### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pᵉʻullâh**, represented by `{{H6468}}`, encapsulates the concepts of **work**, **labour**, **reward**, and **wages**. Derived from the root for "to work," this term appears 14 times in 14 unique verses. It carries a dual meaning, referring both to the action of working and the resulting compensation or consequence of that action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H6468}}` bridges the gap between physical labor and divine recompense. In a practical sense, it denotes the **wages** due to a hired worker, which are to be paid promptly [[Leviticus 19:13]]. The term is also used to describe the **work** or actions of humanity, both righteous and wicked. The **labour** of the righteous leads to life [[Proverbs 10:16]], while the wicked produce a deceitful **work** [[Proverbs 11:18]]. Prophetically, it describes the coming of the Lord, who brings His **reward** with Him and whose **work** is before Him ([[Isaiah 40:10]], [[Isaiah 62:11]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of `{{H6468}}`:
* `{{H7939}}` **sâkâr** (payment of contract... reward(-ed), wages, worth): This word is frequently paired with **pᵉʻullâh** to emphasize the idea of compensation. The promise that one's work will be rewarded often uses both terms for clarity and impact ([[2 Chronicles 15:7]], [[Jeremiah 31:16]]).
* `{{H4639}}` **maʻăseh** (an action (good or bad)... deed, do(-ing), labor... work): Often used in parallel with **pᵉʻullâh**, this term also refers to a deed or work. In [[Psalms 28:5]], the wicked are condemned because they do not regard the **works** `{{H6468}}` of the Lord, nor the **operation** `{{H4639}}` of his hands.
* `{{H3021}}` **yâgaʻ** (to be exhausted, to tire, to toil... labour): This verb describes the act of toiling itself. It is connected to `{{H6468}}` in [[Isaiah 49:4]], where the speaker laments having **laboured** `{{H3021}}` in vain, yet trusts that his **work** `{{H6468}}` is with God.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6468}}` is significant, highlighting themes of justice and divine accounting.
* **Principle of Just Recompense:** The word underscores the biblical principle that actions have consequences. God directs the **work** of His people in truth [[Isaiah 61:8]] and promises that their **work** will be rewarded [[Jeremiah 31:16]]. Conversely, the Lord will measure the former **work** of the disobedient into their bosom [[Isaiah 65:7]].
* **Economic and Social Justice:** The command in [[Leviticus 19:13]] not to withhold the **wages** `{{H6468}}` of a hired person establishes a foundation for just labor practices, reflecting God's own character. Defrauding a laborer of their **wages** is a violation of this principle.
* **God's Sovereign Work:** `{{H6468}}` is not limited to human activity. It also refers to God's own work, particularly His acts of salvation and judgment that He brings with Him [[Isaiah 40:10]]. To disregard the **works** `{{H6468}}` of the Lord is a serious offense [[Psalms 28:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6468}}` is a dynamic term that connects action to outcome. It moves fluidly between the concepts of a task performed, the wages earned, the moral quality of a deed, and the ultimate reward or judgment from God. It serves as a constant reminder that all work, whether human or divine, carries inherent value and will be met with a just and certain result.
TRV