Original Word: פְלֹנִי
Part of Speech: pronoun
Transliteration: ploniy
Pronunciation: peh-lo-nee
Phonetic Spelling: (pel-o-nee')
KJV: such
NASB: particular one, such
Word Origin: [from H6395 (פָּלָה - set apart)]

1. such a one, i.e. a specified person

such

From palah; such a one, i.e. A specified peccrson -- such.

see HEBREW palah

Word Origin
from palah
Definition
a certain one
NASB Translation
certain* (1), friend* (1), particular one (1), such (1).

I. מְּלֹנִי pronoun a certain one; Greek ὁ, ἡ δεῖνα (according to Thes from above √, through an unused noun מָּלֹן, properly one defined, a particular one: Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic , feminine ; Arabic W^{AG i.§ 353 R.c}, voc. Siegf^ZW Th xxvii. 355; As pulpul Hpt^{BAS i. 114}), always joined with צַלְמֹנִי (properly one not mentioned) in the sense of 'ein gewisser verschwiegener' (Ew^{§ 106 c, 2} Sta^{§ 150 b}), 'a certain unnamed one', i.e. such a one; Ruth 4:1 שְׁבָהמֹּֿה מְּלֹנִי אַלְמֹנִי sit down here, such a one (Greek ὦ οὖτος; Arabic ); in the phrase ׳א ׳מְקוֺם פ the place of such a one = such and such a place, 1 Samuel 21:3; 2 Kings 6:8. From ׳א ׳פ arose by contraction (or conflation, Perles^Anal.82) מַּלְמֹנִי Daniel 8:13 ויאמר ֗֗֗ הַמְדַבֵּר ׳לַמּ to that certain onewho spake. — II.

מְּלֹנִי see below.

Meaning and Usage

פְלֹנִי (peloni) functions as an indefinite reference—“so-and-so,” “a certain one,” or “such and such.” It appears in narrative settings where the text intentionally withholds a name or location, either to keep the focus on the main theological point, to preserve discretion, or to emphasize that the unnamed party plays only a peripheral role in the unfolding purposes of God.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Ruth 4:1 – Boaz addresses the nearer kinsman-redeemer: “Come over here and sit down, my friend.”
2. 1 Samuel 21:2 – David tells Ahimelech: “I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place.”
3. 2 Kings 6:8 – The king of Aram plots: “My camp will be in such and such a place.”

Narrative Insights

Ruth 4:1
• The anonymity of the nearer redeemer heightens Boaz’s prominence and allows the reader to celebrate Boaz’s integrity without distraction.
• It underscores how reluctance to fulfill covenant duty results in being quietly written out of salvation history.

1 Samuel 21:2
• David’s deliberate vagueness protects both Ahimelech and his men.
• The verse illustrates prudent speech under threat, a pattern echoed in Proverbs 12:23 and Matthew 10:16.

2 Kings 6:8
• The Aramean king’s clandestine strategy contrasts with the prophetic revelation given to Elisha, highlighting divine omniscience over human secrecy.

Themes of Anonymity and Discretion

• Scripture names individuals when their role advances redemption (e.g., Ruth, Boaz) and withholds names when the person’s actions are either negative or incidental.
• The use of peloni preserves reputations when details could endanger lives (David’s men) or when divine focus belongs elsewhere (the Aramean plots).
• Anonymity can serve as a narrative rebuke; the unnamed redeemer forfeits lasting honor, fulfilling Proverbs 10:7, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.”

Theological Significance

• God’s redemptive plan is not dependent on human prominence. When individuals decline to act righteously, the Lord raises up others, yet His purposes remain unthwarted (Esther 4:14).
• Peloni’s usage reinforces that Scripture’s central character is the Lord Himself; human figures are significant only insofar as they align with His covenantal agenda.

Practical Ministry Reflections

• Pastoral confidentiality: Like David’s guarded speech, servants of Christ exercise discretion to protect the vulnerable (Proverbs 11:13).
• Humility in service: Boaz received honor by embracing duty; the unnamed kinsman faded from view. Ministries that seize God-given responsibilities, rather than passing them on, gain enduring fruit (John 15:16).
• Teaching and preaching: The literary device invites congregations to see themselves in the narrative—any believer can choose to be a faithful Boaz or an unnamed passerby.

Related Biblical Motifs

• “A certain man” (Luke 10:30) and “a certain disciple” (Acts 9:10) echo peloni’s function in the New Testament, demonstrating continuity in divine storytelling.
• God’s sovereign knowledge of every name (Isaiah 43:1; Revelation 3:5) contrasts with human anonymity, underscoring both His intimate care and ultimate judgment.

Summary

פְלֹנִי subtly but powerfully teaches that anonymity in Scripture is never accidental. Whether shielding the righteous, exposing reluctant obedience, or highlighting divine supremacy, its use calls believers to faithful, humble participation in God’s unfolding story, confident that known or unknown, their labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

פְּלֹנִ֖י פְּלֹנִ֣י פְּלֹנִ֥י פלני pə·lō·nî peloNi pəlōnîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts