of watercourses (e.g., [[Psalm 65:9]]). The proper name Peleg in [[Genesis 10:25]] is a direct manifestation of this root's meaning of division.
* **nāhār (נָהָר, `{{H5104}}`):** A general term for "river," often referring to larger, more significant waterways than pᵉlaggâh.
* **naḥal (נַחַל, `{{H5158}}`):** Typically refers to a "wadi" or "torrent-valley," a watercourse that may be dry for much of the year but flows powerfully during rainy seasons. pᵉlaggâh suggests a more consistent, perhaps smaller, channel.
* **Concepts of Division:** Beyond physical water channels, pᵉlaggâh and its root are intrinsically linked to the broader concept of division—geographical, linguistic, and national—as seen in the post-Babel narrative. This highlights a fundamental separation within humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pᵉlaggâh (פְּלַגָּה, `{{H6390}}`) is twofold, encompassing both divine provision and human division.
In its association with "streams of water" ([[Psalm 1:3]], [[Psalm 65:9]]), pᵉlaggâh symbolizes God's life-giving sustenance and abundant blessing. The image of a tree flourishing by pᵉlaggâh portrays the righteous individual whose spiritual life is continually nourished by God's presence, wisdom, and grace. The "river of God" (פֶּלֶג אֱלֹהִים) underscores divine sovereignty over creation and God's active role in providing for the needs of humanity, ensuring fertility and sustenance. This aspect of the word speaks to God's benevolent character as the ultimate source of all life.
Conversely, the connection to the name Peleg in [[Genesis 10:25]] draws pᵉlaggâh into the profound theological theme of human division. The "division of the earth" in Peleg's days is often understood in light of the Tower of Babel narrative, signifying the fragmentation of humanity into diverse languages and nations. This division, a consequence of human rebellion and pride, stands in stark contrast to God's original design for unity and fellowship. Thus, pᵉlaggâh serves as a poignant reminder of both God's sustaining grace and the brokenness introduced by sin into the human condition.
### Summary
pᵉlaggâh (פְּלַגָּה, `{{H6390}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root pālag (`{{H6385}}`), meaning "to divide." Its core meaning encompasses both the concrete sense of a "runlet," "gully," or "stream" and the abstract concept of "division." Biblically, pᵉlaggâh primarily describes water channels, which are metaphorically employed to represent divine provision, blessing, and the sustenance of life, as seen in the flourishing of the righteous by "streams of water" in [[Psalm 1:3]]. However, through its close association with the name Peleg and the verbal root pālag in [[Genesis 10:25]], the word also powerfully evokes the theological theme of human division—whether geographical, linguistic, or national—a consequence of humanity's fallen state. Therefore, pᵉlaggâh encapsulates a rich theological tension, pointing to both the abundant grace of God and the profound fragmentation of the human experience.
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