### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word pᵉlîylâh (פְּלִילָה, `{{H6415}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root פָּלַל (pālal, `{{H6419}}`). This root primarily carries the meaning "to judge," "to decide," "to mediate," or "to intercede." As a feminine form of פָּלִיל (pālîl, `{{H6414}}`), which designates a "judge" or "arbiter," pᵉlîylâh specifically refers to the act of judging, the process of rendering a verdict, or the resulting "justice" or "judgment" itself. Its semantic range is tightly focused on the legal or moral determination of right and wrong, embodying the authoritative and equitable pronouncement of a decision. It signifies the formal administration of what is just.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word pᵉlîylâh (פְּלִילָה) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in [[Isaiah 28:7]]. The verse states: "But they also reel with wine and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink, they are muddled by wine, they stagger with strong drink; they reel in vision, they totter in pᵉlîylâh."
In this solitary occurrence, pᵉlîylâh is juxtaposed with "vision" (חָזוֹן, chazon) in a powerful parallelism. The context describes the profound spiritual and moral degradation of the religious leaders in Israel—the priests and prophets—who are depicted as utterly incapacitated by drunkenness. They are so impaired that they "totter" or "stumble" (פָּקַק, paqaq) in their pᵉlîylâh. This imagery conveys their complete inability to render sound judgment or to administer justice properly. The passage serves as a scathing indictment of those entrusted with discerning God's will and applying His law, revealing how their personal indulgence has compromised their sacred duties. The unique use of pᵉlîylâh in this context emphasizes the severe consequences of such a failure, as the very foundations of societal and spiritual order—divine revelation and righteous judgment—are undermined by the very individuals meant to uphold them.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root פָּלַל (pālal, `{{H6419}}`):** This is the fundamental verbal root from which pᵉlîylâh derives. Its meanings include "to judge," "to decide," "to mediate," and "to intercede." pᵉlîylâh is the nominalized action or outcome of this root.
* **פָּלִיל (pālîl, `{{H6414}}`):** The masculine noun directly related to pᵉlîylâh, meaning "judge" or "arbiter." pᵉlîylâh represents the function or output of the pālîl.
* **מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, `{{H4941}}`):** A much more common and broader Hebrew term for "judgment," "justice," "ordinance," or "right." While pᵉlîylâh focuses on the specific act of judging or the verdict itself, mishpat encompasses the entire system of justice, legal decisions, and divine decrees. pᵉlîylâh can be understood as a particular manifestation or result within the wider scope of mishpat.
* **צֶדֶק (tzedeq, `{{H6664}}`) / צְדָקָה (tzedaqah, `{{H6666}}`):** These terms denote "righteousness" and "justice." They signify conformity to a divine or moral standard and the active pursuit of what is right. While pᵉlîylâh describes the act of judging, tzedeq and tzedaqah speak to the inherent quality of being just or righteous, often serving as the standard by which pᵉlîylâh should be exercised.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of pᵉlîylâh in [[Isaiah 28:7]] carries profound theological weight precisely because of its rarity and the gravity of its context. It highlights the indispensable importance of sound judgment and justice within God's covenant community. God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate and righteous Judge (שֹׁפֵט, shofet, `{{H8199}}`), and human judges, particularly priests and prophets, were meant to reflect this divine attribute.
The failure of Israel's religious leaders to maintain pᵉlîylâh is a severe theological indictment. It signifies a catastrophic breakdown in the very structures God established for maintaining order, upholding righteousness, and guiding His people. When those entrusted with discerning God's will and administering His justice are compromised by sin and self-indulgence, the entire nation faces spiritual and moral decay. This passage serves as a potent prophetic warning: the inability to render proper judgment due to spiritual stupor is not merely a social failing but a direct offense against God and a catalyst for national ruin. It underscores that true pᵉlîylâh can only flow from a clear mind and a heart aligned with divine truth, not from one clouded by sin or worldly excess.
### Summary
The Hebrew word pᵉlîylâh (פְּלִילָה, `{{H6415}}`) is a feminine noun signifying "justice" or "judgment." Derived from the root פָּלַל (`{{H6419}}`), meaning "to judge" or "to mediate," and closely related to פָּלִיל (`{{H6414}}`), "judge," it denotes the specific act or outcome of a judicial decision. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Isaiah 28:7]] is profoundly significant, depicting the spiritual and moral failure of Israel's priests and prophets. Their inebriation renders them incapable of sound "judgment" (pᵉlîylâh) and proper "vision," thereby undermining their sacred roles and the very fabric of justice within the nation. This unique usage underscores the critical importance of integrity and clear spiritual discernment for those entrusted with administering God's justice, powerfully illustrating that the absence of true pᵉlîylâh leads to severe societal and spiritual decay. It stands as a solemn reminder of God's demand for righteous judgment from His appointed leaders.
TRV