from an unused root meaning to break apart; fracture, i.e. severity; cruelty, rigour.
Transliteration:perek
Pronunciation:peh'-rek
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term perek (`{{H6531}}`), derived from an unused root meaning "to break apart" or "fracture," carries a profound semantic weight. At its core, it denotes a state of being broken or fractured, which then extends metaphorically to the imposition of a harsh, unyielding force upon another. Its primary definitions include "severity," "cruelty," and "rigour." This word describes an oppressive burden, a relentless and unmerciful pressure that grinds down and diminishes the subject. It signifies not merely hard labor, but labor exacted with an inhumane, soul-crushing intensity, devoid of compassion or equity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of perek (`{{H6531}}`) in the biblical text are few but highly significant, primarily concentrated in the Pentateuch, illustrating the nature of oppression and God's response to it.
Most notably, perek describes the conditions of the Israelites' servitude in Egypt:
* In [[Exodus 1:13]], it is stated that "the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour." This verse immediately follows the description of Pharaoh's fear and his decree to deal shrewdly with the Israelites, setting the stage for the oppressive measures.
* [[Exodus 1:14]] further elaborates, "And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour." Here, perek underscores the totality and severity of the forced labor, emphasizing its dehumanizing aspect. The Egyptians' rule was not merely demanding, but systematically cruel and unyielding.
Beyond the Egyptian context, perek appears in Leviticus, where God issues commands to Israel regarding their own treatment of servants and fellow Israelites, explicitly prohibiting the very perek they had endured:
* [[Leviticus 25:43]] commands, "Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour, but shalt fear thy God." This refers to the treatment of a fellow Israelite who has sold himself into servitude.
* [[Leviticus 25:46]] reiterates this, "ye shall not rule one over another with rigour." This applies to the treatment of foreign sojourners or those bought as property.
* [[Leviticus 25:53]] again states, "And as a yearly hired servant shall he be with him: and the other shall not rule with rigour over him in thy sight." This reinforces the principle of compassionate and just treatment, contrasting sharply with the Egyptian model.
These passages collectively highlight perek as a form of oppressive rule that God condemns, particularly when exercised by His own people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of perek (`{{H6531}}`) is closely intertwined with other Hebrew terms and theological concepts related to oppression, servitude, and justice.
* **'avad (`{{H5647}}`):** The verb "to serve" or "to enslave," often appears in conjunction with perek, as seen in [[Exodus 1:13-14]], emphasizing the forced and burdensome nature of the service.
* **koved (`{{H3515}}`):** Meaning "heaviness" or "burden," this term often describes the weight of oppressive tasks or the severity of a situation, conceptually overlapping with the "rigour" of perek.
* **qasheh (`{{H7185}}`):** "Hard," "difficult," or "severe," this adjective can describe the nature of labor or the character of an oppressor, resonating with the harshness inherent in perek.
* **anah (`{{H6031}}`):** "To afflict" or "to humble," often used to describe the suffering of the oppressed, which is a direct result of perek.
Theologically, perek stands in stark contrast to concepts like:
* **Mishpat (Justice) and Tzedeq (Righteousness):** God's character is defined by justice, which inherently opposes the unrighteousness of perek.
* **Chesed (Lovingkindness/Mercy):** The absence of chesed is a hallmark of perek, which is devoid of compassion.
* **Deror (Liberty/Freedom):** The ultimate goal of God's intervention against perek is to bring about deror for His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of perek (`{{H6531}}`) is profound, revealing key aspects of God's character, human sin, and the principles of the Mosaic Covenant.
1. **God's Opposition to Oppression:** The narrative of the Exodus, where perek is a central feature of Egyptian rule, fundamentally establishes God as the liberator who hears the cries of the oppressed and acts decisively against those who inflict such cruelty. God's intervention demonstrates His righteous indignation against the dehumanizing effects of perek.
2. **A Reflection of Human Sin:** The practice of perek by the Egyptians exemplifies the depths of human sin—the abuse of power, the lack of empathy, and the willingness to exploit others for self-gain. It highlights humanity's capacity for extreme cruelty when unchecked by divine or moral restraint.
3. **Ethical Imperative for Israel:** The prohibition against perek in Leviticus is a cornerstone of Israelite ethics. Having experienced the bitterness of perek themselves, they were commanded not to inflict it upon others, whether fellow Israelites or foreigners. This command reflects the very character of God, who is merciful and just, and calls His people to embody these attributes. It serves as a constant reminder that their liberation from perek was not merely for their own comfort, but to establish a society founded on different, divine principles.
4. **Anticipation of God's Kingdom:** The vision of a society free from perek points towards the eschatological hope of God's Kingdom, where true justice, righteousness, and peace will prevail, and all forms of oppression will cease.
### Summary
Perek (`{{H6531}}`) is a potent Hebrew term signifying "severity," "cruelty," and "rigour," derived from a root meaning "to break apart." It vividly describes an oppressive, soul-crushing burden, particularly evident in the biblical account of the Israelites' enslavement under the Egyptians, where their lives were made bitter by service "with rigour" ([[Exodus 1:13-14]]). Crucially, the term also appears in God's commands to Israel, strictly prohibiting them from exercising such "rigour" over others ([[Leviticus 25:43, 46, 53]]). Theologically, perek underscores God's unwavering opposition to human oppression, His role as a liberator, and His call for His people to establish a society founded on justice and compassion, in stark contrast to the cruelties they themselves endured. It serves as a perpetual reminder of the ethical demands of faith and the divine standard of humane treatment.
TRV