פָּלָא (pa.la)
pa.la
to wonder
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 64 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb pala means to be surpassing, extraordinary, or wonderful. Its core idea is that something stands apart from the ordinary, whether because it is difficult to accomplish, hard to understand, or simply magnificent in nature. In the Old Testament, this word frequently describes actions that exceed human capability, highlighting divine power at work.
The sources note a fascinating range of usage. It can describe things too hard for people to handle, as when God tells Abraham that nothing is too hard for Him (Genesis 18:14). Yet it also celebrates positive wonders, such as the "wondrous works" God performs (Psalm 136:4) or the deep love David marvels at (2 Samuel 1:26). This flexibility allows the word to cover both overwhelming difficulty and awe-inspiring beauty.
Its root likely relates to separating or distinguishing, which explains why it marks things as singular or unique. Translators often render it as "marvelous" or "wonderful," capturing the sense that these events are set apart from normal experience. The word consistently points to a reality that breaks through everyday patterns, leaving observers in a state of wonder.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word pala describes something that stands apart from the ordinary, whether because it is difficult to understand or simply magnificent in nature. When you encounter this term in Scripture, it points to a reality that breaks through everyday patterns. It reminds us that God’s actions are not bound by human limitations or expectations.
In Genesis 18:14, we see this clearly when God asks, “Is anything too hard for Yahweh?” This question is not just about power; it is an invitation to trust in a love that surpasses our own. David uses the same word to describe his friendship with Jonathan, noting how his love was wonderful and surpassing (2 Samuel 1:26). These moments show us that God’s work is both mighty and deeply personal.
When life feels overwhelming or confusing, remember that your Creator operates beyond our full comprehension. You do not need to figure everything out to find peace. Instead, you can rest in the assurance that He is at work in ways that are both extraordinary and faithful to His promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 64 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wonders/ his8×
- wonders7×
- and/ wonders/ his7×
- wonders/ your5×
- to/ fulfill3×
- <of> wonders3×
- he will make hard2×
- and/ wonders2×
- ¿/ is it [too] difficult1×
- you show yourself wonderful1×
- wonders/ my1×
- wonderful [things]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ֝/נִפְלְאוֹתָ֗י/ו7×
- נִפְלָא֣וֹת3×
- נִפְלָא֑וֹת3×
- לְ/פַלֵּא\־3×
- נִפְלָאֽוֹת\׃2×
- נִפְלְאוֹתָֽי/ו\׃2×
- נִפְלְאוֹתֶֽי/ךָ\׃2×
- נִפְלְאֹתָֽי/ו\׃2×
- נִ֝פְלָא֗וֹת2×
- תִּתְפַּלָּא\־1×
- נִפְלָאֹ֔ת1×
- נִפְלָאִ֥ים1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for Yahweh? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes around, and Sarah will have a son.”
This verse uses the word to affirm that divine power exceeds all human capability, offering comfort when circumstances seem impossible.
-
Exodus 34:10
He said, “Behold, I make a covenant: before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been worked in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of Yahweh; for it is an awesome thing that I do with you.
God declares He will do marvels before all people, using the word to emphasize the uniqueness and awe-inspiring nature of His covenant actions.
-
Job 5:9
who does great things that can’t be fathomed, marvelous things without number;
The text uses this word to describe God’s works as marvelous things without number, acknowledging that divine wisdom often exceeds human understanding.