### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term pᵉlîylîy (`{{H6416}}`) is an adjective derived from פָּלִיל (palil, `{{H6414}}`), which means "a judge" or "arbiter." The ultimate root is פָּלַל (palal), which in its various forms can denote "to intercede," "to pray," or more broadly, "to intervene" or "to arbitrate." Consequently, the core meaning of pᵉlîylîy is "judicial" or "pertaining to judgment." It describes something that falls under the purview of a judge or requires a formal legal decision. While the base definition also includes "judge" as a noun, its primary function in the sole biblical occurrence is adjectival, modifying an iniquity as "judicial" or "punishable by judges." It carries strong connotations of legal accountability, formal arbitration, and the discerning of guilt or innocence within a structured legal framework.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word pᵉlîylîy (`{{H6416}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its contextual analysis particularly crucial.
* **[[Job 31:11]]**: "For that would be a heinous crime; yes, it would be an iniquity *punishable by judges*."
* In this pivotal verse, Job is vehemently defending his integrity, asserting his innocence against various potential transgressions, including adultery. He declares, "כִּי ה֣וּא זִמָּה יְלָלָה וְהוּא עָוֹן פְּלִילִי" (ki hu zimmah yelalah wəhu ʿāwōn pᵉlîylî), which translates to "For that would be a heinous crime; yes, it would be an iniquity of judgment" or "a judicial iniquity."
* The phrase "עָוֹן פְּלִילִי" (ʿāwōn pᵉlîylî) specifically designates the sin of adultery as one that is not merely a private moral failing but an offense demanding formal legal scrutiny and punishment by human judges. Job is not just saying it is wrong in God's eyes, but that it is a crime that warrants societal condemnation and judicial consequence.
* This usage highlights the gravity of the sin within the ancient Israelite understanding of justice, where certain offenses were deemed so severe that they required the intervention of established legal authorities, rather than being left to individual conscience or divine retribution alone. It underscores the public and communal accountability for certain grave transgressions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of pᵉlîylîy (`{{H6416}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to other Hebrew terms pertaining to justice and judgment:
* **פָּלִיל (palil, `{{H6414}}`):** This noun, meaning "judge" or "arbiter," is the direct root of pᵉlîylîy. pᵉlîylîy functions as the adjectival form, describing something as "of a judge" or "judicial."
* **פָּלַל (palal, `{{H6419}}`):** This is the verbal root from which both palil and pᵉlîylîy derive. While often translated as "to pray" or "to intercede" (especially in the Hithpael stem), its underlying sense likely involves "to intervene," "to mediate," or "to arbitrate," which forms the semantic basis for judicial activity.
* **מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, `{{H4941}}`):** A foundational Hebrew term, mishpat encompasses a broad semantic range including "judgment," "justice," "ordinance," "right," and "custom." While pᵉlîylîy focuses specifically on the *judicial* aspect of an offense, mishpat refers to the broader concept of justice, both human and divine, and the legal decrees that uphold it.
* **שָׁפַט (shaphat, `{{H8199}}`):** The common verb "to judge," "to govern," or "to decide." This verb describes the action that pᵉlîylîy relates to – the act of judging or rendering a legal decision.
* The concept of divine judgment is also implicitly connected, as human justice in the biblical worldview often reflects, albeit imperfectly, the perfect righteousness and judgment of God.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of pᵉlîylîy (`{{H6416}}`) in [[Job 31:11]] carries significant theological weight, particularly concerning the nature of sin and justice in the Old Testament.
* **Human Accountability and Judicial Systems:** The term underscores the belief that certain sins are not merely private moral failings but public offenses that disrupt societal order and demand formal legal adjudication. It highlights the divinely ordained role of human judges and legal systems in upholding justice and maintaining righteousness within the community. Job's statement implies that even in a pre-Mosaic context, there was an understanding of communal responsibility for enforcing moral standards through judicial means.
* **Gravity of Sin:** By labeling adultery as an "iniquity punishable by judges," Job emphasizes the extreme gravity of such a transgression. It is not just a personal offense against another individual or against God, but a crime against the very fabric of society, warranting severe legal consequences. This aligns with the Mosaic Law, which prescribed capital punishment for adultery.
* **Reflection of Divine Justice:** While God is the ultimate Judge, the existence of pᵉlîylîy acknowledges that human justice, when rightly administered, can be a reflection of God's own character of righteousness and His desire for order and equity among humanity. The human judicial process, though fallible, is a means by which God's justice is brought to bear on earthly affairs.
* **Theological Anthropology:** The term subtly points to the human capacity for both profound moral failing and the necessary structures for accountability. It suggests that humanity is not left without means to address egregious wrongs within its own communities.
### Summary
The Hebrew word pᵉlîylîy (`{{H6416}}`) is a rare but potent term, meaning "judicial" or "punishable by judges," derived from פָּלִיל (`{{H6414}}`, "judge"). Its sole appearance in [[Job 31:11]] describes an "iniquity punishable by judges," specifically referring to adultery. This singular usage profoundly illuminates the ancient understanding of justice, emphasizing that certain grave sins are not merely personal transgressions but public offenses that require formal legal intervention and societal accountability. pᵉlîylîy underscores the divinely appointed role of human judges in upholding righteousness and maintaining order within the community, reflecting the broader concept of God's perfect justice manifested through human systems. It highlights the severity of sin and the necessity of judicial processes to address disruptions to moral and social order.
TRV