a primitive root; to slip out, i.e. escape; causatively, to deliver; calve, carry away safe, deliver, (cause to) escape.
Transliteration:pâlaṭ
Pronunciation:paw-lat'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root פָּלַט (pâlaṭ, `{{H6403}}`) is a primitive verb carrying the fundamental sense of "to slip out" or "to escape." This core meaning implies a swift, often unhindered movement away from a confined or dangerous situation. From this primary sense, the semantic range expands to include causative actions. In the Hiphil stem, it means "to cause to escape," thus "to deliver," "to rescue," or "to preserve." The nuance of "slipping out" can also extend to specific biological processes, as seen in the rare usage "to calve," where the young animal "slips out" from the mother. The underlying concept is one of extrication from peril or constraint, whether by one's own quick action or, more significantly in biblical contexts, by divine intervention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb פָּלַט (pâlaṭ) appears approximately 30 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the Qal (simple) and Hiphil (causative) stems. Its usage consistently revolves around the theme of escape, deliverance, or preservation, often in the face of imminent danger, destruction, or death.
* **Escape from Peril:** A prominent use is to describe individuals or groups escaping from military defeat, natural disaster, or personal threats. In [[1 Samuel 19:10]], David "escapes" from Saul's spear, highlighting a miraculous or quick evasion. Similarly, [[2 Samuel 1:3]] describes a man who "escaped" from the camp of Israel, bringing news of battle. This sense of personal survival against odds is also evident in [[Job 22:30]], where God is said to "deliver" (cause to escape) the innocent.
* **Divine Deliverance and Preservation:** More frequently, pâlaṭ underscores God's active role as deliverer. In [[Genesis 45:7]], Joseph explains that God sent him to Egypt "to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to keep you alive by a great deliverance." Here, the Hiphil form emphasizes God's purposeful action in causing survival. [[Psalm 32:7]] speaks of God surrounding the believer with "songs of deliverance," indicating the joy of being rescued from trouble. [[Psalm 91:14]] declares God's promise to "deliver" those who love Him and know His name, linking deliverance directly to relationship and trust. This divine agency is crucial, as it often contrasts with human inability to escape fate, as seen in [[Jeremiah 44:14]], where none of a particular group are said to "escape" from Egypt.
* **The Remnant:** The concept of a "remnant" is often tied to pâlaṭ, particularly in prophetic literature. [[Isaiah 4:2]] refers to "the escaped of Israel," those who have survived divine judgment, signifying God's preserving grace even amidst widespread destruction. This highlights a theological thread of a chosen few preserved for God's ongoing purposes.
* **Unique Usage ("Calve"):** In a unique biological context, [[Job 21:10]] states that the wicked's cow "calves" (תְּפַלֵּט), and does not miscarry. This literal "slipping out" of the young from the mother demonstrates the root's concrete physical meaning, though it is an isolated usage in this context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of פָּלַט (pâlaṭ) intersects with several other significant Hebrew words related to salvation, rescue, and preservation:
* **`{{H5337}}` נָצַל (nāṣal):** "to snatch away," "to deliver," "to rescue." Often used interchangeably with pâlaṭ in contexts of divine deliverance from danger or oppression. While pâlaṭ emphasizes the act of "slipping out," nāṣal highlights the act of "snatching" or pulling someone out.
* **`{{H3467}}` יָשַׁע (yāshaʿ):** "to save," "to deliver," "to bring salvation." This is a broader term for salvation and victory, encompassing not just escape from immediate danger but also comprehensive well-being and spiritual deliverance. Pâlaṭ can be a specific manifestation of the broader concept of yāshaʿ.
* **`{{H4422}}` מָלַט (mālaṭ):** "to escape," "to slip away," "to deliver oneself." This verb is very close in meaning to pâlaṭ, often describing self-preservation or quick flight from danger, though it can also be used in a causative sense.
* **`{{H6403}}` (pâlaṭ) vs. `{{H4422}}` (mālaṭ):** While both refer to escaping, pâlaṭ often carries a stronger sense of being *caused* to escape (divine deliverance), whereas mālaṭ can more readily describe one's own act of slipping away. However, context is key, and their semantic ranges overlap considerably.
Conceptually, pâlaṭ is deeply connected to themes of divine protection, remnant theology, and the ultimate victory of God's purposes over forces of destruction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּלַט (pâlaṭ) is profound, revealing key aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
* **God as the Great Deliverer:** The frequent use of pâlaṭ in the Hiphil stem, with God as the subject, unequivocally establishes Him as the ultimate source of deliverance. He is not a passive observer but an active agent who intervenes to "cause to escape" those whom He chooses to preserve. This underscores His omnipotence, faithfulness, and providential care.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** The instances where God delivers His people from famine, war, or personal threat (e.g., [[Genesis 45:7]], [[Psalm 91:14]]) highlight His sovereign control over circumstances and His detailed providence in the lives of His elect. Even when human efforts fail, God's power to deliver remains absolute.
* **Theology of the Remnant:** The concept of a "remnant" who "escapes" judgment is a crucial theological thread, particularly in the prophets. This signifies God's preserving grace and His commitment to His covenant, ensuring that a faithful seed survives to carry on His purposes, even amidst widespread apostasy or catastrophe. It speaks to hope beyond judgment.
* **Basis for Trust and Hope:** For the individual, the understanding of God as the one who "delivers" fosters deep trust and hope. The psalmist frequently expresses confidence in God's ability to rescue him from his enemies or troubles, affirming that God is a sure refuge (e.g., [[Psalm 32:7]]). This attribute of deliverance encourages reliance on God in times of distress.
* **Redemption and Salvation:** In its broadest sense, pâlaṭ points towards God's redemptive work. While not explicitly a term for spiritual salvation from sin, the physical deliverance it describes serves as a powerful metaphor and prefigurement of God's ultimate salvation, which liberates humanity from the bondage of sin and death.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פָּלַט (pâlaṭ, `{{H6403}}`) is a dynamic verb rooted in the core meaning "to slip out" or "to escape." While it can describe a literal escape or even the act of an animal calving, its most significant biblical usage is in the causative sense, "to deliver" or "to cause to escape." This latter usage predominantly highlights God's active and sovereign role as the Divine Deliverer, rescuing individuals and communities from peril, destruction, and death. Pâlaṭ is central to understanding the biblical concept of divine preservation, particularly in the formation of the "remnant" who survive judgment. It underscores God's faithfulness and power, providing a firm foundation for human trust and hope in His providential care and ultimate redemptive purposes.
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