### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פְּצָלָה (pᵉtsâlâh), Strong's `{{H6479}}`, is a noun derived from the verb פָּצַל (pāṣal), Strong's `{{H6478}}`, meaning "to peel," "to strip," or "to cleave." Consequently, pᵉtsâlâh carries the primary meaning of "a peeling" or "a stripped-off piece." In its sole biblical occurrence, the term is translated as "strakes," referring to the white, exposed areas on rods from which the bark has been stripped. This implies a visual mark or pattern created by the act of peeling, highlighting the contrast between the outer bark and the lighter inner wood. The semantic range is therefore narrow, specifically denoting the result of a peeling action, particularly as a visible pattern or mark.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פְּצָלָה (pᵉtsâlâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Genesis 30:38]]. This occurrence is central to the narrative of Jacob's stratagem to increase his flocks while in Laban's service. The passage reads: "And he set the rods which he had peeled (הַמַּקְלוֹת אֲשֶׁר פִּצֵּל) in the gutters in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, over against the flocks, that they might conceive when they came to drink." The "peeled" rods refer to branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees from which Jacob had "peeled white strakes" (פְּצָלָה לְבָנוֹת), exposing the lighter wood beneath the bark. The purpose of placing these visually distinct rods before the breeding animals was, in Jacob's understanding, to influence the conception of offspring to be "streaked, speckled, and spotted"—characteristics that, by agreement with Laban, would belong to Jacob. The context reveals that Jacob's actions, while seemingly based on folk belief regarding pre-natal influence, were ultimately blessed and directed by God, as later revealed in Jacob's dream in [[Genesis 31:10-12]], where God explicitly states He saw Laban's treatment of Jacob and was acting on Jacob's behalf. Thus, the pᵉtsâlâh serves as a tangible, visual element within a divinely orchestrated outcome.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root פָּצַל (pāṣal), Strong's `{{H6478}}`, from which פְּצָלָה (pᵉtsâlâh) is derived. This verb means "to peel," "to strip," or "to cleave," perfectly aligning with the noun's meaning of "a peeling."
Conceptually, pᵉtsâlâh is linked to:
* **Visual Influence:** The belief that visual stimuli during conception could affect the characteristics of offspring. While not scientifically accurate from a modern perspective, this was a common ancient belief.
* **Animal Husbandry:** The practical methods employed in ancient sheep and goat breeding.
* **Divine Providence:** The overarching theme that God works through various means, including human actions and perceived natural phenomena, to fulfill His purposes and protect His covenant people.
* **Deception and Justice:** The narrative involves Laban's repeated attempts to defraud Jacob, and Jacob's cunning response, which God ultimately validates as a means of divine justice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פְּצָלָה (pᵉtsâlâh) is not found in the object itself as possessing inherent power, but in its role within the larger narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and providential care for Jacob. The peeled rods are instruments in a strategy that, from a human perspective, might appear as cunning or even superstitious. However, the success of Jacob's plan is not attributed to the magical properties of the peeled rods, but explicitly to God's intervention. In [[Genesis 31:10-12]], God reveals to Jacob in a dream that He was orchestrating the increase of Jacob's flocks with spotted and speckled animals as a direct response to Laban's deceit and a fulfillment of His promise to Jacob.
Thus, the pᵉtsâlâh serves as a tangible symbol of God working through unconventional means to bring about His will. It underscores the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those involving human ingenuity or perceived trickery, turning them to His redemptive purposes. It highlights God's commitment to justice for His chosen and His ability to bless and multiply, even when faced with adversity and exploitation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פְּצָלָה (pᵉtsâlâh), Strong's `{{H6479}}`, derived from the verb "to peel," refers to "a peeling" or a "strake"—specifically, the white, stripped areas on rods. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Genesis 30:38]] describes Jacob's use of such peeled rods in his animal husbandry strategy to increase his flocks. While seemingly based on ancient folk beliefs regarding visual influence on conception, the narrative unequivocally attributes the success of Jacob's efforts to divine intervention and blessing. The theological significance of pᵉtsâlâh lies not in any intrinsic power of the object, but in its function as an instrument within God's providential care for Jacob, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant, His justice against Laban's deceit, and His ability to work through diverse means to achieve His purposes.
TRV