from פָּלָה; such a one, i.e. a specified person; such.
Transliteration:pᵉlônîy
Pronunciation:pel-o-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term pᵉlônîy (`{{H6423}}`) is an indefinite pronoun or adjective, typically translated as "such a one," "a certain one," "so-and-so," or "a certain place." Its base definition links it to the root פָּלָה (palah), which can denote "to be distinct," "to be separated," or "to be extraordinary." However, in the context of pᵉlônîy, this etymological connection likely points to the act of *designating* or *distinguishing* something, even if its specific name is withheld. The semantic range of pᵉlônîy thus extends to referring to an unnamed individual, an unspecified but particular location, or generally serving as a placeholder for an entity whose identity is known to the speaker (and perhaps the immediate audience) but is not explicitly stated for narrative or strategic reasons. It implies a specific reference without providing the proper noun.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Pᵉlônîy appears in a limited number of biblical contexts, each illustrating its function as a placeholder for an unnamed person or location:
* In [[Ruth 4:1]], the term is famously used in the unique construct פְּלֹנִי אַלְמֹנִי (pᵉlônî 'almônî), translated as "so-and-so" or "friend" in some versions. Here, Boaz addresses the kinsman-redeemer who has prior claim to Naomi's field and Ruth. Boaz clearly knows the man's identity, but for the narrative's purpose, he is presented as "the unnamed one" until the legal transaction unfolds. This usage maintains narrative flow and suspense, focusing on the legal process rather than the individual's name at that precise moment.
* In [[1 Samuel 21:2]] (MT 1 Samuel 21:3), David tells Ahimelech the priest that he has appointed his young men "to such and such a place" (אֶל־מְקוֹם פְּלֹנִי וּפְלֹנִי). This repetition emphasizes an unspecified, yet designated, secret location. David uses this ambiguity to maintain the pretense of a secret mission from King Saul.
* Similarly, in [[2 Kings 6:8]], the king of Syria consults with his servants, stating, "In such and such a place (בִּמְקוֹם פְּלֹנִי וּפְלֹנִי) shall be my camp." This again refers to a strategic, yet unstated, location for military operations. Elisha's prophetic insight into these "secret" locations frustrates the Syrian king's plans.
In all these instances, pᵉlônîy serves to refer to something specific without naming it, either to maintain secrecy, to defer a full revelation, or simply because the specific name is not immediately relevant to the narrative's progression.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related term is `{{H5763}}` ('almônî), which means "anonymous" or "unknown." When pᵉlônîy and `{{H5763}}` are combined as pᵉlônî 'almônî, as in [[Ruth 4:1]], the phrase emphatically denotes "so-and-so," highlighting the unnamed or anonymous nature of the person. This pairing underscores the deliberate choice not to name someone, even when their identity is known. Other related concepts include indefinite pronouns, strategic ambiguity, and the use of placeholder terms in discourse. It stands in contrast to explicit proper nouns, emphasizing a deliberate choice to withhold specific identification.
### Theological Significance
On its own, pᵉlônîy does not carry intrinsic theological weight, as it primarily functions as a linguistic device for indefinite reference. However, its usage can offer subtle theological insights:
* In the narrative of Ruth, the use of pᵉlônî 'almônî for the closer kinsman-redeemer in [[Ruth 4:1]] can be seen as a narrative strategy that elevates the role of Boaz. The unnamed kinsman-redeemer, despite his initial legal priority, ultimately defers, allowing Boaz to step into the pivotal role that leads to the lineage of David and ultimately Christ. This highlights how God can work through both named and unnamed, visible and seemingly anonymous, individuals to accomplish His overarching redemptive plan. The divine plan is not contingent on human naming conventions.
* In the contexts of military strategy in [[1 Samuel 21:2]] and [[2 Kings 6:8]], the use of pᵉlônîy for secret locations underscores human attempts at secrecy and strategic advantage. These instances implicitly contrast human limited knowledge and attempts at concealment with God's perfect omniscience. What is "such and such a place" to humans is fully known to the Lord, who sees all things and often intervenes in human affairs, revealing hidden plans (as in the case of Elisha).
### Summary
Pᵉlônîy (`{{H6423}}`) is an indefinite Hebrew term meaning "such a one," "a certain person," or "a certain place." Derived from פָּלָה, it serves to designate a specific entity without explicitly naming it. Its primary biblical occurrences are in [[Ruth 4:1]], where it is famously paired with `{{H5763}}` ('almônî) to mean "so-and-so," and in [[1 Samuel 21:2]] and [[2 Kings 6:8]], where it refers to an unspecified but known location. Theologically, pᵉlônîy indirectly highlights the contrast between human limited knowledge and God's perfect omniscience, demonstrating that God's sovereign plan unfolds through both explicitly named and implicitly referenced individuals and circumstances, all known to Him. It underscores the narrative's focus on divine purpose and action, even when human identities or locations are deliberately left unnamed.
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