פְּלִילִי (pe.li.li)
pe.li.li
judge
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective pilili describes something that is subject to legal judgment or requires adjudication. It characterizes matters as judicial in nature, often implying that a situation is open to dispute and demands a formal ruling by an authority figure.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Job 31:35. Here, Job uses it to describe his own case, essentially saying, "Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me!" He frames his innocence as a legal matter that can be judged fairly, inviting God to act as the supreme judge in this judicial process.
The term highlights the seriousness of seeking justice. By calling his situation pilili, Job acknowledges that truth must be examined through proper channels. It reflects an ancient understanding that disputes are not merely personal grievances but matters requiring objective evaluation and a definitive verdict from a rightful authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels unfair and no one seems to listen, it can be deeply isolating. Job used a rare Hebrew word, pilili, to describe his situation as something that demands proper judgment. He did not hide from the truth or make excuses; instead, he invited God to examine his case openly. This shows that bringing our struggles into the light of divine scrutiny is an act of courage, not weakness.
You do not have to carry the weight of being misunderstood alone. Like Job, you can trust that there is a higher authority who sees all details and cares about justice. Even when human systems fail or silence reigns, your integrity matters to God. He invites you to lay your heart before Him, knowing that He values truth and will respond with fairness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- calling for judgment1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּלִילִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
Job 31:28
this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I would have denied the God who is above.
This verse provides the context for Job's legal mindset, showing he viewed his conduct as subject to divine scrutiny rather than human opinion.