The Hebrew word Peleth, represented by H6431, is defined as swiftness and comes from an unused root meaning to flee. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible and is used as the name of two different Israelites.
In the biblical narrative, H6431 appears in two distinct genealogical contexts. The first mention is in the account of Korah's rebellion, which identifies one of the participants as "On, the son of Peleth," who was from the tribe of Reuben Numbers 16:1. The second instance is found in the genealogies of the book of Chronicles, where a different Peleth is listed as one of the sons of Jonathan in the line of Jerahmeel 1 Chronicles 2:33.
Several related words help clarify the context in which Peleth appears:
- H1121 bên (a son (as a builder of the family name)): This word is essential for establishing the identity of both individuals named Peleth. One is identified as the father of a son, On Numbers 16:1, while the other is listed among the sons of Jonathan 1 Chronicles 2:33.
- H3947 lâqach (to take): This verb describes the action that initiated the rebellion involving the son of the first Peleth. The verse states that Korah and his company, including On, "took men" Numbers 16:1, indicating a gathering for confrontation.
- H7205 Rᵉʼûwbên (Reuben, a son of Jacob): This connects the first Peleth to a specific Israelite tribe, as his son On is identified as being among the "sons of Reuben" who participated in the uprising Numbers 16:1.
The significance of H6431 is tied directly to the narratives of the two men who bore the name.
- Association with Rebellion: The first Peleth is remembered as the father of On, who joined Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in their challenge against the leadership of Moses and Aaron Numbers 16:1. This places the name within a key Old Testament story about rebellion and divine judgment.
- Inclusion in the Official Record: The second Peleth is listed in the official genealogies of Israel recorded in 1 Chronicles 1 Chronicles 2:33. This inclusion preserves the name as part of the historical and tribal lineage of Jerahmeel.
- Swiftness: The name's meaning, swiftness, is derived from its root, though the biblical text does not explicitly connect this attribute to the actions of either individual named Peleth.
In summary, H6431 is the proper name Peleth, meaning "swiftness." While appearing only twice, it represents two distinct individuals in Israel's history. One is linked by his son to a major narrative of rebellion against God's chosen leaders, while the other is recorded as part of the preserved genealogical line of Judah. The name's importance is therefore found not in its frequency, but in its connection to these significant historical and genealogical contexts.
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