or פָּלֵיט; or פָּלֵט; from פָּלַט; a refugee; (that have) escape(-d, -th), fugitive.
Transliteration:pâlîyṭ
Pronunciation:paw-leet'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פָּלִיט (pâlîyṭ), transliterated as *pâlîyṭ*, is a masculine noun derived from the verbal root פָּלַט (pâlṭ, `{{H6403}}`), which signifies "to escape," "to slip away," or "to deliver." Consequently, *pâlîyṭ* fundamentally denotes "one who has escaped," "a refugee," or "a fugitive." Its core meaning consistently points to an individual who has survived a calamitous event, having fled or been delivered from imminent danger, destruction, or oppression.
The semantic range of *pâlîyṭ* is tightly focused on this concept of survival through escape. It is not a general term for migration but specifically implies a context of peril—such as war, massacre, natural disaster, or divine judgment—from which the individual has narrowly avoided death or capture. The term emphasizes the *status* of having escaped, underscoring the precariousness of their former situation and the remarkable nature of their survival.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *pâlîyṭ* occurs approximately 30 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in historical books (Genesis, Samuel, Kings) and prophetic literature (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel). Its usage consistently highlights its connection to events of conflict, judgment, and the survival of individuals.
One of its earliest and most illustrative uses is in [[Genesis 14:13]], where "one who had escaped" (הַפָּלִיט, *happâlîṭ*) brings news to Abram concerning the capture of Lot by the Mesopotamian kings. Here, the *pâlîyṭ* is a survivor of a battle, serving as a critical messenger of distress, setting a pattern for the term's function.
In the books of Samuel and Kings, *pâlîyṭ* frequently describes those who survived military defeats or political upheavals. For example, in [[1 Samuel 4:16]], a Benjaminite *pâlîyṭ* arrives from the battle line at Aphek to report Israel's catastrophic defeat by the Philistines and the capture of the Ark of God. Similarly, in [[2 Samuel 15:14]], David's servants advise him to flee from Absalom's rebellion, lest "any who escape" (פָּלִיט) remain to report his capture. These contexts underscore the *pâlîyṭ*'s role as a witness to disaster and a bearer of grim tidings.
Prophetic books utilize *pâlîyṭ* to speak of the remnant who survive divine judgment. In [[Isaiah 37:32]], in the context of God's promise to preserve Judah from Assyrian aggression, it states, "For from Jerusalem shall go out a remnant (שְׁאֵרִית), and from Mount Zion a band of survivors (פְּלֵיטָה)." While *pâlîyṭ* is an individual, the concept is deeply intertwined with the collective "survivors" (פְּלֵיטָה). In [[Jeremiah 44:14]], the prophet laments that none of the exiles who went to Egypt will "escape" (פָּלִיט) to return to Judah, emphasizing the finality of God's judgment upon them.
Ezekiel frequently employs *pâlîyṭ* to signify those who escape the destruction of Jerusalem, serving as a sign to the exiles. For instance, in [[Ezekiel 24:26]], it is prophesied that "on that day a fugitive (פָּלִיט) will come to you to report the news." This highlights the *pâlîyṭ*'s function in confirming the fulfillment of God's prophetic word.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term *pâlîyṭ* (`{{H6412}}`) is intimately connected to its verbal root, פָּלַט (pâlṭ, `{{H6403}}`), meaning "to escape," "to deliver," or "to rescue." The noun is a direct derivative, signifying the one who has undergone the action of *pâlṭ*.
Another crucial related noun is פְּלֵיטָה (pᵉlêṭâ, `{{H6413}}`), which functions as a collective noun meaning "escape," "deliverance," or "those who have escaped/survived" (a remnant). While *pâlîyṭ* typically denotes an individual escapee, *pᵉlêṭâ* often refers to a group of survivors or the act of escaping itself. For instance, [[Joel 2:32]] declares, "in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape (פְּלֵיטָה), as the Lord has said, and among the survivors (שְׁרִידִים) those whom the Lord calls."
The concept of a "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, *she'ērît*, `{{H7611}}` or שְׁאָר, *she'ār*, `{{H7605}}`) is frequently interwoven with *pâlîyṭ* and *pᵉlêṭâ*. While *pâlîyṭ* emphasizes the dramatic act of escaping from imminent destruction, *she'ērît* refers more broadly to the portion that remains after a significant reduction, often carrying a theological implication of divine preservation for future purposes. A *pâlîyṭ* is often a member of the *she'ērît*, but the *pâlîyṭ* specifically highlights the perilous circumstances of their survival.
Other related concepts include:
* **Deliverance/Salvation:** The broader theological theme of being rescued from danger, bondage, or sin (יְשׁוּעָה, *yᵉšûʿâ*, `{{H3444}}`).
* **Refuge:** The idea of finding safety in a designated place (e.g., cities of refuge, מִקְלָט, *miqlāṭ*, `{{H4733}}`), which provides sanctuary for those fleeing danger.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *pâlîyṭ* is profound, serving as a potent symbol within the biblical narrative of divine judgment, human sin, and God's sovereign preservation.
1. **Witness to Divine Judgment:** The *pâlîyṭ* often stands as a living testament to the severity and comprehensiveness of God's wrath against sin. Their very existence, having narrowly escaped widespread destruction, underscores the reality of the judgment that befell others. They are the ones left to recount the tale of divine justice, as seen in the prophecies concerning the fall of Jerusalem in Ezekiel.
2. **Evidence of Divine Preservation and Grace:** Paradoxically, while *pâlîyṭ* testifies to judgment, it simultaneously points to God's selective grace and preservation. The fact that any escapees exist at all, especially from overwhelming destruction, is frequently attributed to God's mercy and intervention. This concept is central to "remnant theology" in the prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah 10:20-22), where the survival of a *pâlîyṭ* is not by chance but by divine design, preserving a lineage or a "seed" for future covenant purposes.
3. **Hope for the Future:** In certain contexts, the survival of the *pâlîyṭ* or *pᵉlêṭâ* carries a glimmer of hope. They are the individuals or groups through whom God's promises might yet be fulfilled, representing the continuity of the covenant people despite severe chastisement. They embody the potential for restoration and renewal.
4. **Human Vulnerability and God's Sovereignty:** The existence of *pâlîyṭ* highlights humanity's profound vulnerability in the face of overwhelming forces, whether human armies or divine judgment. Their escape is often portrayed as an act of God's sovereign intervention, emphasizing His ultimate control over life and death, destruction and preservation.
### Summary
The Hebrew term פָּלִיט (pâlîyṭ, `{{H6412}}`) denotes an "escapee," "refugee," or "fugitive," rooted in the concept of escaping from danger or being delivered. It consistently refers to individuals who have survived a perilous event, often a battle, massacre, or divine judgment. Biblically, *pâlîyṭ* functions as a messenger of dire news in historical narratives and, significantly, as a representation of the preserved remnant in prophetic literature. It is closely related to the verb פָּלַט (pâlṭ, `{{H6403}}`) and the collective noun פְּלֵיטָה (pᵉlêṭâ, `{{H6413}}`), both emphasizing the theme of survival and deliverance. Theologically, *pâlîyṭ* powerfully illustrates both the severity of God's judgment against sin and His sovereign grace in preserving a remnant. Their survival is not merely a historical detail but a profound testament to divine mercy and a crucial link in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, offering hope for future restoration.
TRV