### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פֶּלַח (pelach), Strong's number `{{H6400}}`, is derived from the verb פָּלַח (palach), `{{H6398}}`, meaning "to cleave, split, or pierce." As a noun, פֶּלַח denotes the *result* of this action: a "slice" or "piece." Its semantic range is quite narrow, referring to a distinct, separated portion of a larger whole, typically implying a segment that has been cut or broken off. The term emphasizes the physical, tangible nature of the division, presenting a specific, identifiable segment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פֶּלַח (pelach) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the poetic and descriptive language of the Song of Solomon, and always in conjunction with the word for "pomegranate" (רִמּוֹן, rimmon, `{{H7416}}`).
1. **[[Song of Solomon 4:3]]**: "Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate behind thy locks."
Here, the beloved's temples are compared to a "slice of a pomegranate" (כְּפֶלַח הָרִמּוֹן). This imagery likely evokes the vibrant reddish hue of the pomegranate's inner fruit, or perhaps the delicate, segmented beauty of its seeds, suggesting a radiant and alluring complexion. The comparison contributes to the rich tapestry of natural imagery used to describe physical beauty in the Song.
2. **[[Song of Solomon 6:7]]**: "As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples behind thy locks."
This verse is a near-verbatim repetition of the imagery from [[Song of Solomon 4:3]]. The repetition serves to reinforce the vividness and significance of the comparison, emphasizing the particular quality of beauty that the "slice of pomegranate" conveys. In both instances, פֶּלַח specifies not the whole fruit, but a distinct, opened segment, allowing its internal beauty and color to be seen.
In both contexts, פֶּלַח functions as a descriptive noun, contributing to the evocative and sensory language characteristic of ancient Near Eastern love poetry. It grounds the abstract concept of beauty in concrete, natural imagery, making it relatable and vivid for the audience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root פָּלַח (palach), `{{H6398}}`, from which פֶּלַח (pelach) is derived. This root's meaning of "to cleave, split, or pierce" directly informs the noun's meaning of a "slice" or "piece," highlighting the action that produces the segment.
Other related concepts include:
* **Division/Portion**: Words like חֵלֶק (cheleq, `{{H2506}}`), meaning "portion" or "part," or קֶצֶף (qetsef, `{{H7112}}`), meaning "a piece" (of bread), share the general idea of a separated segment, though פֶּלַח is specifically a "slice" from a larger, often spherical or rounded, object.
* **Pomegranate**: The fruit רִמּוֹן (rimmon, `{{H7416}}`) is inextricably linked to פֶּלַח in its biblical occurrences. Understanding the pomegranate as a symbol of fertility, beauty, and abundance in ancient cultures enriches the specific imagery of the "slice."
* **Figurative Language**: The use of פֶּלַח in the Song of Solomon demonstrates the broader biblical practice of employing natural elements as metaphors for human characteristics or divine attributes.
### Theological Significance
While פֶּלַח (pelach) does not carry an inherent theological meaning in the way terms like "holiness" or "covenant" do, its limited and specific usage offers subtle theological insights:
1. **Appreciation of Creation**: The use of a simple "slice of pomegranate" to describe beauty underscores the biblical worldview that God's creation, even in its mundane details, is imbued with aesthetic value. The intricate design and vibrant color of a pomegranate, when observed closely (as one would a "slice"), reveal the Creator's artistry and attention to detail. This echoes the broader biblical theme that creation testifies to the glory of God (e.g., [[Psalm 19:1]]).
2. **Precision in Language**: The specific choice of פֶּלַח over a more general term for "part" or "piece" highlights the precision and richness of the Hebrew language. It suggests a deliberate intention to evoke a particular image – not just any part of a pomegranate, but a segment that has been opened, revealing its inner beauty and structure. This precision reflects a divine order and meticulousness inherent in the created world and, by extension, in the divine revelation.
3. **Humanity as Image-Bearers**: The Song of Solomon, though focused on human love, operates within a biblical framework where human beings are created in God's image. The celebration of human beauty, even through the lens of a "slice of pomegranate," can be seen as an affirmation of the goodness of God's creation, including the human form and human relationships. The beauty described, though human, ultimately reflects the One who is the source of all beauty.
### Summary
פֶּלַח (pelach, `{{H6400}}`) is a rare Hebrew noun meaning "a slice" or "a piece," derived from the verb "to cleave." Its only two occurrences in the Hebrew Bible are found in the Song of Solomon ([[Song of Solomon 4:3]] and [[Song of Solomon 6:7]]), where it is used to describe the beloved's temples as being "like a slice of a pomegranate." This specific imagery evokes the vibrant color and delicate structure of the fruit, contributing to the rich descriptive poetry of the book. While not a word with overt theological content, its usage subtly points to the beauty and precision evident in God's creation, the meticulousness of biblical language, and the affirmation of created goodness within the divine order.
TRV