The Hebrew word pelach, represented by H6400, means a slice or piece. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used to describe a fragment or portion of a larger object, whether it be food, a tool, or a fruit.
In biblical narratives, H6400 is used in several distinct contexts. It can describe a life-saving portion of food, as when a famished Egyptian is given "a piece of a cake of figs" to restore his spirit 1 Samuel 30:12. It is also used as an instrument of deadly force; Abimelech is killed when a woman casts a "piece of a millstone" on his head from a wall (Judges 9:53, 2 Samuel 11:21). The term is also used poetically in Song of Solomon, where the beloved's temples are compared to "a piece of a pomegranate" (Song of Solomon 4:3, Song of Solomon 6:7).
Several related words help contextualize the meaning of a "piece":
- H7393 rekeb (millstone): This is the object from which a deadly piece is broken. It is a heavy, hard object used for grinding, and a fragment of it proves fatal to Abimelech Judges 9:53 and serves as a metaphor for a hard heart Job 41:24.
- H7416 rimmôwn (pomegranate): This fruit provides the basis for the poetic imagery in Song of Solomon, where a piece of it is used to describe the comely temples of the beloved Song of Solomon 4:3.
- H1690 dᵉbêlâh (cake of figs): This is the food item from which a piece is given to restore a dying man, illustrating the word's connection to sustenance and provision 1 Samuel 30:12.
The significance of H6400 is seen in its varied applications, where a small fragment holds great importance.
- Instrument of Judgment: A piece of a millstone becomes a decisive weapon, used by a woman to execute judgment upon the wicked king Abimelech, demonstrating how God can use humble means to achieve his purposes (Judges 9:53, 2 Samuel 11:21).
- Symbol of Provision: In a moment of desperation, a single piece of a fig cake is sufficient to revive a man from the brink of death, illustrating how even a small portion can be life-giving 1 Samuel 30:12.
- Metaphorical Weight: The word is employed in similes to convey both delicate beauty ("a piece of a pomegranate") and unyielding hardness ("a piece of the nether millstone"), showing its role in creating vivid biblical imagery (Song of Solomon 4:3, Job 41:24).
In summary, pelach H6400 is a specific term for a slice or piece that carries surprising weight in its few appearances. From a fragment of a millstone used in judgment to a portion of food that saves a life, the word illustrates that the significance of an object is not always in its wholeness, but in the impact of its individual parts. It serves as a literal fragment, a life-giving provision, and a powerful poetic device.
TRV