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פֶּ֫לֶג (pe.leg)

pe.leg

stream

H6388 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
8 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Definition

Definition

channel, canal

Brown-Driver-Briggs

פֶּ֫לֶג n.m. (cleft) channel, (artif.) canal

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

channel, canal

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word peleg describes a flowing stream, often one that is sudden or abundant enough to sustain life in dry places. In the ancient Near East, water was not just a resource but a symbol of God’s provision and presence. When Scripture speaks of streams, it often points to the idea of continuous nourishment—something that does not rely on human effort but flows from a reliable source.

For your faith life, this image reminds you that spiritual vitality comes from being connected to God. Just as a tree draws water from its roots, you are invited to rest in His provision rather than striving for sustenance on your own. This is not about earning strength but receiving it, like rain falling naturally or a spring bubbling up from the earth.

Even in times of sorrow, the word appears in contexts of deep emotion—tears flowing like streams. This shows that God does not dismiss human pain but meets us in our grief with compassion. Whether you are experiencing joy or sorrow, His presence remains as steady and life-giving as a stream in a desert.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • streams of5×
  • streams1×
  • like/ streams of1×
  • [is] streams of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • פַּלְגֵי\־5×
  • פַּלְגֵ֫י1×
  • פְּלָגִ֖ים1×
  • כְּ/פַלְגֵי\־1×

Key Verses

  • Psalms 1:3
    He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.

    This verse uses the word to describe the source of stability and fruitfulness for the righteous, contrasting them with the wicked who are like chaff.

  • Isaiah 32:2
    A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the storm, as streams of water in a dry place, as the shade of a large rock in a weary land.

    Here the term symbolizes relief and protection in a 'weary land,' portraying God’s people as a refuge that brings coolness and rest to those who are exhausted.

  • Job 29:6
    when my steps were washed with butter, and the rock poured out streams of oil for me,

    Job recalls a time of divine favor where even the rock poured out streams, illustrating how God’s blessing can make the impossible abundant and sustaining.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does peleg mean in the Bible?

Peleg is a Hebrew noun meaning 'stream' or 'brook.' It often refers to a flowing body of water that provides sustenance, especially in arid regions. In Scripture, it is used both literally for physical water and metaphorically for spiritual nourishment or emotional outpouring.

How is peleg different from other words for water?

While mayim refers to water in general, peleg specifically denotes a flowing stream or channel. It implies movement and continuity, unlike still pools. Another related word, nahal, often refers to a seasonal wadi that flows only after rain, whereas peleg can suggest a more consistent or significant flow.

Why is the image of a stream important in Psalms?

In Psalm 1:3, the righteous person is compared to a tree planted by streams of water. This imagery highlights stability, constant nourishment, and fruitfulness. It suggests that those who trust in God are sustained by His presence, even when circumstances around them change or dry up.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 5 books)

Job 1 verse
Psalms 2 verses
Proverbs 2 verses
Isaiah 2 verses
Lamentations 1 verse