פָּלָא
Properly, perhaps to separate , i.e. distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make ) great , difficult , wonderful
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does פָּלָא (pālāʾ) mean in the Bible?
פָּלָא (pālāʾ) is a Hebrew word meaning "properly, perhaps to separate , i.e. distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make ) great , difficult , wonderful". properly, perhaps to separate, i. It connects future deliverance with the miraculous pattern of the Exodus.
Meaning
To separate or distinguish, hence God's miraculous acts that transcend ordinary human capacity and comprehension.
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e. distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful BDB: be surpassing Usage: accomplish, (arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do, do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles, perform, separate, make singular, (be, great, make) wonderful(-ers, -ly, things, works), wondrous (things, works, -ly).
Why This Word Matters
It connects future deliverance with the miraculous pattern of the Exodus. Isaiah 25:1-5
The term highlights the extraordinary nature of God’s fulfilled purposes. Micah 7:14-17
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 24×
Hiphil causative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action 6×
Hithpael reflexive or reciprocal — the subject acts on itself or mutually with others 1×
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Showing 8 of 71 occurrences in the biblical text.