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פְּלַגָּה (pe.lag.gah)

pe.lag.gah

stream

H6390 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

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

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun pelagga denotes a stream or a flowing body of water, but it carries a specific nuance of division. Its roots suggest something that splits or separates, which explains why it can also refer to distinct sections or divisions within a larger whole.

This dual meaning is evident in its single biblical occurrence in Job 28:11. Here, the text describes God’s search for water sources, stating He established a "stream" (pelagga) for the rain and a way for lightning. The imagery captures both the physical flow of water and the concept of channeling or dividing it into a specific course.

Translators often render this word as "stream," "division," or "river" depending on context. In Job, the focus is on God’s power to create order out of chaos by directing natural forces, highlighting how He manages even the most volatile elements like storm waters.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word pelagga appears only once in Scripture, yet it carries a profound image of order emerging from chaos. In Job 28:11, we learn that God did not leave the rain and lightning to wander aimlessly. Instead, He established a stream—a defined channel—for these powerful forces. This suggests that even the most volatile elements of nature are subject to His precise design.

For your faith, this offers deep comfort. You may feel overwhelmed by the storms of life, but the same God who channels rain into a specific course is also guiding your path. He does not leave you without direction. By creating boundaries for water, He demonstrates His ability to bring structure and peace to what might otherwise be destructive.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • on/ streams1×

Forms in the text

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

  • בִ/פְלַגּ֑וֹת1×

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word pelagga mean?

Pelagga is a rare Hebrew noun meaning 'stream' or 'division.' It specifically refers to a flowing body of water that has been channeled or separated, often implying a distinct course within a larger system.

Where does pelagga appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in Job 28:11. The verse describes God's wisdom in establishing a stream for the rain and a way for lightning, showing His control over natural elements.

Why is this word significant in Job 28?

Its significance lies in its rarity and its imagery of order. By using a word that implies division or channeling, the text emphasizes that God brings structure to chaos, directing even storm waters into specific paths.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)