פֶּלֶא
a miracle
Definition
The Hebrew noun פֶּלֶא (peleʼ) primarily denotes a 'wonder' or 'miracle'—an extraordinary act that inspires awe and amazement, often performed by God. It describes events that defy natural explanation and reveal divine power, such as the miracles in Egypt (Psalm 78:12) or God's majestic deeds in history (Psalm 77:11). In some contexts, it refers to God's wondrous nature or attributes themselves, as seen in Psalm 88:10 where His 'wonders' are paralleled with His righteousness. The word emphasizes not just the event but the profound, awe-inspiring response it elicits from witnesses.
Biblical Usage
פֶּלֶא is used exclusively in poetic and liturgical texts, primarily in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 77:11, 78:12, 119:129) and in the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15:11). It consistently appears in contexts praising God's mighty acts in salvation history, such as the Exodus, or reflecting on His incomprehensible character. The word is often paired with terms for God's 'deeds' or 'works,' highlighting it as a key aspect of divine intervention that demands worship and remembrance.
Etymology
פֶּלֶא derives from the root פָּלָא (pālāʼ, H6381), meaning 'to be extraordinary, wonderful, or difficult to understand.' This root conveys the sense of something separated or distinguished from the ordinary. Cognates in other Semitic languages also carry meanings related to wonder and marvel, underscoring the core idea of supernatural distinction that elicits awe.
Semantic Range
פֶּלֶא is theologically significant as it points directly to God's supernatural intervention in history and His transcendent nature. It underpins the biblical concept of miracle not as mere magic, but as a revelatory act that inspires faith and reveals God's glory (Exodus 15:11). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches Bible reading by emphasizing that God's 'wonders' are meant to evoke worship, deepen trust in His power (Psalm 77:14), and remind believers of His ongoing marvelous works, including in salvation through Christ.
In ancient Israelite culture, a פֶּלֶא was understood as a direct, visible manifestation of Yahweh's power and covenant faithfulness, often in contrast to the impotent gods of surrounding nations. Unlike modern tendencies to seek naturalistic explanations, these wonders were seen as undeniable proofs of God's active presence and authority, integral to Israel's identity as His chosen people.
אוֹת (ʼôth, H226) — a sign or token, often a miracle with a specific purpose or message. מוֹפֵת (môphēth, H4159) — a wonder or portent, frequently used alongside פֶּלֶא (e.g., Psalm 78:43), emphasizing a demonstrative marvel. נֵס (nēs, H5251) — a banner or standard; metaphorically, a miraculous sign that serves as a rallying point.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →