### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פֶּרֶט (pereṭ - `{{H6528}}`) is derived from the root פָּרַט (paraṭ), which carries the core meaning of "to break off," "to separate," or "to specify." Applied to פֶּרֶט, this root informs its specific semantic range: a "stray" or "single berry," almost exclusively referring to a grape. The nuance of פֶּרֶט is not merely a grape in general, but specifically those individual grapes that are left behind or broken off from the main clusters during the grape harvest. It denotes the ungathered, often overlooked, or intentionally left-over fruit, distinct from the main yield.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פֶּרֶט (pereṭ - `{{H6528}}`) appears in two significant passages within the Pentateuch, both in the context of agricultural laws concerning gleaning:
* **[[Leviticus 19:10]]**: "And you shall not glean your vineyard, neither shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the LORD your God." Here, פֶּרֶט is used in parallel with "glean" (לקט - leqeṭ `{{H3951}}`), emphasizing that the individual, stray grapes are to be left for the vulnerable. This command is part of a broader call to holiness, directly linking ethical agricultural practices to the character of God.
* **[[Deuteronomy 24:21]]**: "When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow." This reiterates the command, specifying the beneficiaries: the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow—the most vulnerable groups in ancient Israelite society. The prohibition against "gleaning afterward" (meaning, going back to pick every last grape) directly refers to leaving the פֶּרֶט.
In both contexts, פֶּרֶט refers to the individual grapes that remain after the primary harvest, whether by oversight or by deliberate omission on the part of the harvester. The divine mandate is explicit: these stray grapes are not for the landowner's profit but are reserved for the sustenance of the needy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of פֶּרֶט (pereṭ - `{{H6528}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to its verbal root פָּרַט (paraṭ), which signifies the action of breaking off or individualizing. This reinforces the concept of single, separated grapes.
It is also closely associated with other terms and concepts related to the laws of gleaning (לקט - leqeṭ `{{H3951}}`), which include:
* **The corners of the field (פאה - pe'ah `{{H6285}}`)**: A portion of the grain field that was not to be harvested, but left for the poor ([[Leviticus 19:9]]).
* **The forgotten sheaf (שכחה - shikhchah `{{H7914}}`)**: A sheaf accidentally left in the field after harvest, also designated for the poor ([[Deuteronomy 24:19]]).
* **Other grape-related terms**: While ענב ('enav `{{H6025}}`) is the general term for a grape, and פרי (peri `{{H6529}}`) for fruit, פֶּרֶט specifically denotes the *leftover* or *stray* grape, highlighting its particular role in the social legislation.
These concepts collectively form a robust legal framework designed to ensure that the marginalized members of society had access to food, reflecting God's compassionate nature.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פֶּרֶט (pereṭ - `{{H6528}}`) is profound, encapsulating several core biblical principles:
* **Divine Compassion and Social Justice**: The command to leave the פֶּרֶט is a tangible expression of God's deep concern for the poor, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow. It establishes a divine precedent for social welfare and economic justice within the community. God's law mandates that provision be made for those who cannot provide for themselves.
* **Stewardship and Generosity**: Landowners are commanded to act as stewards of God's creation, not absolute owners. The law of פֶּרֶט challenges the human tendency towards greed and self-maximization, requiring a deliberate act of generosity and restraint. It teaches that the abundance of the land is ultimately from God and is intended for the well-being of the entire community, not just the individual.
* **Holiness and Obedience**: In [[Leviticus 19:10]], the command concerning פֶּרֶט is given in the context of "I am the LORD your God," and earlier, "You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy." This links ethical behavior, particularly in economic matters, directly to the pursuit of holiness and obedience to God's character. Acting justly towards the poor is an integral part of reflecting God's nature.
* **Trust in God's Provision**: By leaving the פֶּרֶט, the landowner demonstrates trust that God will still provide sufficiently for their own needs, even as they share their harvest. It is an act of faith that God's blessing is not contingent on maximizing every last bit of gain.
### Summary
פֶּרֶט (pereṭ - `{{H6528}}`) refers to the individual, stray grapes left behind after the main vineyard harvest. Derived from the root פָּרָט (paraṭ) meaning "to break off," it specifically denotes these ungathered berries. Its biblical occurrences in [[Leviticus 19:10]] and [[Deuteronomy 24:21]] are central to the Mosaic laws of gleaning, mandating that these grapes be left for the poor, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. Theologically, פֶּרֶט embodies God's profound commitment to social justice, demanding generosity and compassionate stewardship from the people of Israel. It underscores the principle that true holiness involves active care for the vulnerable, reflecting the character of a God who provides for all.
TRV