Lexical Summary palmoni: "certain one" or "certain person" Original Word: פַלְמוֹנִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance certain Probably for ploniy; a certain one, i.e. So-and-so -- certain. see HEBREW ploniy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as peloni, q.v. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Context The term פַלְמוֹנִי appears once in Scripture, within Daniel 8:13. The prophet is observing a dramatic heavenly dialogue that frames the vision of the ram and the goat. “Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, ‘How long will the fulfillment of the vision concerning the regular sacrifice, the transgression that brings desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and the host to be trampled?’” (Daniel 8:13). The word designates the second speaker—“that certain one”—whose question propels the revelation of the prophetic timeline in verse 14. Identity among the Heavenly Host Because פַלְמוֹנִי is not used elsewhere, its bearer is identified only by context. He is counted among the “holy ones,” a common Old Testament designation for angels (Job 15:15; Psalm 89:5–7). While some interpreters equate him with Gabriel (named in verse 16) or the Angel of the Lord, the text deliberately withholds a proper name, stressing function over identity. The anonymity highlights heavenly order: even unnamed messengers faithfully serve God’s purposes. Role within the Prophetic Vision 1. Initiator of Inquiry: פַלְמוֹנִי’s question elicits the crucial answer, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be restored” (Daniel 8:14). Theological Themes • Sovereignty of God over History: The angel’s concern for “how long” reveals confidence in a predetermined limit to evil. Historical Interpretation Jewish tradition sometimes translates פַלְמוֹנִי as “the numberer of secrets,” emphasizing arithmetic precision in prophetic chronology. Early Christian writers—most prominently Hippolytus and Jerome—saw in the passage a confirmation that God sets definite bounds to persecution, whether by Antiochus Epiphanes or the final Antichrist. Reformation commentators such as Calvin upheld the same principle, cautioning against date-setting yet affirming the certainty of fulfillment. Implications for Ministry and Faith • Patience in Suffering: Believers facing trials can take comfort that a divinely fixed “how long” governs every hardship (Psalm 13:1; Revelation 6:10). Related Concepts and Cross-References • Angelic Dialogue: Genesis 18:20–33; Zechariah 1:12–13. Practical Application Personal discipleship is strengthened by remembering that divine purposes often unfold unseen. Just as Daniel overheard an angelic timetable, believers today can trust the Lord’s timing even when present circumstances appear chaotic. Regular reading of prophetic passages, accompanied by prayer for understanding (James 1:5), cultivates endurance and hope. Summary פַלְמוֹנִי, the solitary yet strategic angelic figure of Daniel 8:13, personifies heaven’s assurance that God both numbers and limits human wickedness. His brief but potent question anchors one of Scripture’s most detailed chronological prophecies, inviting every generation to rest in the certainty that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men and keeps precise account of their days. Forms and Transliterations לַפַּֽלְמוֹנִ֣י לפלמוני lap·pal·mō·w·nî lappalmoNi lappalmōwnîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 8:13 HEB: אֶחָ֨ד קָד֜וֹשׁ לַפַּֽלְמוֹנִ֣י הַֽמְדַבֵּ֗ר עַד־ KJV: said unto that certain [saint] which spake, INT: and another one certain was speaking against 1 Occurrence |