### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pâʻal**, represented by `{{H6466}}`, is a primitive root meaning to do or make, especially in a systematic and habitual manner. It conveys the idea of practicing, committing, ordaining, or working. It appears **56 times** across **55 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6466}}` is used to describe both divine and human action. It highlights God's sovereign power, as when it is asked, "What hath God **wrought**!" [[Numbers 23:23]]. God's work is presented as unstoppable: "I will **work**, and who shall let it?" [[Isaiah 43:13]]. The term is also central to defining human moral character. An upright person is one who "**worketh** righteousness" [[Psalms 15:2]], while the wicked are repeatedly condemned as "**workers** of iniquity" ([[Psalms 5:5]], [[Psalms 6:8]]), who "**work** evil upon their beds" [[Micah 2:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of doing and making:
* `{{H6213}}` **ʻâsâh** (to do or make): A broader term for action, it is used in parallel with `{{H6466}}` to describe the comprehensive nature of God's work in history [[Isaiah 41:4]].
* `{{H6467}}` **pôʻal** (an act or work): This noun is derived from `{{H6466}}` and refers to the deed itself. For example, God declares he will "**work** a **work**" in the days of the people [[Habakkuk 1:5]].
* `{{H205}}` **ʼâven** (iniquity, mischief, wickedness): This word often serves as the object of the action of `{{H6466}}`, specifying the evil nature of the deeds being performed by the "**workers** of **iniquity**" [[Psalms 92:7]].
* `{{H4639}}` **maʻăseh** (an action, deed, work): This term refers to a product or transaction and is used to describe the results of God's work within His people [[Isaiah 26:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6466}}` is significant and appears in several key themes:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The word emphasizes God's absolute power to act according to His will. His work is portrayed as a source of wonder [[Numbers 23:23]] and is ultimately unstoppable by any other force [[Isaiah 43:13]]. He is the one who has **wrought** all things from the beginning [[Isaiah 41:4]].
* **Moral Accountability:** Human identity is frequently defined by habitual actions described by `{{H6466}}`. The recurring phrase "**workers** of iniquity" ([[Psalms 125:5]], [[Proverbs 10:29]]) signifies a character defined by the practice of evil. In contrast, the righteous are those who habitually "**worketh** righteousness" [[Psalms 15:2]].
* **Consequences of Action:** The word connects actions to their outcomes. For the wicked, the ditch they "**made**" becomes their own trap [[Psalms 7:15]]. For the faithful, God has "**wrought**" goodness as a direct result of their trust in Him [[Psalms 31:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6466}}` **pâʻal** is a potent verb that denotes systematic and habitual work, not merely a singular act. It serves to illustrate the profound difference between God's sovereign, unopposable work and the moral choices of humanity. Through this word, scripture draws a sharp line between those who practice righteousness and the condemned "**workers** of iniquity," tying one's deeds directly to one's character and destiny.
TRV