### 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.
TRV