Peleg

The name Peleg (Hebrew: פֶּלֶג, romanized: Péleḡ) holds the meaning of division, a reflection of significant events during his lifetime as described in the Bible. In pausa Hebrew, the name appears as פָּלֶג (Pā́leḡ), and its Biblical Greek form is Φάλεκ (Phálek). The root of the name is connected to the Hebrew word for dividing or splitting, which aligns with the scriptural account of the earth being divided during Peleg's days. Linguistically, the name has ties to concepts of separation and partition, and in English, it can also mean “brook” or “small river,” suggesting a flow that divides land. Historically, Peleg’s name is deeply rooted in the narrative of humanity’s dispersion and the division of the earth, making it both a personal identifier and a symbolic marker of a pivotal moment in biblical history.

Peleg holds a significant place in biblical genealogy and theology. As a descendant of Noah through Shem and the son of Eber, Peleg is part of the lineage that leads to Jesus Christ, as noted in Luke 3:35, where he is referred to as Phalec in some translations. His Divine Proximity Index of 70.3/100 highlights his moderate association with God in scripture, particularly through his role in the unfolding of God's plan for humanity. Meanwhile, his remarkable Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 underscores his critical place in the ancestry of Christ, linking him to the divine narrative of salvation.

Peleg is mentioned in nine biblical verses, primarily in genealogical contexts. Genesis 10:25 and 1 Chronicles 1:19 state that “in his days the earth was divided,” which has been interpreted in various ways. Traditionally, this division is linked to the events at the Tower of Babel, where God scattered humanity across the earth by confusing their language (Genesis 11:8). Some interpretations suggest that Peleg’s name commemorates this moment of scattering, symbolizing a turning point in human history. Other theories propose that the division might refer to a physical or geographical change, such as the flooding of land bridges or other tectonic shifts.