פֹּ֫עַל (po.al)
po.al
work
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun po.al refers concretely to an act, deed, or work produced by effort. Derived from the verb for doing or acting, it emphasizes the tangible result of human or divine activity rather than the abstract process. In Scripture, it appears primarily in poetic and wisdom literature, such as Psalms, Proverbs, and Isaiah, where language tends toward precision and imagery.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on context. It can denote a moral deed, whether good or evil, as seen when Psalm 28:4 asks God to repay people according to their deeds. It also describes physical labor or its reward, such as the wages earned for work in Job 7:2. In Isaiah 45:11, it refers to the work of God’s hands, identifying Israel as the product of divine creation and purpose.
A notable feature is its poetic flavor. While the more common word ma’aseh covers general activity, po.al often carries a weightier or more specific sense, highlighting the significance of what has been done. Translators usually render it as "deed," "work," or "act," capturing the idea that actions leave a lasting mark.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word points to the tangible result of effort, whether human or divine. It is not merely about the activity itself but the lasting mark left behind. In our daily lives, this reminds us that our actions have weight and significance. God sees the details of what we do, acknowledging both our labor and His own creative power.
Scripture uses this term to describe everything from the wages of a hireling to the perfect work of the Creator. When we look at Psalm 90:16, we see a prayer for God’s work to appear to His servants. This offers comfort, knowing that our efforts are seen and that God’s own works bring glory and honor. We can trust that He values the integrity of our deeds.
Ultimately, this word invites us to live with purpose. Whether in simple labor or moral choices, our works reflect who we are. By focusing on doing what is right, we align ourselves with the character of God, whose work is always perfect and just.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- work/ his4×
- deeds2×
- deed[s]/ your2×
- and/ work/ your2×
- [the] work of2×
- work/ your1×
- work/ their1×
- work/ my1×
- wage[s]/ his1×
- to/ work/ his1×
- in/ work/ their1×
- deed/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פָּעֳלֽ/וֹ\׃2×
- פְּעָלִ֖ים2×
- כְּ/פָעֳלֽ/וֹ\׃2×
- וּ/פֹעֲל֖/וֹ2×
- וּ/פֹ֥עַל2×
- פֹּ֥עַל1×
- פֹּ֤עַל1×
- פֹּ֣עַל1×
- פָּעֳלָ֑/ם1×
- פָּעֳלֶ֑/ךָ1×
- פָּעֳלֵ֑/ךְ1×
- פָּעֳל֔/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 32:4
The Rock: his work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A God of faithfulness who does no wrong, just and right is he.
This verse highlights the perfection of God's work, establishing His reliability and justice as the foundation for trust.
-
Psalms 90:16
Let your work appear to your servants, your glory to their children.
Here the term is used in a prayer for God's works to be visible to believers, connecting divine action with human recognition of glory.
-
Proverbs 20:11
Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
This passage shows that even a child's character is revealed through the quality and purity of their daily work.
-
Job 7:2
As a servant who earnestly desires the shadow, as a hireling who looks for his wages,
The word describes the eager expectation of wages, illustrating the human desire for fair compensation for labor.