פָּרַס

pâraç /paw-ras'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto break in pieces, i.e. (usually without violence) to split, distribute
KJV usagedeal, divide, have hoofs, part, tear.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word pâraç, represented by H6536, is a primitive root meaning to break in pieces, split, distribute, or tear. It appears 14 times in 12 unique verses. Its primary application in Scripture involves the physical act of dividing, most notably in the context of animal hoofs, but it also extends to the metaphorical acts of distributing food and ritual tearing in mourning.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

Biblically, H6536 is central to the Mosaic dietary laws for distinguishing clean and unclean animals. An animal that could be eaten was one that parteth the hoof Leviticus 11:3 and chews the cud. Conversely, an animal like the swine was declared unclean because, although it divide the hoof, it does not chew the cud Leviticus 11:7. This distinction is repeated in Deuteronomy, specifying that a clean beast is one that parteth the hoof and cleaves the cleft into two claws Deuteronomy 14:6. Beyond the law, the word is used to describe a key act of righteousness: to deal thy bread to the hungry Isaiah 58:7. It is also used in a prohibition against a mourning practice where men would tear themselves for the dead Jeremiah 16:7.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the contexts in which H6536 is used:

  • H6541 parçâh (hoof): This is the object that is parted or divided. The law requires examining the hoof to determine if an animal is clean Leviticus 11:4-5.
  • H8156 shâçaʻ (to split or tear): This word is often used alongside H6536 to further describe the nature of the division, specifying that the hoof must be "clovenfooted" Leviticus 11:7.
  • H3899 lechem (food... especially bread): In its ethical application, this is the item being distributed. Righteousness is shown by dealing bread to the hungry Isaiah 58:7.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H6536 is demonstrated in its application to both ceremonial law and practical ethics.

  • Ceremonial Distinction: The act of "dividing" the hoof is a critical physical marker that separates clean from unclean beasts. This establishes a principle of separation and holiness that governs the life of Israel (Leviticus 11:3, Deuteronomy 14:8).
  • Ethical Action: In Isaiah 58:7, the concept is elevated from a ritual requirement for animals to a moral command for people. To deal one's bread is an act of compassion that defines true worship, contrasted with empty religious observance.
  • Mourning and Worship: The word's use in Jeremiah 16:7 shows a prohibition against a physical act of "tearing" associated with mourning for the dead. In Psalms 69:31, an offering of a bullock with hoofs is considered less pleasing to the LORD than a song of thanksgiving, again emphasizing inward righteousness over outward forms.

Summary

In summary, H6536 is a versatile word that signifies division and distribution. It functions literally in the Mosaic Law to identify clean animals by their parted hoofs and figuratively to describe acts of charity, like dealing bread to the poor. The word illustrates a key biblical theme: that outward, physical acts of separation must be matched by inward attitudes of compassion and true worship. It connects the physical world of ceremonial law to the spiritual and ethical heart of righteousness.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 14 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 3×
  • Hiphil Participle Plural Masculine Construct 2×
  • Hiphil Participle Singular Feminine Absolute 2×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Participle Singular Feminine Construct 1×
  • Hiphil Participle Singular Masculine Construct 1×
  • Hiphil Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Hiphil Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Infinitive Absolute 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 12 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Leviticus (6 verses).

6
Leviticus
3
Deuteronomy
1
Psalms
1
Isaiah
1
Jeremiah

Verse Explorer

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