or פְּלֵטָה; feminine of פָּלִיט; deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion; deliverance, (that is) escape(-d), remnant.
Transliteration:pᵉlêyṭâh
Pronunciation:pel-ay-taw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פְּלֵיטָה (pᵉlêyṭâh, `{{H6413}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verb פָּלַט (*pālaṭ*), meaning "to escape" or "to deliver." Its primary semantic range encompasses "deliverance," "escape," and, concretely, "an escaped portion" or "remnant." The word captures both the act of being rescued from imminent danger or destruction and the group of individuals who have successfully undergone such an escape. It implies a survival against overwhelming odds, often in contexts of widespread devastation, war, or divine judgment. The nuance of pᵉlêyṭâh often suggests a narrow or miraculous preservation, highlighting the fragility of life and the power by which such survival is granted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term pᵉlêyṭâh appears frequently in the Old Testament, particularly in historical and prophetic books, underscoring critical moments of divine intervention and human vulnerability. In [[2 Kings 19:30-31]], referring to the remnant of Judah after Assyrian aggression, it states, "And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors." Here, pᵉlêyṭâh (translated as "remnant" and "band of survivors") signifies those divinely preserved from Sennacherib's siege.
In the prophetic literature, pᵉlêyṭâh often carries a somber tone, referring to the few who survive God's judgment. [[Isaiah 4:2]] speaks of "the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob," indicating a purified group left after divine purging. Similarly, [[Jeremiah 44:14]] uses pᵉlêyṭâh to describe the small number of Jews who would escape destruction in Egypt. The book of Joel uses the term in an eschatological context, promising deliverance on Mount Zion for those whom the Lord calls ([[Joel 2:32]]). This demonstrates pᵉlêyṭâh as a concept linked to divine election and faithfulness. The usage in [[Ezra 9:8]] and [[Nehemiah 1:3]] highlights the post-exilic community as a "remnant" or "escape," acknowledging their survival as an act of God's grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The closest lexical relative to pᵉlêyṭâh is its masculine counterpart, פָּלִיט (*pālîṭ*, `{{H6412}}`), which refers to the "fugitive" or "escaped one" – the individual who is a member of the pᵉlêyṭâh. This connection emphasizes the direct link between the act of escaping and the one who escapes.
Other related terms that frequently appear alongside or in similar contexts include:
* שְׁאָר (*shᵉʾār*, `{{H7604}}`) and שְׁאֵרִית (*shᵉʾērîṯ*, `{{H7611}}`): These terms generally mean "remnant" or "remainder" and are often used interchangeably or in parallel with pᵉlêyṭâh to describe the surviving portion of a people, especially after calamity. While shᵉʾērîṯ can be a more general term for "what is left," pᵉlêyṭâh often carries the specific nuance of having "escaped" from danger.
* יָשַׁע (*yāshaʿ*, `{{H3467}}`): "to save," "deliver," "rescue." This verb describes the action that results in pᵉlêyṭâh.
* נָצַל (*nātsal*, `{{H5337}}`): "to deliver," "rescue," "snatch away." Similar to yāshaʿ, this verb denotes the act of bringing about an escape or deliverance.
The common thread among these related terms is the concept of preservation, often by divine intervention, in the face of destruction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pᵉlêyṭâh is profound, resonating with core biblical themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and redemption.
1. **God's Faithfulness Amidst Judgment:** Pᵉlêyṭâh often appears in contexts of divine judgment against sin. Yet, even in judgment, God's mercy and faithfulness are evident in the preservation of a remnant. This demonstrates that God does not utterly destroy His people, but always maintains a seed for future restoration and the continuation of His covenant promises.
2. **The Remnant Motif:** The concept of the "remnant" (often expressed through pᵉlêyṭâh and shᵉʾērîṯ) is a cornerstone of biblical theology. It signifies a group, often small and purified through suffering, through whom God's redemptive plan continues. This remnant is not merely survivors by chance, but those chosen and preserved by God's deliberate action.
3. **Hope and Restoration:** While pᵉlêyṭâh acknowledges past or present suffering, it simultaneously points to future hope. The existence of a remnant implies the possibility of restoration, renewal, and the eventual fulfillment of God's promises, culminating in a restored relationship between God and His people. It underscores God's commitment to His covenant, even when human failure is rampant.
4. **Divine Agency:** The deliverance implied by pᵉlêyṭâh is consistently attributed to God's power and grace, rather than human strength or cunning. It highlights God as the ultimate deliverer and preserver of His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פְּלֵיטָה (pᵉlêyṭâh, `{{H6413}}`) signifies "deliverance," "escape," and concretely, "an escaped portion" or "remnant." Derived from the verb "to escape," it captures both the act of being rescued from extreme peril and the group of individuals who experience such a narrow survival. Throughout the Old Testament, pᵉlêyṭâh is frequently found in contexts of divine judgment and widespread destruction, yet it invariably points to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a chosen few. This "remnant" is not a mere accident of history but a testament to God's sovereign plan of redemption, ensuring the continuation of His covenant promises and providing a beacon of hope for future restoration. The existence of pᵉlêyṭâh underscores God's mercy and His active role as the ultimate deliverer.
TRV