a primitive root; to scatter words, i.e. prate (or hum); chant.
Transliteration:pâraṭ
Pronunciation:paw-rat'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb פָּרַט (pâraṭ), Strong's H6527, is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the production of sound, specifically vocalizations that may lack coherent structure or profound purpose. The base definition suggests "to scatter words," which can imply idle chatter or "prating," a form of excessive and often nonsensical talk. Alternatively, it can denote a more rhythmic vocalization, such as "to hum" or "to chant." The semantic range thus encompasses both the vacuousness of aimless speech and the repetitive nature of a musical or ritualistic vocalization. The nuance of "scattering" suggests a dispersal of sounds rather than a focused, intentional message, hinting at a potential lack of substance or sincerity in the utterance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb פָּרַט (pâraṭ) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Amos:
* [[Amos 6:5]]: "That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David;"
This sole occurrence is situated within a scathing prophetic oracle against the complacent and self-indulgent elite of Israel. The prophet Amos condemns those "at ease in Zion" and "secure in the mountain of Samaria" ([[Amos 6:1]]). The context describes their luxurious lifestyle, marked by feasting, drinking, and elaborate musical entertainment. The "chanting" (pâraṭ) in this verse is performed "to the sound of the viol," and it is explicitly linked to their self-devised musical instruments, fashioned "like David." This comparison to David, the psalmist and worshiper, is deeply ironic. While David's music and chanting were expressions of sincere devotion to Yahweh, the chanting of these elites is presented as part of their decadent revelry, a sign of their spiritual apathy and moral corruption. Their "chanting" is not genuine worship but a form of self-gratifying entertainment that fills their empty lives, a superficial imitation of true piety, devoid of the righteous heart that characterized David. It underscores their detachment from God's covenant and their indifference to the suffering of the poor and the impending judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its singular occurrence and "primitive root" status, direct lexical relatives of H6527 are limited. However, its semantic field connects it to several broader biblical concepts:
* **Vocalization and Music:** While pâraṭ can refer to a general "humming" or "chanting," it stands in contrast to terms denoting heartfelt praise or worshipful singing, such as `{{H7891}}` (shir, to sing), `{{H7442}}` (ranan, to shout for joy, sing praises), or `{{H2167}}` (zamar, to make music, sing praise). The superficiality implied by pâraṭ distinguishes it from these more profound expressions.
* **Empty Speech/Vanity:** The "prating" aspect of pâraṭ aligns with concepts of empty words or vanity, such as `{{H1892}}` (hebel, breath, vanity, futility), often used to describe meaningless pursuits or idols.
* **False Security/Complacency:** The context in Amos links pâraṭ to the spiritual complacency of the elites. This resonates with words describing a false sense of security or a lack of spiritual vigilance, often leading to judgment.
* **Hypocrisy/Outward Show:** The comparison to David highlights the contrast between outward form (chanting, instruments) and inward spiritual state. This relates to the broader prophetic critique of religious hypocrisy, where rituals are performed without genuine obedience or justice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּרַט (pâraṭ) is primarily derived from its unique and pointed usage in [[Amos 6:5]]. It serves as a potent symbol of spiritual decay and the dangers of religious superficiality.
1. **Condemnation of Spiritual Complacency:** The "chanting" of the Israelite elite is not an act of devotion but a manifestation of their self-indulgent lifestyle. It highlights how spiritual apathy can lead to a perversion of even seemingly innocuous or even sacred activities. Their musical pursuits, including this chanting, are part of their comfortable existence, disconnected from the divine will and the cries for justice.
2. **Superficiality vs. Sincerity:** The phrase "like David" is a sharp indictment. David's music flowed from a heart devoted to God; the elites' chanting, by contrast, is an imitation, an outward form devoid of inner substance. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the heart's posture in worship and life, rather than mere external performance. God desires truth in the inward parts, not just pleasant sounds.
3. **Warning Against Empty Ritual:** While not explicitly a ritual, the chanting represents a form of religious or cultural practice that has become hollow. It is a "prating" – a sound that fills a void but fails to connect with divine truth or righteous living. This resonates with the broader prophetic critique of Israel's empty sacrifices and feasts when justice and righteousness were neglected.
4. **A Symptom of Judgment:** In Amos, this "chanting" is presented not as a neutral activity but as a sign of the deep moral and spiritual corruption that will inevitably lead to divine judgment. It is part of the litany of sins for which the nation will be punished.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb פָּרַט (pâraṭ), Strong's H6527, is a rare but significant word, appearing only in [[Amos 6:5]]. Its core meaning encompasses "scattering words," "prating," "humming," or "chanting." In its sole biblical context, it describes the musical practices of the complacent and self-indulgent elite in Israel, who "chant to the sound of the viol." This chanting is not portrayed as genuine worship or praise, but rather as a symptom of their spiritual apathy and moral decay, a form of self-gratifying entertainment that mocks the true devotion exemplified by David. Theologically, פָּרַט serves as a powerful indictment against superficial religiosity, spiritual complacency, and the perversion of even sacred activities when divorced from a sincere heart for God and a commitment to justice. It highlights the prophetic warning against outward forms of piety that lack inner substance, ultimately leading to divine judgment.
TRV