or פֶּרֶה; (Jeremiah 2:24), from פָּרָא in the secondary sense of running wild; the onager; wild (ass).
Transliteration:pereʼ
Pronunciation:peh'-reh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פֶּרֶא (pereʼ, `{{H6501}}`) denotes the "onager" or "wild ass." Its etymology traces back to the root פָּרָא (paraʼ, `{{H6500}}`), which carries the primary sense of "to be fruitful" or "to break forth," but in this context, it specifically connotes "running wild" or "being unrestrained." This derivation aptly captures the essential nature of the wild ass: an animal renowned for its untamed spirit, independence, speed, and aversion to human control. Unlike the domesticated ass (חֲמוֹר, *chamor*, `{{H2543}}`), the *pereʼ* embodies an inherent wildness and freedom. Its semantic range is primarily zoological, referring to the specific equid species, but it extends metaphorically to describe characteristics such as stubbornness, lawlessness, isolation, and an untamed, rebellious disposition. The variant spelling פֶּרֶה (pereh) appears in [[Jeremiah 2:24]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פֶּרֶא (pereʼ) appears in several significant biblical passages, often serving as a powerful metaphor:
* **[[Genesis 16:12]]**: In the prophecy concerning Ishmael, it is declared, "He will be a wild ass of a man (*pereʼ* adam); his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers." This seminal use establishes the *pereʼ* as a symbol of an untamed, independent, and conflict-prone nature, living outside the conventional bounds of society.
* **[[Job 11:12]]**: Zophar states, "But a senseless man will get understanding when a wild ass's colt (*pereʼ* adam) is born a man." This proverb highlights the inherent folly or untamed nature of humanity, suggesting that wisdom is as unnatural to a foolish person as a wild ass's colt being born human.
* **[[Job 24:5]]**: Describing the desperate poor, "Like wild asses (*pereʼ*) in the desert they go out to their toil, seeking food; the wilderness provides them with bread for their children." Here, the *pereʼ* symbolizes a life of hardship, struggle for survival, and existence in desolate, untamed environments.
* **[[Job 39:5-8]]**: This passage offers a vivid description of the *pereʼ* as a testament to God's creative power and sovereignty: "Who let the wild ass (*pereʼ*) go free? Who untied the ropes of the onager? I gave him the wasteland as his home, the salt flats as his dwelling. He scorns the tumult of the city; he does not hear the driver's shout. He ranges the hills for his pasture and searches for every green thing." This portrayal emphasizes its untamed freedom, its natural habitat in the wilderness, and its disdain for human domestication, all divinely ordained.
* **[[Psalm 104:11]]**: As part of a hymn praising God's provision for creation, it mentions, "They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild asses (*pereʼ*) quench their thirst." This shows God's care extending even to the wildest creatures, providing for their needs in their natural habitat.
* **[[Isaiah 32:14]]**: Describing the desolation of cities, "For the palace will be abandoned, the bustling city deserted... a joy of wild asses (*pereʼ*), a pasture for flocks." The presence of the *pereʼ* signifies utter ruin and the reversion of human habitation to wilderness.
* **[[Jeremiah 2:24]]**: Judah is likened to a "wild ass (*pereh*) used to the wilderness, in her heat sniffing the wind; who can turn her away from her lust?" This powerful metaphor describes Judah's unrestrained and uncontrollable pursuit of idolatry, driven by an insatiable spiritual lust, mirroring the wild ass's unbridled passion and independence.
* **[[Hosea 8:9]]**: "For they have gone up to Assyria, a wild ass (*pereʼ*) wandering alone; Ephraim has hired lovers." Here, the *pereʼ* symbolizes Israel's foolish and isolated pursuit of foreign alliances, abandoning divine guidance for self-destructive paths.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of פֶּרֶא (pereʼ, `{{H6501}}`) is enriched by considering its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **חֲמוֹר (chamor, `{{H2543}}`)**: The domesticated donkey or ass. The contrast between the wild *pereʼ* and the burden-bearing *chamor* highlights themes of freedom versus servitude, and untamed nature versus human control.
* **פָּרָא (paraʼ, `{{H6500}}`)**: The verbal root from which *pereʼ* is derived, signifying "to be fruitful," "to break forth," or "to run wild." This root underscores the inherent wildness and unrestrained nature of the animal.
* **רְאֵם (re'em, `{{H7393}}`)**: Often translated as "wild ox" or "unicorn," another powerful and untamed animal referenced in Scripture, frequently associated with strength and indomitable spirit, similar to the *pereʼ* in its wildness.
* **Wilderness/Desert (מִדְבָּר, *midbar*, `{{H4057}}`)**: The natural habitat of the *pereʼ*, emphasizing its connection to desolate, untamed regions, often symbolic of separation from settled life or divine presence.
* **Untamability/Independence**: A core concept conveyed by *pereʼ*, signifying resistance to control, a self-reliant spirit, and an aversion to domestication.
* **Rebellion/Folly**: In metaphorical uses, particularly in prophetic literature, the *pereʼ* can symbolize a stubborn, unbridled pursuit of sin or foolish paths, rejecting divine authority.
### Theological Significance
The wild ass (פֶּרֶא, `{{H6501}}`) carries profound theological significance, serving as a powerful symbol in various contexts:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Creation**: [[Job 39:5-8]] stands as a majestic testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all creation. He is the one who "let the wild ass go free," establishing its untamed nature and its dwelling in the wilderness. This passage underscores God's wisdom in designing creatures with distinct characteristics and habitats, demonstrating His control even over that which is wildest and most independent from human influence. It speaks to a divine order that encompasses the untamed as well as the domesticated.
* **Human Nature and Sin**: The most striking theological application of *pereʼ* relates to human nature, particularly in its fallen state. The prophecy concerning Ishmael in [[Genesis 16:12]] paints a picture of a "wild ass of a man," symbolizing a life of conflict, independence from social norms, and an untamed spirit that resists integration. More critically, [[Jeremiah 2:24]] uses the *pereʼ* to powerfully illustrate Judah's spiritual adultery and idolatry. Her unrestrained pursuit of foreign gods is likened to the wild ass's uncontrollable lust, highlighting the deep-seated rebellion and stubborn refusal to submit to divine covenant. This metaphor speaks to humanity's propensity for spiritual wildness, an unbridled will that rejects God's boundaries and seeks self-gratification outside His law. [[Job 11:12]] further hints at the inherent folly or untamed spiritual state of humanity apart from divine wisdom.
* **Judgment and Desolation**: In [[Isaiah 32:14]], the presence of wild asses in abandoned cities serves as a stark symbol of divine judgment and utter desolation. Their roaming signifies the complete reversal of human civilization, where the works of humanity return to a state of wilderness, highlighting the transient nature of earthly achievements in the face of God's judgment.
* **Divine Provision**: [[Psalm 104:11]] subtly points to God's universal care, extending His provision even to the wild asses, ensuring they have water to quench their thirst. This reinforces the broader theme of God's benevolent oversight of all His creation, regardless of their wildness or independence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פֶּרֶא (pereʼ, `{{H6501}}`) precisely identifies the "onager" or "wild ass," an animal emblematic of untamed freedom, independence, and an aversion to human control, deriving from a root meaning "to run wild." Biblically, its occurrences provide rich metaphorical insights: it symbolizes the untamed, often rebellious, nature of humanity ([[Genesis 16:12]], [[Jeremiah 2:24]]), particularly in the context of sin and spiritual waywardness. It also depicts a life of hardship and struggle ([[Job 24:5]]) and serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign design over all creation, even the wildest creatures ([[Job 39:5-8]]). Furthermore, the *pereʼ* can signify utter desolation and the return of human habitation to wilderness ([[Isaiah 32:14]]). In essence, the *pereʼ* encapsulates a profound tension between divine order and unbridled will, serving as a potent reminder of both God's majestic control over His creation and humanity's persistent struggle with spiritual independence.
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