פָּלָה

pâlâh /paw-law'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto distinguish (literally or figuratively)
KJV usageput a difference, show marvellous, separate, set apart, sever, make wonderfully.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word pâlâh, represented by H6395, is a primitive root used to describe the act of distinguishing or separating in a wonderful or marvelous way. Appearing 7 times in 7 unique verses, its meaning encompasses putting a difference, severing, setting apart, and making wonderfully.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H6395 is used to illustrate God's direct and powerful intervention. It is a key term in the book of Exodus, where the LORD repeatedly acts to sever or put a difference between the Israelites and the Egyptians. This is seen in the protection of Israel's cattle Exodus 9:4, the land of Goshen from swarms of flies Exodus 8:22, and even the people themselves from harm Exodus 11:7. The purpose of this separation is so that God's power would be known Exodus 8:22. The word also expresses a deep sense of personal creation and divine favor, as when the psalmist declares he is "fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalms 139:14.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of being set apart:

  • H6381 pâlâʼ (to be... wonderful): This closely related root emphasizes the marvelous nature of God's actions. In Psalms 139:14, the psalmist is "wonderfully made" H6395 and declares that God's works are "marvellous" H6381.
  • H2623 châçîyd (godly): This term identifies the object of God's separation. The LORD "hath set apart" H6395 the one who is godly H2623 for Himself, promising to hear his call Psalms 4:3.
  • H3045 yâdaʻ (to know): God's acts of separation often serve as a sign. In Exodus, God puts a difference between Israel and Egypt so that Pharaoh may know that He is the LORD (Exodus 8:22, Exodus 11:7).

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H6395 is significant, highlighting several key themes.

  • Divine Separation: The word establishes God's sovereign ability to make a distinction between His people and the world. This is not merely a physical separation, but a clear sign of His protective presence and covenant relationship Exodus 33:16.
  • Marvelous Lovingkindness: The act of setting apart is an expression of God's character. His lovingkindness is described as marvellous H6395, demonstrated in the way He saves those who trust in Him Psalms 17:7.
  • Wondrous Creation: The term extends from God's acts in history to His work in creation. The formation of a human being is described as being wonderfully made, a truth the soul knoweth right well Psalms 139:14.

Summary

In summary, H6395 is a powerful word that conveys God's authority to distinguish and set apart. It is used to describe His decisive acts of deliverance for Israel, His personal selection of the godly, and the intricate wonder of His creation. From separating nations during the plagues of Egypt to forming an individual, pâlâh reveals a God who acts in marvelous ways to make His power and favor known.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 7 occurrences, inflected in 7 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Consecutive Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Consecutive Perfect 1st Plural common gender 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 7 verses across 2 books. Most frequent in Exodus (4 verses).

4
Exodus
3
Psalms

Verse Explorer

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