from פָּלַט; escape; Pelet, the name of two Israelites; Pelet. See also בֵּית פֶּלֶט.
Transliteration:Peleṭ
Pronunciation:peh'-let
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פֶּלֶט (Peleṭ - `{{H6404}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the verb פָּלַט (palat - `{{H6403}}`), which signifies "to escape," "to deliver," or "to bring forth safely." Therefore, the core meaning of פֶּלֶט itself is "escape," "deliverance," or "refuge." While the root verb describes the action of escaping or delivering, the noun form denotes the state of having escaped, the act of deliverance, or that which is delivered/escaped. In its most common biblical usage, however, פֶּלֶט (Peleṭ - `{{H6404}}`) functions as a proper noun, serving as a personal name or part of a place name, thereby embodying the concept of deliverance or survival within the identity of individuals or locations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As a proper noun, פֶּלֶט (Peleṭ - `{{H6404}}`) appears in a few significant contexts within the Old Testament:
* **[[1 Chronicles 2:47]]**: Here, Peleṭ is listed as one of the sons of Jahdai, a descendant of Caleb through Hezron. This genealogical mention places Peleṭ within the lineage of Judah, a tribe often associated with kingship and divine providence. The naming of a child "Peleṭ" could reflect a parent's hope for their child's survival or deliverance, or perhaps commemorate a specific instance of escape or rescue experienced by the family.
* **[[1 Chronicles 12:3]]**: This verse introduces Peleṭ as a Korahite, one of the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag while he was still fleeing from Saul. These men are described as "mighty warriors, men of war for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and as swift as gazelles on the mountains." The name "Peleṭ" for such a warrior is particularly fitting, as it would imply one who is adept at escaping danger, delivering blows to the enemy, or even one who was himself delivered by divine hand to serve David. Their loyalty to David during his time of tribulation underscores a theme of steadfastness and divine protection.
* **[[Nehemiah 11:26]]**: This passage mentions "Beth-Pelet" (בֵּית פֶּלֶט), a town in Judah where some of the people of Judah settled after the exile. The name "Beth-Pelet" means "House of Escape" or "House of Deliverance." Its inclusion in the list of settlements suggests a historical significance related to deliverance or a place of refuge. For the returning exiles, settling in a place named "House of Deliverance" would have carried profound symbolic meaning, reflecting their own recent deliverance from Babylonian captivity and their hope for continued divine protection in their restored homeland.
In each instance, while the word functions as a name, its etymological root in "escape" or "deliverance" imbues it with a subtle yet powerful underlying meaning, connecting individuals and places to themes of survival and divine aid.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which פֶּלֶט (Peleṭ - `{{H6404}}`) derives:
* **פָּלַט (palat - `{{H6403}}`)**: The verb "to escape," "to deliver," or "to bring forth safely." This is the direct semantic ancestor and the most crucial related term.
Other Hebrew words that convey similar concepts of rescue, salvation, or preservation include:
* **מִלֵּט (millēṭ - `{{H4422}}`)**: Often used in the hiphil stem, meaning "to cause to escape," "to deliver."
* **יָשַׁע (yashaʿ - `{{H3467}}`)**: A broad term meaning "to save," "to deliver," "to rescue," often with strong theological implications of divine salvation.
* **נָצַל (natsal - `{{H5337}}`)**: "To snatch away," "to deliver," "to rescue," often implying removal from danger or oppression.
* **פָּדָה (padah - `{{H6299}}`)**: "To ransom," "to redeem," "to deliver," often through a payment or substitution.
The concept of "escape" or "deliverance" as embodied by Peleṭ is also intrinsically linked to the biblical theme of the "remnant" (e.g., שְׁאָר - she'ar - `{{H7605}}`), where a portion of God's people is preserved or escapes judgment to continue the covenant line. While Peleṭ does not directly denote "remnant," the idea of a preserved individual or community is central to both.
### Theological Significance
Though primarily a proper noun, the theological significance of פֶּלֶט (Peleṭ - `{{H6404}}`) is profound due to its root meaning of "escape" or "deliverance."
1. **God as the Deliverer**: The very concept of "escape" in the biblical narrative often points to God's sovereign hand in rescuing His people from peril, oppression, or judgment. Names like Peleṭ, whether intentionally chosen by parents or attributed by context, serve as testaments to belief in divine providence and God's power to save. The "House of Deliverance" (Beth-Pelet) would have been a constant reminder to its inhabitants of God's faithfulness in bringing them out of exile.
2. **Hope and Trust**: Naming a child "Peleṭ" could express a parent's hope for their child's future safety or a thanksgiving for a past deliverance. It reflects a deep-seated trust in God's ability to protect and preserve. This personal dimension underscores the intimate relationship between individuals and their understanding of God's active involvement in their lives.
3. **The Remnant Motif**: The theme of a "surviving remnant" is critical in biblical theology, especially in prophetic literature. While Peleṭ is not explicitly a remnant, the idea of an "escape" or "deliverance" is foundational to the concept of a preserved group. God always ensures a way of escape for those He chooses to preserve, maintaining His covenant promises.
4. **Divine Preservation in Adversity**: The men of Peleṭ's company who joined David at Ziklag exemplify divine preservation. David himself was in a state of "escape" from Saul, and those who joined him were often those who had been delivered from various forms of distress. Their very presence with David was a testament to their own deliverance and their commitment to God's anointed king, reflecting a broader theological truth that God preserves those who align themselves with His purposes.
### Summary
פֶּלֶט (Peleṭ - `{{H6404}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the verb "to escape" or "to deliver" (פָּלַט - `{{H6403}}`). While its core meaning is "escape" or "deliverance," its primary usage in the biblical text is as a proper noun, appearing as a personal name for two individuals ([[1 Chronicles 2:47]], [[1 Chronicles 12:3]]) and as part of a place name, Beth-Pelet ([[Nehemiah 11:26]]), meaning "House of Escape/Deliverance." Despite its limited occurrences as a common noun, the underlying meaning of "escape" imbues these proper nouns with significant theological weight. It speaks to the pervasive biblical theme of divine deliverance, highlighting God's role as the rescuer and preserver of His people. The name Peleṭ, whether given to a person or a place, serves as a poignant reminder of God's providential care, the hope for safety, and the enduring concept of a surviving remnant in the face of adversity.
TRV