פָּלָה
𐤐𐤋𐤄
pâlâh
H6395 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To set apart or distinguish; to separate by making a difference; in some contexts, to do something extraordinary or remarkable, emphasizing an act that stands out because of its distinctness or uncommonness. In usage, can denote distinguishing one group or individual from another, especially by clear signs or actions, or acting in a manner that marks a clear contrast. Occasionally, it refers to performing an action that is marvelous or causes amazement due to its exceptional nature.
Semantic Range
to distinguish, to make a difference, to set apart, to separate, to act in a remarkable or extraordinary way, to make wonderful, to mark out as distinct
Root / Etymology
From the root פָּלָה, meaning 'to distinguish, make distinct, separate.' The verb conveys the sense of setting something apart, whether physically, conceptually, or by notable action. Lexically, it often entails a deliberate act of separation or making something remarkable, but always with the nuance of differentiating clearly from others.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, פָּלָה is used both in literal separations (e.g., Exodus 8:18; YHWH 'distinguishes' between the livestock of the Egyptians and the Israelites) and in more figurative senses (e.g., Exodus 33:16; Moshe asks for clear distinction for the people). The root is not common and primarily appears in texts highlighting divine or exceptional acts of separation or marking out. Later traditions sometimes translate this with terms like 'to make wonderful' (see LXX, Vulgate), emphasizing remarkable character rather than separation. The term does not carry the connotation of holiness or ritual purity found in words like קָדַשׁ (to sanctify), but focuses on the act of making a difference or distinction—often by extraordinary means. In post-exilic and later biblical usage, the term is less common, with other roots (such as בָּדַל, meaning to separate) becoming more prominent. English translation as 'marvelous' or 'make wonderful' tends to narrow the semantic field; 'distinguish' or 'set apart' better captures the primary lexical nuance, though some uses do invite the notion of remarkable action.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to distinguish (literally or figuratively); put a difference, show marvellous, separate, set apart, sever, make wonderfully.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פלה (p-l-h) — to distinguish, to separate, to make distinct
Word Forms
7 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6395-07 |
יַפְלֶ֣ה | yafeleh | HVhi3ms |
makes a distinction | he will make distinct | 1 |
H6395-06 |
וְ/נִפְלֵ֨ינוּ֙ | venifeleynu | HC/VNq1cp |
so we will be distinguished | and we will be distinguished | 1 |
H6395-01 |
הַפְלֵ֣ה | hafeleh | HVhv2ms |
show wonderfully | cause to stand distinct | 1 |
H6395-04 |
וְ/הִפְלָ֣ה | vehifelah | HC/Vhq3ms |
And will make a distinction | and he will make distinct | 1 |
H6395-03 |
נִ֫פְלֵ֥יתִי | nifeleyti | HVNp1cs |
I am made | I was set apart | 1 |
H6395-02 |
הִפְלָ֣ה | hifelah | HVhp3ms |
he-has-set-apart | he made distinct | 1 |
H6395-05 |
וְ/הִפְלֵיתִי֩ | vehifeleyti | HC/Vhq1cs |
And I will set apart | and I will distinguish | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6395-05 |
Exodus 8:18 | וְ/הִפְלֵיתִי֩ | vehifeleyti | HC/Vhq1cs |
And I will set apart | and I will distinguish |
H6395-04 |
Exodus 9:4 | וְ/הִפְלָ֣ה | vehifelah | HC/Vhq3ms |
And will make a distinction | and he will make distinct |
H6395-07 |
Exodus 11:7 | יַפְלֶ֣ה | yafeleh | HVhi3ms |
makes a distinction | he will make distinct |
H6395-06 |
Exodus 33:16 | וְ/נִפְלֵ֨ינוּ֙ | venifeleynu | HC/VNq1cp |
so we will be distinguished | and we will be distinguished |
H6395-02 |
Psalms 4:4 | הִפְלָ֣ה | hifelah | HVhp3ms |
he-has-set-apart | he made distinct |
H6395-01 |
Psalms 17:7 | הַפְלֵ֣ה | hafeleh | HVhv2ms |
show wonderfully | cause to stand distinct |
H6395-03 |
Psalms 139:14 | נִ֫פְלֵ֥יתִי | nifeleyti | HVNp1cs |
I am made | I was set apart |