probably for פְּלֹנִי; a certain one, i.e. so-and-so; certain.
Transliteration:palmôwnîy
Pronunciation:pal-mo-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term palmôwnîy (פַּלְמוֹנִי, `{{H6422}}`) is a unique and somewhat enigmatic word in the biblical lexicon. It functions as an indefinite pronoun or adjective, commonly translated as "a certain one," "so-and-so," or "unnamed person/thing." Its primary semantic role is to refer to an individual or entity whose specific name is either unknown, deliberately withheld, or considered irrelevant to the immediate discourse. Scholars often link its etymology to pĕlōnî (פְּלֹנִי, `{{H6420}}`), which carries a similar sense of indefiniteness, suggesting palmôwnîy might be an archaic, emphatic, or variant form of that more common term. The core meaning thus revolves around a deliberate lack of specific identification, allowing the narrative to proceed without naming a particular subject.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word palmôwnîy (פַּלְמוֹנִי, `{{H6422}}`) is remarkably rare, appearing only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, within the apocalyptic visions of the book of Daniel.
* **[[Daniel 8:13]]**: "Then I heard a certain holy one (קָדוֹשׁ אֶחָד) speaking, and another holy one said to that certain one (לַפַּלְמוֹנִי הַמְדַבֵּר) who was speaking, 'For how long shall be the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, and the transgression that makes desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?'"
In this singular instance, palmôwnîy is used with the definite article (הַפַּלְמוֹנִי, "the certain one"), serving as a specific reference back to "a certain holy one" (קָדוֹשׁ אֶחָד) mentioned immediately prior. The context is a celestial dialogue between angelic beings concerning the duration and nature of the prophetic vision Daniel is receiving. The use of palmôwnîy here, rather than a specific name, maintains the anonymity of the angelic interlocutor, even after he has been introduced as "a certain holy one." This might emphasize the unidentifiable or transcendent nature of the heavenly speaker, or simply function as a narrative device to avoid introducing a new proper noun, keeping the focus on the content of the angelic discourse rather than the specific identity of the speaker.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H6420}}` פְּלֹנִי (pĕlōnî)**: This is the most direct linguistic relative. pĕlōnî also means "a certain one," "so-and-so," or "such a one," and is used more frequently in the Old Testament (e.g., [[1 Samuel 21:2]], [[2 Kings 6:8]], [[Ruth 4:1]]). It functions as a placeholder for an unspecified person or place, very similar to palmôwnîy.
* **`{{H6421}}` פְּלֹנִי אַלְמוֹנִי (pĕlōnî 'almôwnî)**: This compound phrase, meaning "so-and-so" or "such a one," further intensifies the sense of anonymity or indefiniteness. It notably appears in [[Ruth 4:1]] where Boaz addresses an unnamed kinsman, underscoring the deliberate choice to not name the individual.
* **Indefinite Pronouns/Adjectives**: The concept embodied by palmôwnîy is a universal linguistic feature. In Hebrew, other terms and constructions can convey indefiniteness, such as 'îsh (אִישׁ, `{{H376}}`) meaning "a man" or "someone," or 'echad (אֶחָד, `{{H259}}`) meaning "one" or "a certain one," as seen in the phrase qādôsh 'echad ("a certain holy one") in [[Daniel 8:13]] itself. These terms facilitate narrative flow when specific identification is unnecessary or intentionally withheld.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of palmôwnîy in [[Daniel 8:13]] means its direct theological significance as an isolated term is limited. However, its context within an apocalyptic vision, involving celestial beings, offers subtle theological insights.
* **Divine Mystery and Agents of Revelation**: In Daniel's prophetic visions, much of the divine revelation is mediated through angelic figures. The use of palmôwnîy for one of these "holy ones" suggests that while God reveals profound truths to humanity, the specific identities of all heavenly agents are not always disclosed. This maintains a sense of divine transcendence and mystery, where the *message* and its divine origin are paramount, rather than the precise identity of every messenger.
* **Focus on the Prophetic Message**: The dialogue in [[Daniel 8:13]] is intensely focused on the duration and implications of the vision concerning the "regular burnt offering" and the "transgression that makes desolate." By employing an indefinite term for the speaker, the text subtly directs the reader's attention to the weighty prophetic content itself, ensuring that the focus remains on God's unfolding plan rather than being diverted by the specific identity of the angelic interlocutor.
* **Reliability of Unnamed Revelation**: Despite the unnamed nature of the speaker, the context implies that this "certain holy one" is a legitimate and authoritative source of divine information. This underscores that God's truth can be communicated through channels that remain partially veiled to human understanding, yet are nonetheless reliable and integral to the divine revelatory process.
### Summary
palmôwnîy (פַּלְמוֹנִי, `{{H6422}}`) is a rare Hebrew term, appearing only once in the Bible at [[Daniel 8:13]]. It functions as an indefinite pronoun or adjective, meaning "a certain one" or "so-and-so," closely related to pĕlōnî (`{{H6420}}`). In its sole biblical occurrence, it refers to an unnamed angelic figure participating in a celestial dialogue within Daniel's apocalyptic vision. Its usage serves as a narrative device to identify a speaker without specifying their name, potentially emphasizing the divine mystery surrounding heavenly beings or directing the reader's focus to the content of the divine revelation rather than the precise identity of the messenger. While not carrying extensive independent theological weight due to its limited appearance, palmôwnîy subtly contributes to the biblical portrayal of God's revelatory process, which can involve figures whose specific identities remain veiled, yet whose message is crucial and divinely sanctioned.
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