Lexical Summary pelag: divided Original Word: פְלַג Strong's Exhaustive Concordance divided (Aramaic) corresponding to palag -- divided. see HEBREW palag NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to palag Definition to divide NASB Translation divided (1). Topical Lexicon Meaning in Context Although פְלַג occurs only once, its idea of being “divided, split, half-and-half” resonates through Scripture, describing any entity lacking inner cohesion. In Daniel 2:41 the term characterizes the feet and toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue—“partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron.” The imagery depicts a kingdom with residual strength yet inherent weakness because of internal division. Biblical Context Daniel 2 records four successive earthly empires, symbolized by metals of descending value. The final stage, iron mixed with clay, receives the singular description “a divided kingdom” (Daniel 2:41). The prophecy moves immediately from this fragile coalition to the arrival of the stone “cut without hands” that strikes the statue and grows into “a kingdom that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). Thus פְלַג becomes a crucial pivot between transitory human rule and the everlasting dominion of God. Historical Significance Interpreters have linked the iron-and-clay phase to Rome’s later period, to a revived confederation in the eschaton, or more generally to any composite empire whose internal tensions portend collapse. In each case, the prophetic message is identical: when world powers are most technologically strong yet morally fragmented, they remain vulnerable to the sovereign purpose of God. Theological Themes • Frailty within Strength Iron symbolizes military might; clay evokes fragility. פְלַג highlights their incompatibility, underscoring that true endurance requires unity of substance (compare Psalm 20:7; Luke 11:17). • Divine Sovereignty over Human Division While people assemble alliances that appear formidable, God alone ordains their rise and fall (Job 12:23; Acts 17:26). The divided kingdom’s demise contrasts sharply with the Messiah’s unified, indestructible reign. • Anticipation of the Unified Kingdom of Christ Daniel’s vision anticipates the New Testament proclamation that all things are brought “together under one head—Christ” (Ephesians 1:10). The gospel answers the problem signified by פְלַג, replacing division with spiritual oneness (John 17:21). Cross-Scriptural Echoes Genesis 10:25—Peleg’s name (“division”) marks the scattering of nations after Babel, foreshadowing the pattern seen in Daniel. Psalm 2:1–6—Nations rage and form coalitions, yet the Lord installs His King. 1 Corinthians 1:10—The apostle pleads for believers to be “perfectly united,” the antithesis of פְלַג. Revelation 17:12–14—A final confederation of ten kings briefly unites yet is overcome by the Lamb, mirroring the divided iron-and-clay scenario. Ministry Implications 1. Discernment of Cultural Fault Lines Modern societies, like the statue’s feet, combine impressive capability with ideological fragmentation. God’s people should neither idolize nor fear such powers but trust the coming kingdom. 2. Commitment to Unity in the Church Since division weakens earthly kingdoms, believers are called to preserve “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), offering a witness against the world’s disintegration. 3. Hope amid Political Instability Daniel’s use of פְלַג assures Christ’s followers that no matter how divided or unstable global systems become, God’s unshakable kingdom is near and certain. Summary פְלַג, though appearing only once, encapsulates the vulnerability of every human structure lacking true unity. Its placement in Daniel’s prophetic panorama magnifies the contrast between fractured earthly rule and the cohesive, everlasting reign of God through Christ. Recognizing this, believers live with realism about the present age and unwavering confidence in the kingdom that cannot be divided. Forms and Transliterations פְלִיגָה֙ פליגה feliGah p̄ə·lî·ḡāh p̄əlîḡāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:41 HEB: פַּרְזֶ֔ל מַלְכ֤וּ פְלִיגָה֙ תֶּהֱוֵ֔ה וּמִן־ NAS: of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; KJV: shall be divided; but INT: of iron kingdom divided will have partly 1 Occurrence |
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