Palmoni

Palmoni (Hebrew: פַּלְמוֹנִי, palmônî) is a Hebrew word found only once in the Bible, specifically in Daniel 8:13. The word appears within a prophetic vision described by the prophet Daniel.

The precise meaning of Palmoni is debated among scholars. The verse in question reads, "Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?" (Daniel 8:13, KJV). The phrase "that certain saint which spake" is where "Palmoni" is thought to be located in the original Hebrew manuscripts.

Several interpretations of Palmoni exist:

• A Proper Name: Some view Palmoni as a personal name for the specific angel or "holy one" being addressed in the vision.

• A Descriptive Title: Another interpretation suggests that Palmoni is a descriptive title rather than a name. It might describe the function or characteristic of the angel speaking, such as "the numberer" or "the one who makes secret." This interpretation stems from linking the root of the word to the Hebrew word pālāh (פָּלָא), meaning "to do a wonderful thing, to act extraordinarily, or to make secret."

• A Combination Word: Some scholars suggest Palmoni could be a combination of two words, though the precise breakdown and meaning of the combination are subject to varying opinions.

The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, renders the phrase differently, further complicating the understanding of Palmoni. The lack of contextual clues and the single occurrence of the word make a definitive interpretation challenging, and the debate continues amongst biblical scholars.