פֶּ֫לַח (pe.lach)
pe.lach
millstone
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun pelech refers to a millstone, specifically the large, heavy stone used for grinding grain. Its root meaning involves a "cleavage" or a "slice," describing a piece cut off from a larger mass. This etymology highlights the physical nature of the object as a substantial, distinct segment designed for crushing.
In Scripture, this word appears in five verses, often carrying significant weight through metaphor. In Judges 9:53, Abimelech is killed when a woman drops an upper millstone on his head, illustrating the stone’s immense power and lethality. Conversely, Song of Solomon uses the term poetically to describe lovers’ necks as "towers," evoking strength and beauty rather than destruction.
Translators typically render pelech simply as "millstone" or occasionally "slice." The distinction lies in whether the context emphasizes the tool’s function—grinding grain—or its physical form as a cut portion of rock. The word anchors biblical imagery in the daily reality of ancient food preparation, where such stones were essential yet formidable objects.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pelech refers to the heavy stone used for grinding grain, an object so significant that it could determine life or death. In Judges 9:53, a woman drops an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, ending his violent reign. This stark image reminds us that God often uses ordinary, everyday tools to bring about justice and protect the vulnerable.
Yet this same word also appears in Song of Solomon, where it describes beauty and strength. The contrast shows how God values both the serious weight of justice and the tender details of human affection. In your daily life, you might find comfort knowing that God is present in both the heavy burdens and the simple moments.
When you face challenges, remember that no stone is too heavy for God to handle. He uses the mundane aspects of life to shape us, just as the millstone grinds grain into bread. Trust that He is working in your circumstances, bringing good out of difficult situations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] like/ [the] slice of2×
- a slice of1×
- a mill-stone of1×
- a mill-stone1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/פֶ֤לַח2×
- פֶּ֨לַח1×
- פֶּ֥לַח1×
- פֶ֨לַח1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 9:53
A certain woman cast an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, and broke his skull.
This verse shows the lethal power of the millstone when it ends Abimelech's life, highlighting God's justice.
-
II Samuel 11:21
Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Didn’t a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?’ then you shall say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead.’”
David references this event to explain Uriah's death, showing how the millstone became a symbol of hidden guilt.
-
Song of Solomon 4:3
Your lips are like scarlet thread. Your mouth is lovely. Your temples are like a piece of a pomegranate behind your veil.
The term describes the lover's temples, using the stone's solid form to evoke strength and beauty in romance.