פֶּ֫גַע (pe.ga)
pe.ga
chance
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun peḡa̱ refers to an encounter, event, or chance occurrence. In the biblical text, it describes things that happen unexpectedly or without a predetermined plan. This word captures the sense of something happening by accident or coincidence rather than by design.
This term appears only once in the Old Testament, in Ecclesiastes 9:11. There, it is used to illustrate how speed and strength do not guarantee success. The verse notes that time and chance (peḡa̱) happen to everyone, regardless of their abilities or efforts. This usage highlights the unpredictable nature of life events.
Translators often render peḡa̱ as "chance" or "time." This reflects its meaning as an unforeseen event that affects human plans. The word underscores the theme in Ecclesiastes that outcomes are not always within human control. It serves as a reminder of life's inherent uncertainty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word peḡa̱ appears just once in Scripture, nestled in Ecclesiastes 9:11. It describes an unexpected encounter or a chance event that disrupts our carefully laid plans. Solomon observes that speed, strength, wisdom, and skill do not guarantee success because time and chance happen to everyone.
This reality can feel unsettling when we strive for control over our lives. Yet it also offers a profound sense of relief. You are not solely responsible for every outcome, nor is your worth tied to perfect execution. Life contains unpredictable moments that no amount of effort can fully manage.
Recognizing this uncertainty invites us to trust in God’s overarching care rather than relying only on our own abilities. We can work diligently while acknowledging that some things remain beyond our control. This perspective frees us from the burden of perfection and helps us find peace in the present moment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ chance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וָ/פֶ֖גַע1×
Key Verses
-
Ecclesiastes 9:11
I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.
This verse uses peḡa̱ to illustrate how unforeseen events can alter outcomes regardless of human effort or ability.