פִּלְחָא
𐤐𐤋𐤇𐤀
Pilecha
H6401 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pilcha — a personal name found in post-exilic genealogical records, designating an Israelite individual; with the root noun פֶּלַח (pélach) denoting 'slice, disk, cake,' the name likely contains a theophoric or familial element, yet its precise meaning as a name is uncertain. Used solely as a proper noun for an individual listed among returning exiles.
Semantic Range
(as a personal name) Pilcha, an Israelite priestly head; (as a root noun) slice, disk, cake
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root פֶּלַח (pélach), meaning 'slice, disk, cake'—though the connection between the root meaning and the personal name is obscure. Possesses an ending -ָא which could suggest a proper noun form or regional usage. Etymology uncertain beyond root association.
Historical & Contextual Notes
פִּלְחָא (Pilchâʼ) occurs only in Nehemiah 12:17, listing priestly heads in post-exilic Yehud (Judea). As with many names in the genealogy sections of Ezra-Nehemiah, its meaning is uncertain due to lack of further context and attestation. Most English translations transliterate rather than translate, as the meaning remains obscure. The connection to the base noun ('slice, disk') is not evident; if intentional, it might hint at a profession or social role, but this remains speculative. The name is not attested elsewhere in biblical or extra-biblical sources. No evidence supports later identification with 'Jew' as a religious term; here, it marks an Israelite priestly leader in the late Persian period. Contrast with more frequent priestly names formed on clear Israelite theophoric or tribal elements.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from פֶּלַח; slicing; Pilcha, an Israelite; Pilcha.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פלח (p-l-ḥ) — to split, slice, divide, portion
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6398 | פָּלַח | one who splits open |
| H6399 | פְּלַח | ministering ones |
| H6400 | פֶּלַח | slice of |
| H6402 | פׇּלְחָן | for ritual service of |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6401-01 |
פִּלְחָ֖א | pilecha | HNp |
Pileha | Pilcha | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6401-01 |
Nehemiah 10:25 | פִּלְחָ֖א | pilecha | HNp |
Pileha | Pilcha |