Lexical Summary pitslah: Fragment, piece, shard Original Word: פְצָלָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance strake From patsal; a peeling -- strake. see HEBREW patsal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom patsal Definition a peeled spot or stripe NASB Translation stripes (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִּצְלָה] noun feminine plural peeled spot or stripe; — plural מְּצָלוֺת לְבָנוֺת Genesis 30:37 (as accusative of congnate meaning with verb). Topical Lexicon Etymology and Botanical Identity The Hebrew term פְצָלָה points to a deciduous tree that flourishes near water—most likely the storax (Styrax officinalis) or the white poplar (Populus alba). Both species share a pale inner wood and aromatic qualities; the storax is prized for its fragrant resin, while the poplar is known for its pliable branches and shimmering leaves. Whichever tree was intended, its appearance and properties suit the narrative in which it is mentioned. Biblical Context: Jacob’s Breeding Strategy (Genesis 30:37) “Then Jacob took branches of fresh poplar, almond, and plane trees, peeled the bark to expose the white inner wood of the branches, and set the peeled branches in the watering troughs…” (Genesis 30:37). Jacob had agreed with Laban that only the streaked, speckled, or spotted animals born thereafter would be his wages. By placing stripped branches before the flock at breeding time, he employed an agrarian practice that some ancient shepherds believed would influence offspring patterns. Scripture, however, does not attribute the outcome to agricultural superstition; Jacob himself testifies that God directed the increase (Genesis 31:9–12). The use of פְצָלָה therefore serves as an object lesson: human diligence operates under divine sovereignty. Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, shepherds often resorted to visual or environmental stimuli during mating seasons, thinking such stimuli affected prenatal development. Plants with aromatic resins, like storax, could also mask animal scents or serve as mild antiseptics around watering troughs. The vigilant tending of flocks, the selection of strong breeders, and the application of rods reveal Jacob’s industry, yet they never eclipse the Lord’s covenantal faithfulness first promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3) and reiterated to Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:13–15). Symbolic and Theological Themes 1. Divine Providence in Ordinary Means Practical Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Stewardship: Leaders are called to exert thoughtful effort while relying on God for increase (1 Corinthians 3:6–7). Related Biblical Imagery • Poplar groves appear later as settings of idolatry (Hosea 4:13), a sober contrast to Jacob’s righteous use of the tree. Modern Application Whether interpreted as storax or poplar, פְצָלָה invites readers to recognize that the same Creator who designed every tree also orchestrates the details of daily life. Christians today may not peel branches to influence flocks, yet they can adopt Jacob’s posture—engaging in earnest labor, exercising holy ingenuity, and entrusting results to the Lord who alone “gives the increase.” Forms and Transliterations פְּצָל֣וֹת פצלות pə·ṣā·lō·wṯ pəṣālōwṯ petzaLotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 30:37 HEB: וַיְפַצֵּ֤ל בָּהֵן֙ פְּצָל֣וֹת לְבָנ֔וֹת מַחְשֹׂף֙ NAS: white stripes in them, exposing KJV: white strakes in them, and made the white INT: and plane and peeled stripes white exposing 1 Occurrence |
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