from פָּלַט; delivered; Palti, the name of two Israelites; Palti, Phalti.
Transliteration:Palṭîy
Pronunciation:pal-tee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun פַּלְטִי (Palṭî), Strong's number `{{H6406}}`, is derived from the verbal root פָּלַט (palat - `{{H6403}}`), which carries the core meaning "to escape," "to deliver," or "to bring forth safely." As a proper noun, Palṭî therefore signifies "delivered" or "one who is delivered." The passive participial form suggests someone who has experienced deliverance, implying an act of rescue or preservation from danger, difficulty, or death. This root is frequently used in contexts of divine intervention, where God is the active agent of deliverance. Thus, the name itself carries an inherent theological resonance, pointing to a state of being saved or rescued, often by a higher power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Palṭî appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Palti, son of Laish, from Gallim:** This individual is mentioned in connection with Michal, King Saul's daughter and David's first wife. After David fled from Saul, Saul gave Michal to Palti. [[1 Samuel 25:44]] states, "Now Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was of Gallim." Later, as part of the terms for Abner's defection to David, David demanded Michal's return. [[2 Samuel 3:15-16]] recounts, "So David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, saying, 'Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.' And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Palti the son of Laish. But her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, 'Go, return.' And he returned." The irony of Palti's name, "delivered," in this context is striking. He is not "delivered" from the painful loss of his wife; rather, he is the one from whom something precious is taken. His deep grief underscores the personal tragedy of this political maneuver, highlighting the transient nature of human 'deliverance' or possession in contrast to divine sovereignty.
2. **Palti, the father of Palti-el:** This Palti is mentioned in the list of tribal leaders chosen to spy out the land of Canaan. [[Numbers 13:9]] identifies him as the father of Palti-el, the leader from the tribe of Issachar: "from the tribe of Issachar, Palti the son of Raphu." It should be noted that the verse actually says "Palti the son of Raphu," not "Palti the father of Palti-el." The name "Palti-el" (פַּלְטִיאֵל - `{{H6409}}`) means "God is my deliverance," and is the name of the spy himself, not his father. So, the correct reference here is Palti, the son of Raphu, from the tribe of Issachar, who was the spy. The name "Palti" here, as with many biblical names, likely reflects a hope or declaration by the parents regarding God's protective and saving power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for פַּלְטִי (Palṭî - `{{H6406}}`) is its root verb פָּלַט (palat - `{{H6403}}`), meaning "to escape," "to deliver," or "to save." This root is foundational to understanding the name's significance. Other related terms include:
* פְּלֵטָה (peletah - `{{H6413}}`): "escape," "deliverance," "remnant." This noun often refers to those who survive a disaster or judgment, emphasizing God's preservation.
* פָּלִיט (palit - `{{H6412}}`): "one who escapes," "a fugitive," "a survivor." This term describes the individual who has experienced deliverance.
* פַּלְטִיאֵל (Paltiel - `{{H6409}}`): "God is my deliverance." This name explicitly combines the concept of deliverance with the divine name "El" (God), making the theological connection undeniable and central.
These related words collectively form a semantic field centered on rescue, survival, and divine preservation, underscoring a key theme throughout the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
The name Palṭî, meaning "delivered," carries profound theological weight, even when applied to individuals in specific, sometimes tragic, circumstances. At its core, it testifies to a fundamental attribute of God: His character as a deliverer. The very existence of such a name reflects the Israelite worldview, which understood deliverance not merely as a fortunate escape but as a direct act of divine intervention.
While Palti, son of Laish, experiences a personal loss that seems to contradict his name's meaning, this very tension can highlight the difference between human expectation or political maneuvering and God's ultimate plan of salvation. It subtly reminds the reader that true and lasting deliverance comes from God, not from human arrangements.
In the case of Palti, the son of Raphu (the spy), the name aligns with a broader narrative of God's promise to deliver His people into the promised land. The fact that the spy's name is Palti, and that another individual named Paltiel ("God is my deliverance") exists, reinforces the pervasive theme that Yahweh is the source of all true rescue, safety, and salvation. This concept is central to the Exodus narrative, the prophetic messages of salvation, and ultimately, the New Testament's proclamation of deliverance from sin through Christ (e.g., `{{G4991}}` *soteria* - salvation/deliverance). The name Palṭî, therefore, serves as a small but significant echo of God's enduring faithfulness to deliver His people.
### Summary
פַּלְטִי (Palṭî - `{{H6406}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "delivered" or "one who is delivered," derived from the verb פָּלַט (palat - `{{H6403}}`), "to escape, deliver." It appears in the Bible as the name of two Israelites: Palti, son of Laish, to whom Michal was given by Saul, and Palti, the son of Raphu, the spy from the tribe of Issachar. While the former's story presents a poignant irony regarding his name, the name itself consistently points to the broader biblical theme of divine deliverance. Related terms like פְּלֵטָה (peletah - `{{H6413}}`) and פַּלְטִיאֵל (Paltiel - `{{H6409}}`) further emphasize God's role as the ultimate deliverer, reinforcing a core theological truth that permeates the sacred text: salvation and rescue are ultimately from the hand of God.
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