from פָּאַר; an embellishment, i.e. fancy head-dress; beauty, bonnet, goodly, ornament, tire.
Transliteration:pᵉʼêr
Pronunciation:peh-ayr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun פְּאֵר (pᵉʼêr, `{{H6287}}`) derives from the verb פָּאַר (pa'ar, `{{H6286}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to glorify," "to beautify," or "to adorn." Consequently, pᵉʼêr refers to the *result* or *instrument* of such glorification. Its primary semantic range encompasses "an embellishment," "an ornament," or something that bestows beauty and honor. Most frequently, it denotes a "head-dress," "bonnet," or "turban"—an item of adornment worn on the head. Beyond literal headwear, it can metaphorically signify "beauty," "splendor," or "goodliness," representing that which adds dignity or distinction. The word thus encapsulates both the physical manifestation of adornment and the inherent quality of beauty or honor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Pᵉʼêr appears in several significant biblical contexts:
* **Priestly Attire:** In the description of the high priest's garments, pᵉʼêr refers to the "goodly bonnets" (מִגְבָּעֹת פְּאֵר) for the sons of Aaron, emphasizing their role in sacred service ([[Exodus 39:28]]). Similarly, in Ezekiel's vision of the future temple, the priests are commanded to wear linen turbans (pᵉʼêr) instead of wool, ensuring purity and distinction in their service ([[Ezekiel 44:18]]). These instances highlight pᵉʼêr as an essential component of priestly dignity and ritual propriety.
* **Fashionable Adornment:** [[Isaiah 3:20]] lists pᵉʼêr among the various luxurious items of adornment worn by the women of Jerusalem, reflecting their pride and opulence. Here, it signifies a decorative, perhaps elaborate, head covering, indicative of status and fashion.
* **Mourning Customs:** In [[Ezekiel 24:17]] and [[Ezekiel 24:23]], God instructs Ezekiel not to mourn openly for his deceased wife, specifically commanding him to keep his pᵉʼêr (head-dress) on. This unconventional mourning, marked by the absence of traditional signs of grief (like removing one's head covering), prefigures the silent, internal sorrow of the exiles over the destruction of Jerusalem. The retention of the head-dress symbolizes a restrained, divinely ordained response to overwhelming catastrophe.
* **Divine Transformation:** Perhaps the most poignant use of pᵉʼêr is found in [[Isaiah 61:3]]. Here, the prophet declares God's promise "to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress (פְּאֵר) instead of ashes (אֵפֶר), the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit." This verse presents a profound divine exchange: the ashes of grief and humiliation are replaced by a glorious head-dress, symbolizing restoration, honor, and joy bestowed by God. It is a powerful image of God's redemptive work, transforming sorrow into splendor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for pᵉʼêr is its root verb, פָּאַר (pa'ar, `{{H6286}}`), meaning "to glorify," "to beautify," or "to adorn." This root also gives rise to the noun תִּפְאֶרֶת (tif'eret, `{{H8597}}`), which often translates as "glory," "splendor," "beauty," or "honor," and is frequently used to describe the glory of God or the splendor of something magnificent. While tif'eret often refers to an inherent quality of glory, pᵉʼêr typically denotes a tangible item of adornment that *expresses* or *confers* beauty and honor.
Other related concepts include:
* **Adornment/Ornamentation:** General terms for clothing and accessories, such as בֶּגֶד (beged, `{{H899}}`, "garment") or עֲדִי (adi, `{{H5716}}`, "ornament").
* **Glory/Honor:** Words like כָּבוֹד (kavod, `{{H3519}}`, "glory," "honor") and הָדָר (hadar, `{{H1926}}`, "splendor," "majesty"), which pᵉʼêr can contribute to or symbolize.
* **Priestly Vestments:** The broader category of sacred garments, signifying set-apartness and a consecrated role.
* **Mourning Rituals:** The customs and symbols associated with grief and lamentation, often involving specific actions regarding one's attire.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pᵉʼêr is multifaceted:
* **Sacred Distinction and Purity:** In its application to priestly attire, pᵉʼêr underscores the holiness and set-apartness required for those who minister before God. The "goodly bonnets" are not merely decorative but signify the consecrated status of the priests, emphasizing purity and order in divine service.
* **Symbol of Status and Identity:** Whether for priests or ordinary individuals, the pᵉʼêr often served as a visible sign of one's standing, honor, or identity. Its presence or absence in specific contexts (like mourning) communicates profound messages about one's state or a divine command.
* **Divine Reversal and Restoration:** The most profound theological insight comes from [[Isaiah 61:3]]. Here, pᵉʼêr becomes a powerful symbol of God's redemptive grace. The divine exchange of "a beautiful headdress instead of ashes" signifies God's power to transform profound grief, humiliation, and desolation into honor, joy, and glory. It speaks to the Lord's covenant faithfulness and His desire to bestow beauty and praise upon His afflicted people, demonstrating His sovereignty over suffering and His ultimate purpose for restoration. This transformation is not merely external but indicative of a deep spiritual renewal.
* **God's Bestowal of Honor:** Ultimately, pᵉʼêr in its most elevated sense points to that which God Himself bestows. It is not merely human adornment but a divine gift that elevates, beautifies, and glorifies those who receive it, reflecting the very character of a God who brings beauty out of brokenness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פְּאֵר (pᵉʼêr, `{{H6287}}`) is a noun derived from the verb "to glorify" or "to adorn." Primarily denoting an "embellishment" or "ornament," it most commonly refers to a "head-dress" or "bonnet." Biblically, pᵉʼêr is found in descriptions of the sacred attire of priests, signifying their consecrated role ([[Exodus 39:28]], [[Ezekiel 44:18]]). It also appears as an item of luxurious fashion ([[Isaiah 3:20]]) and plays a role in the symbolic mourning instructions given to Ezekiel ([[Ezekiel 24:17]], [[Ezekiel 24:23]]). Theologically, its most significant usage is in [[Isaiah 61:3]], where it powerfully symbolizes God's redemptive work: replacing the ashes of mourning with a "beautiful headdress," signifying divine transformation, the bestowal of honor, and the restoration of joy and glory to His afflicted people. Across its uses, pᵉʼêr consistently points to that which adds beauty, distinction, or honor, often as a gift or sign of divine favor.
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