from an unused root meaning to be round; a circuit (i.e. district); also a spindle (as whirled); hence, a crutch; (di-) staff, participle
Transliteration:pelek
Pronunciation:peh'-lek
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פֶּלֶךְ (pelek, `{{H6418}}`) derives from an unused root signifying "to be round" or "to revolve." This core semantic foundation gives rise to a surprisingly diverse range of meanings within the biblical text. Primarily, it denotes a "spindle," an instrument used in spinning, characterized by its cylindrical, revolving nature. Secondly, it refers to a "crutch" or "staff," a rounded pole used for support, particularly by the infirm. In this sense, its roundness is associated with its form as a pole. Thirdly, and perhaps most abstractly, it designates a "circuit" or "district," an administrative or geographical area, implying a defined, often circular or bounded, region. The unifying thread across these disparate applications is the underlying concept of roundness, circularity, or a defined boundary, whether physical (spindle, staff) or conceptual (district).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פֶּלֶךְ (pelek, `{{H6418}}`) appears nine times in the Hebrew Bible, manifesting its varied semantic range across different literary genres:
1. **As a "Crutch" or "Staff"**: In [[2 Samuel 3:29]], David pronounces a curse upon Joab's house, wishing that it never lack "one who leans on a crutch" (מַחֲזִיק בַּפֶּלֶךְ). Here, the pelek signifies a physical support necessitated by a debilitating illness or injury, symbolizing weakness, infirmity, and a state of dependence. The context is one of divine judgment and the consequences of sin, illustrating the vulnerability of human existence.
2. **As a "Spindle"**: The most iconic use is found in [[Proverbs 31:19]], describing the industrious "virtuous woman" (אֵשֶׁת חַיִל): "She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle." (יָדֶיהָ שִׁלְּחָה בַּכִּישׁוֹר וְכַפֶּיהָ תָּמְכוּ פָלֶךְ). In this passage, the pelek (spindle) is paired with the kishor (distaff, `{{H3599}}`), both essential tools for spinning thread. This usage highlights domestic diligence, skill in household management, and productive labor as hallmarks of wisdom and virtue within the Israelite household. It underscores the practical, hands-on contribution of the woman to the family's well-being.
3. **As a "District" or "Half-District"**: The term appears seven times in the book of Nehemiah, specifically in chapter 3, detailing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls: [[Nehemiah 3:9]], [[Nehemiah 3:12]], [[Nehemiah 3:14]], [[Nehemiah 3:15]], [[Nehemiah 3:16]], [[Nehemiah 3:17]], and [[Nehemiah 3:18]]. In these instances, pelek refers to an administrative geographical division, often described as a "half-district" (פֶּלֶךְ הַחֵצִי). For example, [[Nehemiah 3:9]] mentions "Rephaiah the son of Hur, leader of half the district of Jerusalem." This usage denotes a defined, bounded territory under a specific leader's jurisdiction or responsibility for a segment of the rebuilding effort. It speaks to the organized, communal effort required for restoration and the structured governance of the post-exilic community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic range of פֶּלֶךְ (pelek, `{{H6418}}`) connects it to several conceptual clusters:
* **For "Spindle"**: It is closely associated with כִּישׁוֹר (kishor, `{{H3599}}`, distaff), its companion tool in spinning. More broadly, it relates to terms for weaving, textiles, and domestic crafts, emphasizing the value of skilled labor and household economy.
* **For "Crutch"**: It aligns with words denoting support, staff, or rod, such as מַטֶּה (matteh, `{{H4294}}`), which can also mean a staff or rod. Conceptually, it touches upon themes of physical infirmity, vulnerability, and reliance on external aid.
* **For "District"**: It falls within the semantic domain of administrative divisions, territories, and geographical boundaries, similar to נַחֲלָה (nachalah, `{{H5159}}`, inheritance/portion) or חֵלֶק (cheleq, `{{H2506}}`, portion/share) when referring to land distribution. In Nehemiah, it highlights the concept of ordered community and shared responsibility in a defined area.
The common thread of "roundness" or "boundedness" subtly links these meanings, whether it's the rotational motion of a spindle, the cylindrical form of a crutch, or the defined perimeter of a district.
### Theological Significance
The varied uses of פֶּלֶךְ (pelek, `{{H6418}}`) offer several theological insights:
* **Human Frailty and Divine Judgment**: The "crutch" in [[2 Samuel 3:29]] serves as a stark symbol of human weakness and the potential for divine judgment. David's curse on Joab's house illustrates that even powerful individuals are subject to physical vulnerabilities and that sin can lead to lasting consequences, requiring reliance on external support. It underscores the fragility of life apart from divine sustaining grace.
* **Diligence, Wisdom, and Stewardship**: The "spindle" in [[Proverbs 31:19]] is a powerful emblem of the virtuous woman's diligence, skill, and wise management of her household. It elevates the dignity of labor and the practical application of wisdom in daily life. This reflects a theology where productive work and responsible stewardship of resources are esteemed as expressions of godly character and contribute to the flourishing of the family and community.
* **Order, Community, and Shared Responsibility**: The "district" in Nehemiah 3 speaks to the divine principle of order within community and the importance of organized, collaborative effort for God's purposes. The division of labor by pelek demonstrates how each part of the community, under its designated leadership, contributes to the larger, divinely mandated task of rebuilding. It underscores the theology of corporate responsibility and the beauty of a community working in harmony to restore what is broken.
In its totality, pelek, despite its humble and concrete referents, subtly points to profound truths about human dependence, the value of diligent labor, and the divine ordering of communal life for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פֶּלֶךְ (pelek, `{{H6418}}`) is a lexically rich term, rooted in the concept of "roundness" or "revolving." This core meaning branches into three distinct applications: a "spindle" for textile work, a "crutch" or "staff" for physical support, and an administrative "district" or "circuit." Contextual analysis reveals its use in depicting human vulnerability and divine judgment ([[2 Samuel 3:29]]), celebrating the diligence and wisdom of a virtuous woman ([[Proverbs 31:19]]), and illustrating the ordered communal effort in rebuilding God's city ([[Nehemiah 3]]). Theologically, pelek thus encapsulates themes of human frailty and dependence, the dignity of labor and wise stewardship, and the divine ordering of community for corporate responsibility. Its diverse semantic range offers a nuanced glimpse into the practical realities and theological underpinnings of biblical life.
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