Lexical Summary pega: Occurrence, impact, encounter Original Word: פֶגַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chance, occurrence From paga'; impact (casual) -- chance, occurent. see HEBREW paga' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paga Definition occurrence, chance NASB Translation chance (1), misfortune* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֶּ֫גַע noun masculine occurrence, chance; — absolute ׳פ 1 Kings 5:18 evil occurrence; Ecclesiastes 9:11 time and chance. Topical Lexicon Meaning And Nuance פֶגַע (pegaʿ) denotes an event that overtakes a person—an “occurrence” that can be either morally neutral (Ecclesiastes 9:11) or adverse when paired with רָע (evil) in 1 Kings 5:4. The underlying idea is “that which meets” someone, reflecting the verb pagaʿ (“to encounter, touch, intercede”). In biblical thought, what “happens” to people is never outside God’s knowledge; even seeming accidents are woven into His providence. Occurrences In Scripture 1. 1 Kings 5:4—Solomon rejoices that the LORD “has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis”. Here pegaʿ, modified by “evil,” highlights the absence of unforeseen disasters during Solomon’s early reign, underscoring covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 28:7). Theological Themes Providence and Human Limitation: Both texts balance human planning with divine sovereignty. Solomon’s peace is attributed to the LORD; the Preacher notes that no amount of wisdom guarantees control over life’s incidents. Blessing versus Calamity: In covenant history, the removal of “evil occurrence” signals divine favor (Leviticus 26:6). Conversely, when Israel turns from the LORD, calamity “meets” them (compare Amos 3:6; here the verb pagaʿ is used). Intercession: Because pagaʿ can also describe intercession (Isaiah 53:12, Jeremiah 7:16), the noun invites a pastoral application—believers confront unforeseen crises not only by trusting God’s sovereignty but also by prayerfully “meeting” those needs before Him. Historical Context During the united monarchy, Israel’s security depended on God’s covenant faithfulness. Solomon’s report to Hiram that there was “no adversary or crisis” reflects the geopolitical calm that enabled temple construction. Centuries later, the post-exilic community reading Ecclesiastes would recognize that even in a restored land, unpredictable events still affected daily life, pushing them to seek wisdom that begins with the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7). Practical Ministry Application Pastoral Care: When congregants face sudden loss or “crisis,” leaders can point to 1 Kings 5:4 to remind them that God is able to grant seasons free from calamity, and to Ecclesiastes 9:11 to teach humility and reliance on divine oversight. Intercessory Prayer: Following the wider pagaʿ word-family, believers are called to “meet” unforeseen needs in prayer, trusting God to transform potential calamities into testimonies of grace. Mission Strategy: Ministry planning must be flexible, acknowledging that "chance" events occur, yet should rest confidently in God’s overarching purposes (Romans 8:28). Related Concepts • מִקְרֶה (miqreh, “chance,” Ruth 2:3) – another term for apparently random happenings. Summary פֶגַע captures the mystery of life’s unexpected turns—moments that “meet” us without warning. Scripture presents these events within the frame of God’s sovereign care: He can withhold calamity, and He guides even random-seeming occurrences for His purposes. The term therefore calls God’s people to gratitude in times of peace, humility amid uncertainty, and steadfast intercession whenever crisis strikes. Forms and Transliterations וָפֶ֖גַע ופגע פֶּ֥גַע פגע pe·ḡa‘ Pega peḡa‘ vaFega wā·p̄e·ḡa‘ wāp̄eḡa‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 5:4 HEB: שָׂטָ֔ן וְאֵ֖ין פֶּ֥גַע רָֽע׃ NAS: adversary nor misfortune. KJV: nor evil occurrent. INT: adversary is neither occurrent evil Ecclesiastes 9:11 2 Occurrences |
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