from פָּרַס; a claw; also a kind of eagle; claw, ossifrage.
Transliteration:pereç
Pronunciation:peh'-res
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פֶּרֶס (pereç), Strong's number `{{H6538}}`, is derived from the verbal root פָּרַס (paras), `{{H6536}}`, which signifies "to break," "to divide," "to distribute," or "to spread out." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding the semantic range of *pereç*. The primary meaning of *pereç* is a "claw," specifically an instrument used for tearing or breaking. By extension, it also refers to a particular type of bird of prey, often identified as the "ossifrage" or "vulture" in English translations. The "ossifrage" (from Latin *os*, "bone," and *frangere*, "to break") is a large Old World vulture known for its habit of carrying bones high into the air and dropping them onto rocks to crack them open, thus accessing the marrow. This behavior perfectly aligns with the root meaning of "breaking" or "dividing," whether by a claw or by the bird's unique feeding method. Thus, *pereç* encompasses both the tool of division and the creature that exemplifies this action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פֶּרֶס (pereç) appears exclusively in the Pentateuch, specifically within the dietary laws concerning clean and unclean animals. Its two occurrences are:
* [[Leviticus 11:13]]: "And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray," Here, *pereç* is listed immediately after the eagle (נֶשֶׁר, `{{H5404}}`) and before the ospray (עָזְנִיָּה, `{{H5822}}`). This places it firmly among large birds of prey. The context is the divine command to Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean creatures, emphasizing the sacred separation required for a holy people.
* [[Deuteronomy 14:12]]: "But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray," This verse is a parallel passage to Leviticus 11:13, reiterating the prohibition. The consistent placement of *pereç* alongside other predatory birds like the eagle and vulture underscores its identity as a powerful and formidable scavenger or hunter. The inclusion of such birds in the list of abominable creatures highlights their predatory nature, their consumption of carrion, and their association with death and defilement, all of which stood in contrast to the life-affirming principles of holiness God established for His covenant people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for פֶּרֶס (pereç) is its verbal root, פָּרַס (paras), `{{H6536}}`. This root's meaning of "to break," "to divide," or "to tear apart" directly informs the identity of the *pereç* as a "breaker" of bones or a "tearer" of flesh. This etymological link is vital for understanding the nature of the creature.
Contextually, *pereç* is consistently grouped with other birds of prey in the unclean animal lists. These include:
* נֶשֶׁר (nesher), `{{H5404}}`, "eagle"
* עָזְנִיָּה ('ozniyyah), `{{H5822}}`, "ospray" or "fishing eagle"
* דָּאָה (da'ah), `{{H1770}}`, "kite" or "vulture"
* אַיָּה ('ayyah), `{{H344}}`, "falcon" or "kite"
These associations reinforce that *pereç* belongs to a category of birds characterized by their predatory habits, their consumption of carrion, and their perceived uncleanliness under Mosaic Law. The broader concept of ritual purity (טוּמְאָה, *tum'ah*, "uncleanness" vs. טָהֳרָה, *tohorah*, "cleanness") is the overarching theological framework within which *pereç* is understood.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of פֶּרֶס (pereç) in the list of unclean birds carries profound theological significance within the Mosaic covenant.
1. **Holiness and Separation:** The primary purpose of the dietary laws, including the prohibition of the *pereç*, was to establish and maintain the holiness of the Israelite nation. God called Israel to be "holy, for I am holy" ([[Leviticus 11:44]]). By distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, God taught His people to distinguish between what was acceptable and unacceptable in His sight, not only in diet but in all areas of life. The *pereç*, as a scavenger and bone-breaker, symbolized a form of existence that was antithetical to the life, purity, and wholeness God desired for His people.
2. **Symbolism of Defilement:** Birds of prey, by their very nature, consume carrion and shed blood, both of which were sources of ritual defilement in ancient Israel. The *pereç*, with its specific habit of breaking bones to consume marrow, further emphasizes this connection to death and decay. Eating such a creature would symbolically align the individual with death and defilement, thereby compromising their covenant relationship with a life-giving God.
3. **Divine Authority and Distinction:** The divine decree regarding clean and unclean animals demonstrated God's absolute authority over creation and His right to establish boundaries for His people. The *pereç* serves as a tangible example of a creature that God, in His infinite wisdom, deemed unsuitable for His holy nation, thereby reinforcing the concept of a chosen people set apart from the nations around them.
4. **Moral and Spiritual Lessons:** While the laws were literal, they also served as pedagogical tools. The distinction between clean and unclean animals cultivated a discerning spirit in Israel, teaching them to make careful choices that reflected their commitment to God's standards of purity and righteousness in all aspects of life.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פֶּרֶס (pereç), `{{H6538}}`, denotes a "claw" and, more specifically, a large bird of prey, most commonly identified as the ossifrage or a type of vulture. Its etymological root, פָּרַס (paras), `{{H6536}}`, meaning "to break" or "to divide," aptly describes the bird's characteristic behavior of breaking bones to access marrow. Biblically, *pereç* appears exclusively in the dietary laws of [[Leviticus 11:13]] and [[Deuteronomy 14:12]], where it is consistently listed among other unclean birds of prey. Its inclusion in these prohibitions underscores its role as a creature symbolizing defilement due to its predatory nature and consumption of carrion. Theologically, the prohibition against consuming *pereç* is a facet of God's broader call for Israel to live in holiness and separation, distinguishing themselves from the surrounding nations. It teaches profound lessons about divine authority, ritual purity, and the necessity of making discerning choices that reflect a covenant relationship with a holy God.
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