### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pâlats**, represented by `{{H6426}}`, is a primitive root that means **to quiver** or **tremble**. Its core meaning is possibly related to the idea of rending. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single usage particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H6426}}` is in the book of Job, where Job describes the immense and uncontrollable power of God. The verse states, "Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof **tremble**" [[Job 9:6]]. In this context, **pâlats** is used to depict the foundational columns of the world quivering in response to God's might, emphasizing a power that can destabilize creation itself.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of [[Job 9:6]] links `{{H6426}}` to several key terms that describe the cosmic scene of God's power:
* `{{H7264}}` **râgaz** (to quiver... shake, tremble): Used in the same verse as "shaketh," this word describes a violent emotional or physical quivering. It is used when the Lord's anger makes the hills **tremble** [[Isaiah 5:25]] and when the people are called to **tremble** at His reign [[Psalms 99:1]].
* `{{H776}}` **'erets** (the earth, a land): This is the object of God's power, the very **earth** that is shaken. It is used to describe the whole of creation [[Genesis 1:1]] and the sphere of God's glory [[Psalms 57:5]].
* `{{H5982}}` **ʻammûwd** (a column, pillar): These are the foundational **pillars** of the earth that tremble. The term is famously used for the **pillar** of cloud and fire that guided Israel [[Exodus 13:21]] and metaphorically for a person made strong by God [[Jeremiah 1:18]].
* `{{H4725}}` **mâqôwm** (a spot, locality, place): The earth is shaken from its **place**. This word often denotes a specific, chosen location, such as the **place** where God chooses to put His name [[Deuteronomy 16:16]], yet God's presence is not limited, as His eyes are in every **place** [[Proverbs 15:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6426}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful image:
* **Absolute Power of God:** The primary point is to illustrate God's sovereignty over creation. His power is such that He can shake the **earth** `{{H776}}` from its **place** `{{H4725}}` and make its very **pillars** `{{H5982}}` **tremble** `{{H6426}}`, as seen in [[Job 9:6]]. This act of shaking the heavens and earth is a demonstration of His wrath [[Isaiah 13:13]].
* **Creation's Frailty:** The verse demonstrates that the most stable and foundational elements of the physical world are not absolute. The "pillars of the earth" are subject to God and quiver at His action, revealing the fragility of the created order in the presence of the Creator.
* **A Response of Awe:** The trembling described by **pâlats** is a physical manifestation of the awe and fear that God's power inspires. The related verb **râgaz** `{{H7264}}` is explicitly used to command a response of reverent fear: "**Stand in awe**, and sin not" [[Psalms 4:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **pâlats** `{{H6426}}` is a vivid and potent term, despite its single occurrence. Used in [[Job 9:6]], it captures a profound theological truth about the absolute power of God. The image of the earth's foundational pillars trembling before their Creator serves as a stark reminder of divine sovereignty and the proper response of awe from creation. It shows how even the rarest of biblical words can carry immense theological significance.
TRV