פֶּ֫לֶג (pe.leg)
pe.leg
Peleg
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Peleg, or peleg in Hebrew, means “division.” It appears seven times in the Old Testament, primarily within the genealogical records of Genesis and I Chronicles. As the son of Eber and brother of Joktan, he occupies a specific spot in the lineage leading from Shem to Abraham.
His name is significant because it carries a clear explanation in the biblical text. In Genesis 10:25, the narrative states that to Peleg was born a son, and his name was Peleg, for “in his days the earth was divided.” This etymological note links the man directly to an event of major historical or geographical separation.
Translators consistently render the name as Peleg, preserving its phonetic identity while allowing the meaning of “division” to stand out. The word serves as a marker in the family tree, highlighting how this particular generation was remembered for a defining change in the world’s structure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Peleg means "division," a word that might initially sound unsettling. Yet in the biblical narrative, it marks a moment of transition rather than just separation. Genesis 10:25 explains that "in his days the earth was divided." This event reshaped human history, scattering people across the globe and establishing new cultural boundaries.
For your faith journey, this name reminds us that change is part of God's unfolding plan. Even when life feels fragmented or when communities are split, we can trust that God remains sovereign over these shifts. The genealogies in Scripture show how individual lives contribute to a larger story of redemption.
Peleg’s brief mention highlights how God uses ordinary moments and names to preserve history. It invites us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and see ourselves within the broader tapestry of God’s work. In times of change, we find peace knowing that God is present in every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Peleg5×
- [was] Peleg2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פֶּ֗לֶג2×
- פָּֽלֶג\׃1×
- פֶּ֖לֶג1×
- פֶּ֔לֶג1×
- פֶ֗לֶג1×
- פֶ֖לֶג1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:25
To Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided. His brother’s name was Joktan.
This verse provides the etymological explanation for the name, linking Peleg directly to a significant historical event of division.
-
I Chronicles 1:19
To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
The Chronicler repeats this explanation, confirming its importance in the post-exilic community's understanding of their ancestry.
-
Genesis 11:16
Eber lived thirty-four years, and became the father of Peleg.
This entry establishes Peleg’s place in the lineage from Eber to Abraham, showing his role in the messianic line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Peleg mean?
Why is Peleg important in the Bible?
What does "the earth was divided" mean?
How many times does Peleg appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 5 verses
To Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided. His brother’s name…
Genesis 11:16Eber lived thirty-four years, and became the father of Peleg.
Genesis 11:17Eber lived four hundred thirty years after he became the father of Peleg, and became the father of more sons and…
Genesis 11:18Peleg lived thirty years, and became the father of Reu.
Genesis 11:19Peleg lived two hundred nine years after he became the father of Reu, and became the father of more sons and daughters.