from an unused root meaning to flee; swiftness; Peleth, the name of two Israelites; Peleth.
Transliteration:Peleth
Pronunciation:peh'-leth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H6431}}` (Peleth) is derived from an unused root, signifying the core concepts of "fleeing" or "swiftness." While the root itself does not appear independently in the biblical text, its inferred meaning provides the semantic foundation for the proper noun. Thus, the primary semantic range of `{{H6431}}` points to qualities associated with rapid movement, agility, or escape. It is important to note that `{{H6431}}` does not function as a common noun for "swiftness" in the biblical corpus; rather, its usage is exclusively as a personal name, reflecting these underlying concepts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H6431}}` occurs twice in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively as the name of two distinct individuals:
1. **Peleth, father of On:** In [[Numbers 16:1]], Peleth is identified as the father of On, a Reubenite who, alongside Dathan and Abiram, joined Korah in his rebellion against Moses and Aaron. The text states, "Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men." The name "Peleth" (swiftness/fleeing) does not appear to directly explain On's involvement in the rebellion, nor is its meaning expounded upon in the narrative. One might speculatively consider a subtle irony, given the swift and decisive divine judgment that befell the rebels, or perhaps a characteristic of quick action on the part of On. However, the text itself does not provide such interpretive cues.
2. **Peleth, son of Jonathan:** In [[1 Chronicles 2:33]], Peleth is listed in the genealogy of Jerahmeel, a descendant of Judah. The verse reads, "And the sons of Jonathan: Peleth and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel." In this context, Peleth appears merely as a link in a genealogical chain, offering no narrative or contextual information to illuminate the significance of his name's meaning. As with many names in biblical genealogies, it primarily serves to establish lineage.
In both instances, `{{H6431}}` functions as a proper noun, and its etymological meaning is not explicitly elaborated upon within the accompanying biblical narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual underpinnings of `{{H6431}}` relate to several key Hebrew terms and broader biblical themes:
* **Words for Fleeing/Escape:** The unused root's meaning of "to flee" connects `{{H6431}}` to verbs such as `{{H1272}}` (barach, "to flee, escape"), `{{H5127}}` (nus, "to flee, take flight"), and `{{H6203}}` (araph, "to flee, escape"). These words often describe flight from danger, enemies, or divine judgment, or conversely, flight *to* refuge.
* **Words for Swiftness/Speed:** The derived meaning of "swiftness" links `{{H6431}}` to terms like `{{H4105}}` (maher, "to hasten, be quick"), `{{H7323}}` (ruts, "to run"), and `{{H7325}}` (rachash, "to move quickly, be swift"). These terms are used to describe rapid action, movement, or the swiftness of divine intervention.
* **The Significance of Names:** In ancient Hebrew culture, names were rarely arbitrary; they often carried deep meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, aspirations of parents, or prophetic insights into a child's character or destiny. Names like "Peleth" (swiftness) fall into this category, suggesting a descriptive or aspirational quality. This cultural practice is evident throughout the Bible, where names like Isaac ("he laughs"), Jacob ("supplanter"), or Jesus ("Yahweh saves") hold profound significance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6431}}` is primarily indirect, stemming from its etymological root and the broader biblical understanding of names. As a proper noun, Peleth himself is not a central figure for theological discourse, yet his name's meaning offers subtle insights:
* **Divine Swiftness and Judgment:** In the context of [[Numbers 16:1]], while On son of Peleth was part of a rebellion, the name "swiftness" might subtly, perhaps even ironically, allude to the swift and decisive nature of God's judgment against those who oppose His appointed leadership. God's actions are often described as swift, whether in judgment or salvation (e.g., [[Malachi 3:5]], [[Psalm 147:15]]).
* **Human Response and Transience:** The concept of "fleeing" or "swiftness" can also evoke the human condition—the swiftness of life's passage (e.g., [[Job 9:25-26]], [[Psalm 90:10]]) or the imperative to "flee" from sin and temptation (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 6:18]], [[2 Timothy 2:22]]). A name like Peleth might have been given with a hope for a child who would be quick to obey, quick in action, or quick to turn to God.
* **Meaningful Identity:** The very act of naming with meaning underscores the biblical worldview that identity is not random but often imbued with purpose, even if that purpose is not fully realized or understood by the individual. The name Peleth, though appearing in limited contexts, reinforces the rich tapestry of Hebrew nomenclature where every name, even in a genealogy, carries a potential layer of meaning.
### Summary
`{{H6431}}` (Peleth) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from an unused root meaning "to flee" or "swiftness." It appears twice in the Old Testament, identifying two distinct individuals: On's father in [[Numbers 16:1]] and a descendant of Jerahmeel in [[1 Chronicles 2:33]]. In both occurrences, the name functions solely as a personal identifier, without explicit narrative elaboration on its etymological meaning. However, consistent with Hebrew naming conventions, the name "Peleth" likely conveyed a characteristic of swiftness or agility. While its direct theological impact is limited due to its status as a proper noun, its underlying semantic range implicitly connects to broader biblical themes of swiftness—whether of divine action, human response, or the fleeting nature of life—and the profound significance of names within the biblical narrative.
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