פָּלַל (pa.lal)
pa.lal
to pray
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 78 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb palal describes a deep, personal engagement with God, most commonly appearing in its Hithpael form to mean "to pray." While it can occasionally refer to judging or thinking, its primary biblical usage captures the act of intercession—standing between a situation and God to seek intervention. This is not merely reciting words but involves a serious, focused appeal, as seen when Samuel promises to cease not praying for the people (1 Samuel 12:23) or when King Hezekiah spreads the threatening letter before the Lord in 2 Kings 19:14.
The word’s root imagery suggests interposing or intervening, which explains why it often carries a sense of mediation. In passages like Deuteronomy 9:20, Moses stands in the breach to pray for Israel, highlighting the relational weight of the term. Translators typically render it as "pray" or "supplicate," reflecting a posture that acknowledges human limitation while relying on divine power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word palal carries a sense of standing in the gap between our needs and God’s power. It is not just reciting words but a serious, focused appeal that acknowledges our limitation while relying on His strength. When we pray, we are engaging deeply with the One who hears and responds.
This verb often appears in contexts of intercession, where someone stands before God for others. Think of Moses praying for Israel or Hannah pouring out her soul in bitterness. These moments show that prayer is a relational act of trust. It invites us to bring our heavy burdens to Him, knowing He listens with care.
Whether you are seeking healing, guidance, or simply presence, this word reminds you that your prayers matter. They are not lost but reach the throne of grace. May you find comfort in knowing that God welcomes your honest appeals and meets you there.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 78 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he prayed15×
- and/ they will pray9×
- to/ pray8×
- pray4×
- and/ I prayed4×
- you pray3×
- they will pray3×
- he will pray3×
- and/ pray3×
- and/ she prayed2×
- [is] praying2×
- you prayed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל4×
- וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֨ל3×
- וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל3×
- מִתְפַּלֵּ֥ל2×
- לְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל2×
- יִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל2×
- יִֽתְפַּֽלְל֖וּ2×
- וּ/מִתְפַּלֵּ֔ל2×
- וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּל֙2×
- וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל2×
- וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל2×
- וְ/יִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 20:17
Abraham prayed to God. So God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, and they bore children.
This verse shows the direct result of Abraham’s prayer, as God heals Abimelech’s household after he intercedes.
-
I Samuel 1:10
She was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to Yahweh, weeping bitterly.
Hannah’s deep emotional state is captured here, showing that palal involves pouring out one’s soul with tears and honesty.
-
I Samuel 12:23
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh in ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
Samuel declares it would be a sin to stop praying for the people, highlighting prayer as a vital duty of leadership and care.
-
Deuteronomy 9:20
Yahweh was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him. I prayed for Aaron also at the same time.
Moses prays specifically for Aaron during a moment of divine anger, demonstrating intercession on behalf of others in crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does palal mean in Hebrew?
How is palal different from other words for prayer?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (78 verses across 17 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Now therefore, restore the man’s wife. For he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will live. If you don’t…
Genesis 20:17Abraham prayed to God. So God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, and they bore children.
Genesis 48:11Israel said to Joseph, “I didn’t think I would see your face, and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.”