Divided People: Φάλεκ (Strong’s G5317: Phalek) Testifies God’s Sovereign Plan

Strong’s G5317: A proper noun of Hebrew origin (from פֶּלֶג Peleg), meaning “division.” This name appears in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus and represents a significant historical period when the earth was divided. Carries theological significance in demonstrating God’s sovereign oversight of human dispersion.

U- Unveiling the Word

The name Φάλεκ, derived from the Hebrew פֶּלֶג (Peleg), carries profound historical and theological significance. In its primary context, it means “division” and is associated with the period when the earth was divided, likely referring to the dispersion of peoples after the Tower of Babel incident. Its inclusion in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus demonstrates God’s sovereign hand in human history, showing how even periods of division and dispersion served His ultimate plan of redemption. The early church understood this name as a testimony to God’s providential oversight of human affairs, even in times of judgment. Today, Φάλεκ reminds us that God works through all of history, including times of division and separation, to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Φάλεκ, Phalek, fal’-ek
• Pronunciation Guide: FAL (as in “fall”) + ek (as in “wreck”)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Transliteration of Hebrew פֶּלֶג (Peleg)
• Root meaning relates to division or splitting
  No Greek morphological components as it is a transliterated name

D – Defining Meanings

• Division (literal meaning of the Hebrew name)
• The one in whose time the earth was divided
• A patriarch in the lineage of the Messiah

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a transliterated Hebrew name

Translation Options:

• “Peleg” – direct transliteration of the Hebrew name
• “Phalek” – Greek form of the name
• “Division” – translation of the name’s meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαμερισμός (diamerismos, dee-am-er-is-mos’) – division, distribution See G1267
• μερισμός (merismos, mer-is-mos’) – division, partition See G3311
• σχίσμα (schisma, skhis’-mah) – division, rent See G4978

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular only
• Gender: Masculine
• Indeclinable (does not change form)

As a proper noun transliterated from Hebrew, Φάλεκ remains unchanged in all cases:

• Nominative: Φάλεκ
• Genitive: Φάλεκ
• Dative: Φάλεκ
• Accusative: Φάλεκ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide important context for understanding Φάλεκ. BDAG notes its placement in Luke’s genealogy and its Hebrew origin. Thayer’s connects it to the historical period of earthly division. Strong’s emphasizes its meaning of division or earthquake. While the name appears only once in the New Testament, its significance is amplified by its Old Testament context. The LEH provides insight into its usage in the Septuagint, where it appears in genealogical listings. The name’s meaning of “division” is consistently emphasized across lexical sources, connecting it to the significant historical event of the earth’s division mentioned in Genesis.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 3:35: “the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg [Φάλεκ], the son of Eber, the son of Shelah”

Additional References:
Genesis 10:25, Genesis 11:16-19, 1 Chronicles 1:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The name Φάλεκ stands as a powerful testament to God’s sovereign control over human history. Even in times of division and dispersion, God was working out His plan of redemption. The inclusion of Φάλεκ in the genealogy of Jesus shows how God used even periods of apparent chaos and separation to prepare the way for the Messiah. This reminds us that the good news of King Jesus transcends all human divisions, bringing unity and reconciliation through His saving work.

D – Did You Know?

1. Φάλεκ is one of the few names in biblical genealogies whose meaning is explicitly explained in Scripture.
2. The period of Φάλεκ coincides with major linguistic and cultural diversification in human history.
3. Early Christian chronographers used Φάλεκ’s lifetime as a key marker in dating ancient events.

Strong’s G5317: A proper noun of Hebrew origin (from פֶּלֶג Peleg), meaning “division.” This name appears in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus and represents a significant historical period when the earth was divided. Carries theological significance in demonstrating God’s sovereign oversight of human dispersion.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: genealogy, division, babel, dispersion, nations, Luke, Jesus-genealogy, Old-Testament, patriarch, Hebrew-names, sovereignty, providence, history, redemption-history, unity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​