Original Word: פְדַהְאֵל
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Pdah'el
Pronunciation: peh-dah-AY-el
Phonetic Spelling: (ped-ah-ale')
KJV: Pedahel
NASB: Pedahel
Word Origin: [from H6299 (פָּדָה - redeem) and H410 (אֵל - God)]

1. God has ransomed
2. Pedahel, an Israelite

Pedahel

From padah and 'el; God has ransomed; Pedahel, an Israelite -- Pedahel.

see HEBREW padah

see HEBREW 'el

Word Origin
from padah and el
Definition
"God has ransomed," a man of Naphtali
NASB Translation
Pedahel (1).

מְּדַהְאֵל proper name, masculine (El hath ransomed; compare Phoenician בעלפדה; Assyrian Pudu-ilu, Pudi-ilu COT^Glossary); — prince of Naphtali Numbers 34:28; Φαδαηλ.

Name and Redemptive Motif

Pedahel means “God has ransomed” or “God has redeemed.” The name itself points to the divine initiative in liberation, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption accomplished in Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:21; Ephesians 1:7). In the Old Testament setting the name serves as a reminder that Israel’s inheritance, like personal salvation, is not earned but granted by the gracious act of God.

Historical Setting

Pedahel appears during Israel’s wilderness wanderings at the close of Moses’ leadership, shortly before the conquest of Canaan. In Numbers 34 the LORD commands Moses to appoint leaders from each tribe to oversee the allotment of the Promised Land. Pedahel is listed among these leaders as the representative of the tribe of Naphtali (Numbers 34:28). His appointment takes place on the plains of Moab, opposite Jericho, after the second census (Numbers 26) and near the time of Moses’ commissioning of Joshua (Numbers 27:18–23).

Tribal Leadership and Responsibilities

1. Verification of Borders — Together with Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and ten tribal chiefs, Pedahel was charged to verify tribal territories “as the LORD had commanded” (Numbers 34:29).
2. Preservation of Corporate Unity — By representing Naphtali in a national committee, he safeguarded inter-tribal equity and prevented future disputes (cf. Joshua 19:32-39).
3. Public Testimony — His very presence underlines that even the less-prominent tribes possessed a full stake in the covenant promises.

Theology of Inheritance

The distribution of land functions as a tangible expression of covenant faithfulness (Genesis 17:8). Pedahel’s role underscores several principles:
• Divine Sovereignty — The borders were determined by “the LORD” (Numbers 34:2).
• Stewardship — Tribal leaders acted as trustees, not owners; the land ultimately belonged to God (Leviticus 25:23).
• Redemption Parallel — Just as Israel’s land was a gift, so redemption in Christ is received by grace, not by merit (Romans 4:16).

Naphtali’s Trajectory

Naphtali’s inheritance lay in the fertile Galilean region, which centuries later became the early sphere of Jesus’ ministry (Matthew 4:13-16). Thus Pedahel’s faithful execution of duty indirectly prepared the setting for the “great light” that would dawn on Galilee, fulfilling prophetic promise.

Ministry Significance

• Faithful Administration — Leaders today are called to similar integrity in handling God’s resources (1 Corinthians 4:2).
• Representation — Pedahel models advocacy for one’s people within the larger body (Philippians 2:4).
• Redemption Witness — Bearing a name that magnifies divine redemption, he reminds believers that their identity and service should point others to the Redeemer (Colossians 3:17).

Intertextual Echoes

While Pedahel occurs only once in Scripture, his narrative resonates with Joshua son of Nun (leadership transition), Caleb son of Jephunneh (inheritance by faith), and Boaz the kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 4). Each typifies aspects of redemption, inheritance, and covenant loyalty.

Practical Applications for the Church

1. Uphold God-given boundaries—doctrine, morality, and vocation—just as ancient leaders protected tribal allotments.
2. Embrace corporate responsibility; every believer’s contribution matters (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
3. Live as those who are named after redemption, reflecting the gospel in word and deed (Titus 2:14).

Summary

Though mentioned only in Numbers 34:28, Pedahel’s life intersects decisive moments in Israel’s journey. His name proclaims God’s redeeming grace, his service protects covenant inheritance, and his legacy encourages contemporary believers to steward their divine calling with faithfulness and hope.

פְּדַהְאֵ֖ל פדהאל pə·ḏah·’êl pəḏah’êl pedahElInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts