### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *peleç* (פֶּלֶס, `{{H6425}}`) is derived from the verbal root *pālaś* (פָּלַס, `{{H6424}}`), which carries the meaning "to weigh," "to make level or smooth," or "to ponder." This etymological connection is crucial, as it imbues *peleç* with the inherent sense of careful assessment, precision, and the establishment of an equitable standard. Its primary and most concrete meaning is "balance" or "scales," referring to the instrument used for determining weight. This implies accuracy, fairness, and the determination of true value or mass. Semantically, the word extends beyond a mere physical tool to represent the concept of just measure, equitable dealing, and the careful consideration of actions and principles, embodying a standard by which things are judged or evaluated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *peleç* (פֶּלֶס) appears in the Hebrew Bible in a limited number of passages, each contributing significantly to its theological depth.
* **Proverbs 16:11**: "A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work." [[Proverbs 16:11]] Here, *peleç* is used in parallelism with *mo'znayim* (מֹאזְנַיִם, `{{H3976}}`, "scales" or "balances") and *'avnei kes* (אַבְנֵי־כֶס, "weights"). This verse profoundly asserts that the very concept of accurate measurement and just dealing originates with and belongs to Yahweh. It establishes a divine standard for integrity in commerce and, by extension, in all human interactions, implying that honesty is not merely a social convention but a divine mandate.
* **Isaiah 40:12**: "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales?" [[Isaiah 40:12]] In this grand passage, *peleç* is employed metaphorically to depict God's immeasurable power and precise control over creation. The imagery of God weighing mountains in a balance underscores His absolute sovereignty, meticulous design, and the perfect order He imposes on the cosmos. It contrasts human limitations with God's effortless command over all things.
* **Job 31:6**: "Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!" [[Job 31:6]] Here, Job appeals to God, desiring to be assessed by a "just balance" (*peleç tsedeq*). This is a fervent plea for divine scrutiny and vindication. Job expresses confidence that if his actions and motives were weighed with perfect righteousness, his blamelessness would be revealed. This usage highlights *peleç* as an instrument not only of physical measurement but also of moral and ethical judgment, reflecting the divine standard of justice.
Across these contexts, *peleç* consistently signifies an instrument of precise and just measurement, whether applied to human commerce, divine creation, or moral and ethical assessment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept embodied by *peleç* is enriched and clarified through its connections to several other Hebrew words and theological ideas:
* ***Pālaś* (פָּלַס, `{{H6424}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to weigh," "to make level," or "to ponder." This direct etymological link emphasizes the action of careful discernment and evaluation that the balance facilitates.
* ***Mo'znayim* (מֹאזְנַיִם, `{{H3976}}`):** A more common word for "scales" or "balances," often appearing in parallel with *peleç*, as seen in [[Proverbs 16:11]]. Both terms underscore the critical importance of accurate weighing.
* ***Mishqal* (מִשְׁקָל, `{{H4948}}`):** Meaning "weight," "measure," or "standard." This term refers to the actual weights used with the balance, reinforcing the idea of a fixed, reliable standard.
* ***Tsedeq* (צֶדֶק, `{{H6664}}`):** "Righteousness," "justice." As exemplified by Job's plea for a "just balance" (*peleç tsedeq*), the concept of the balance is inextricably linked to divine justice and moral uprightness. God's standards are inherently righteous and true.
* ***Mishpat* (מִשְׁפָּט, `{{H4941}}`):** "Judgment," "justice," "ordinance." The balance serves as a tool for rendering just judgment, aligning with the broader biblical theme of divine *mishpat* in both legal and ethical contexts.
* **Integrity and Equity:** The consistent use of *peleç* highlights the biblical emphasis on integrity in all dealings, particularly economic ones. Unjust weights and measures are consistently condemned throughout the Law (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:36]], [[Deuteronomy 25:13-16]]) and wisdom literature (e.g., [[Proverbs 11:1]], [[Proverbs 20:10]]). The *peleç* represents the divine ideal of equitable and honest interaction.
### Theological Significance
The word *peleç* carries profound theological significance, serving as a potent metaphor for fundamental attributes of God and the principles of His kingdom.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Precision:** In [[Isaiah 40:12]], *peleç* powerfully illustrates God's absolute control and meticulous precision in creation. He does not create haphazardly but with deliberate design and perfect measure. This speaks to His omnipotence and omniscience, demonstrating that even the vastness of the cosmos is subject to His exact ordering.
* **God as the Standard of Justice:** The assertion in [[Proverbs 16:11]] that "A just balance and scales are the LORD's" establishes God as the ultimate arbiter and source of all true justice. He does not merely uphold justice; He embodies it. Any human attempt at justice or fair dealing must align with His perfect standard. This has direct implications for ethical conduct, particularly in commerce, where honesty and integrity are not optional but divinely mandated reflections of God's character.
* **Divine Scrutiny and Vindication:** Job's appeal in [[Job 31:6]] for God to weigh him in a "just balance" reveals the theological concept of divine judgment. God is the one who ultimately assesses human hearts, motives, and actions. This judgment is not arbitrary but perfectly just, using a standard that is inherently righteous. For the righteous, this offers hope of vindication; for the unrighteous, it signals inevitable accountability.
* **The Order of Creation and Morality:** The *peleç* symbolizes the divinely established order, both in the physical universe and in the moral realm. Just as the universe operates according to precise laws set by God, so too are human beings called to live by moral laws that reflect His perfect balance and righteousness. Deviations from this balance, whether in commerce or conduct, are violations of divine order.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *peleç* (פֶּלֶס, `{{H6425}}`) primarily denotes a "balance" or "scales," an instrument of precise measurement. Its etymological root, *pālaś* (`{{H6424}}`), emphasizes the actions of weighing, leveling, and pondering. Though appearing infrequently in the biblical text, its occurrences are highly significant. In [[Proverbs 16:11]], it declares God's ownership and establishment of just weights, linking commercial integrity directly to divine character. In [[Isaiah 40:12]], it metaphorically portrays God's meticulous precision and absolute sovereignty in creation, weighing mountains with effortless ease. Finally, in [[Job 31:6]], it serves as a powerful image of divine scrutiny and righteous judgment, as Job appeals to be weighed in God's perfectly just balance. Theologically, *peleç* serves as a profound symbol of God's perfect justice, His precise sovereignty over creation, and His role as the ultimate standard and arbiter of all truth and righteousness. It calls believers to live lives characterized by integrity, equity, and a constant awareness of divine accountability, reflecting the balanced and just nature of God Himself.
TRV