Original Word: פֶלֶךְ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: pelek
Pronunciation: peh'-lek
Phonetic Spelling: (peh'-lek)
Definition: District, region, circuit, or spindle
Meaning: a circuit, a spindle, a crutch

distaff, participle

From an unused root meaning to be round; a circuit (i.e. District); also a spindle (as whirled); hence, a crutch -- (di-)staff, participle

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
whorl of a spindle, a district
NASB Translation
distaff (1), district (8), spindle (1).

מֶּ֫לֶךְ noun [masculine]

1 whirl of spindle.

2 district (properly circle, circuit); — absolute ׳פ 2 Samuel 3:29, מָּ֑לֶךְ Proverbs 31:19; construct מֶּלֶךְ Nehemiah 3:9 +; suffix מִּלְכּוֺ Nehemiah 3:17; —

1 whirl of spindle, 2 Samuel 3:29 (probably, see Dr), Proverbs 31:19 ("" כִּישׁוֺר).

2 district, Nehemiah 3:9,12,14,15,16,17 (twice in verse); Nehemiah 3:18.

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to be round.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G3313 (μέρος, meros): This Greek term can mean a part, portion, or share, often used in the New Testament to denote a division or section, similar to the concept of a district or circuit.
• G4066 (περίχωρος, perichōros): This term refers to a surrounding region or district, aligning closely with the idea of a circuit or district as denoted by "pelek."

In summary, פֶלֶךְ (pelek) is a multifaceted term that captures the essence of division and organization, whether in the form of a geographical district or the practical tool of a spindle, reflecting the structured and industrious nature of ancient life.

Usage: The word "pelek" appears in the context of describing a district or region, as well as in the context of a spindle used in spinning.

Context: • The Hebrew word פֶלֶךְ (pelek) is used in the Old Testament to describe a circuit or district, indicating a defined area or region. This usage is evident in Nehemiah 3:9, where it refers to a district of Jerusalem: "Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, made repairs next to them."
• Additionally, "pelek" is used to describe a spindle, an essential tool in ancient textile production. This is seen in Proverbs 31:19, which describes the industrious woman: "In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers."
• The term can also imply a crutch, though this usage is less common and not explicitly found in the biblical text.
• The concept of a circuit or district reflects the organized and communal aspects of ancient Israelite society, where regions were often divided for administrative and governance purposes.
• The spindle, as a symbol of industriousness and skill, highlights the value placed on diligence and craftsmanship in biblical times.

בַּפֶּ֛לֶךְ בפלך לְפִלְכּֽוֹ׃ לפלכו׃ פֶ֥לֶךְ פֶּ֣לֶךְ פֶּ֥לֶךְ פָֽלֶךְ׃ פלך פלך׃ bap·pe·leḵ bapPelech bappeleḵ Falech Felech lə·p̄il·kōw lefilKo ləp̄ilkōw p̄ā·leḵ p̄āleḵ pe·leḵ p̄e·leḵ Pelech peleḵ p̄eleḵInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts