from פָּלַל and יָהּ; Jah has judged; Pelaljah, an Israelite; Pelaliah.
Transliteration:Pᵉlalyâh
Pronunciation:pel-al-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name Pᵉlalyâh (`{{H6421}}`) is a theophoric compound, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is derived from two components: the verbal root פָּלַל (palal, `{{H6419}}`) and the divine abbreviation יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of Yahweh. The root פָּלַל primarily signifies "to judge," "to intercede," or "to mediate." Therefore, the name Pᵉlalyâh carries the meaning "Yah has judged" or "Yah has interceded/mediated." While a proper name, its etymology provides a profound theological statement about the active role of God in human affairs, whether in righteous judgment or merciful intervention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Pᵉlalyâh (`{{H6421}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible.
* [[Nehemiah 10:10]] (often rendered as Nehemiah 10:11 in English Bibles): Here, Pelaliah is listed among the Levites who affixed their seal to the solemn covenant made by the people of Israel with God. This event occurred during the post-exilic period, specifically after the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, when the community gathered under the leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra to renew their commitment to the Mosaic Law. Pelaliah's inclusion in this significant list underscores his role and commitment within the restored community. The context of covenant renewal, following a period of divine judgment (the Babylonian exile), resonates deeply with the name's meaning. The people acknowledge God's past judgment and now seek His intercession and blessing for their future obedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **פָּלַל (palal, `{{H6419}}`):** This is the foundational verbal root for Pᵉlalyâh. It is a rich term in the Old Testament, frequently used to describe the act of prayer and intercession (e.g., Abraham interceding for Sodom in [[Genesis 18:23-32]], Moses for Israel in [[Exodus 32:11-14]]). It also carries the sense of God's judicial action, where He acts as the ultimate arbiter.
* **יָהּ (Yah):** This is the abbreviated form of the divine name Yahweh, frequently found in Hebrew personal names (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hezekiah). Its presence signifies a direct attribution of the name's meaning to God Himself.
* **Judgment (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat, `{{H4941}}`):** The concept of God's judgment is central to biblical theology, encompassing both His righteous decrees and His punitive or redemptive actions. In the context of the exile, God's judgment was a disciplinary act, leading to the people's return and repentance.
* **Intercession/Prayer (תְּפִלָּה, tephillah, `{{H8605}}`):** The noun derived from פָּלַל, referring to prayer. The name Pᵉlalyâh suggests that God Himself is the one who "intercedes" or "judges," implying His active involvement on behalf of His people or in rendering a verdict.
### Theological Significance
The name Pᵉlalyâh (`{{H6421}}`) is a profound theological statement embedded in a personal identity. "Yah has judged" or "Yah has interceded" speaks directly to the sovereign and active involvement of God in the history of His people. In the post-exilic context of Nehemiah, this name would have served as a powerful reminder:
1. **Divine Judgment:** The exile itself was understood as God's righteous judgment against Israel's disobedience. Pelaliah's name could signify the acknowledgment that "Yah has judged" His people, leading to their repentance and restoration.
2. **Divine Intercession/Mercy:** Simultaneously, the return from exile and the opportunity to renew the covenant were clear signs of God's merciful intercession on behalf of His people. God had not abandoned them but had acted to restore them, perhaps even "interceding" for them in His divine council.
3. **God's Active Role:** The name underscores that God is not a distant deity but one who actively intervenes in human affairs, both in discipline and in deliverance. The Levite Pelaliah, by bearing this name and sealing the covenant, became a living testament to these truths, affirming the community's reliance on God's just and merciful governance.
### Summary
Pᵉlalyâh (`{{H6421}}`) is a Hebrew proper name, meaning "Yah has judged" or "Yah has interceded," derived from the root פָּלַל (palal, `{{H6419}}`) and the divine element יָהּ. It appears uniquely in the biblical record as the name of a Levite who participated in sealing the covenant during the time of Nehemiah ([[Nehemiah 10:10]]). The theological weight of the name is significant, reflecting the post-exilic community's understanding of God's dual nature as both a righteous Judge who brings discipline and a merciful Intercessor who brings restoration. Pelaliah's name serves as a microcosm of Israel's journey, acknowledging divine judgment while simultaneously affirming God's faithful and compassionate intervention on behalf of His people.
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