פְּצָלָה

a peeling

Definition

פְּצָלָה refers to a 'peeling' or 'strip' of bark removed from a tree branch. In its single biblical occurrence in Genesis 30:37, it describes the peeled sections of fresh poplar, almond, and plane tree rods that Jacob prepared. The word specifically denotes the result of the action of peeling or stripping off bark, exposing the white wood beneath. There are no other major senses or differing meanings in biblical usage, as it appears only in this one context.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Genesis 30:37. It appears in the narrative of Jacob's breeding strategy with Laban's flocks. The context is agricultural and pastoral, describing a specific physical action—peeling strips of bark to create visual markers on rods. There are no patterns of usage across different books or literary forms, as it is a hapax legomenon (a word occurring only once).

Etymology

פְּצָלָה is a feminine noun derived from the root verb פָּצַל (pātsal, H6478), which means 'to peel, strip, or flay.' The verb conveys the action of removing an outer layer. The noun form, therefore, denotes the product or result of that action—the peeled strip itself. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Arabic, carry similar meanings related to stripping or peeling.

Semantic Range

In the cultural setting of Genesis 30:37, the act of peeling rods to create white stripes was part of ancient Near Eastern folk practices believed to influence animal breeding. While the text records Jacob's action, it attributes the success of the breeding ultimately to God's revelation and blessing (Genesis 31:9-12), not to sympathetic magic. The practice reflects common ancient beliefs about visual stimuli affecting reproduction in livestock.

קְלִפָּה (qᵉlîppâh, H7038) — a general term for a 'shell,' 'rind,' or 'peel,' often of fruit, not specifically of tree bark.

Word Details

Scripture References