a primitive root; to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray; intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pâlal**, represented by `{{H6419}}`, is a primitive root that primarily means to **pray**, **intercede**, or **judge**. It appears **84 times** across **82 unique verses** in the Old Testament. The word encompasses a range of actions from personal supplication and formal entreaty to the act of official or mental judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H6419}}` is used in various critical situations. It describes intercessory prayer, where a righteous figure stands in the gap for others, such as when Abraham **prayed** for Abimelech [[Genesis 20:17]] or when Moses **prayed** for the people after they had sinned [[Numbers 21:7]]. The word also depicts personal and desperate appeals to God, as seen when Hannah, in bitterness of soul, **prayed** for a son [[1 Samuel 1:10]], or when Jonah **prayed** from within the fish's belly [[Jonah 2:1]]. Beyond petition, `{{H6419}}` can carry the weight of judgment, as when Phinehas stood up and "executed **judgment**," thereby staying a plague [[Psalms 106:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the scope of prayer and judgment:
* `{{H8605}}` **tᵉphillâh** (prayer): This noun is derived directly from `{{H6419}}` and refers to the act of intercession or supplication itself. Solomon's dedication of the temple concludes with a great **prayer** [[1 Kings 8:54]], and Nehemiah's request is preceded by a fervent **prayer** [[Nehemiah 1:6]].
* `{{H8199}}` **shâphaṭ** (to judge): This word highlights the judicial aspect inherent in `{{H6419}}`. When the Israelites asked for a king to **judge** them, Samuel **prayed** to the LORD [[1 Samuel 8:6]], connecting the people's desire for human judgment with his appeal for divine counsel.
* `{{H6279}}` **ʻâthar** (to be intreated): This term often appears as the divine response to a prayer. After Manasseh **prayed** `{{H6419}}` to God, the scripture notes that God "was **intreated** of him" and heard his supplication [[2 Chronicles 33:13]], showing the reciprocal nature of prayer and God's hearing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6419}}` is demonstrated through several key themes:
* **The Ministry of Intercession:** Leaders and prophets are frequently shown using `{{H6419}}` to intercede on behalf of others. Abraham is called a prophet who will **pray** for a king [[Genesis 20:7]], and Samuel declares it would be a sin to cease to **pray** for the people [[1 Samuel 12:23]]. This establishes intercession as a righteous duty.
* **Prayer as a Condition for Restoration:** Prayer is intrinsically linked to repentance and forgiveness. God’s promise to his people is that if they humble themselves and **pray**, he will hear from heaven and heal their land [[2 Chronicles 7:14]]. Similarly, prayer is connected to turning from sin and confessing God's name [[1 Kings 8:35]].
* **Divine Response to Prayer:** The act of praying `{{H6419}}` is repeatedly shown to provoke a direct response from God. The LORD turns Job's fortune after he **prayed** for his friends [[Job 42:10]], and Hezekiah's prayer against Sennacherib is explicitly heard [[2 Kings 19:20]].
* **Judicial Authority:** The word's root meaning of "to judge" is not lost in its usage for prayer. It can signify executing judgment [[Psalms 106:30]] or acting as a mediator in a dispute [[1 Samuel 2:25]], implying that prayer is an appeal to the ultimate Judge for intervention.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6419}}` conveys much more than a simple request. It is a dynamic term representing the profound interaction between humanity and God. From the personal cry of Hannah [[1 Samuel 1:26]] to the national intercession of Moses [[Numbers 21:7]] and the decisive judgment of Phinehas [[Psalms 106:30]], **pâlal** covers the spectrum of appeal, intercession, and divine arbitration. It illustrates that prayer in the biblical sense is not a passive wish, but an active, and often authoritative, engagement with the heavenly King and Judge.
TRV