### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **parçâh**, represented by `{{H6541}}`, refers to a **hoof** or **claw**. It appears 19 times in 16 verses and is most often used to describe a split or cloven hoof. While its primary meaning is anatomical, it is used in scripture to establish key distinctions in dietary law and as a powerful metaphor for military strength and divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law, `{{H6541}}` is a central element for determining which animals are considered clean. The law specifies that an animal is clean to eat if it "parteth the **hoof**" and is "clovenfooted" and also chews the cud [[Leviticus 11:3]]. Animals like the swine are declared unclean because, while they divide the **hoof**, they do not chew the cud ([[Leviticus 11:7]], [[Deuteronomy 14:8]]). The word is also used metaphorically to represent military power. The **hoofs** of an invading army’s horses are described as being "like flint" [[Isaiah 5:28]], and the sound of their stamping brings terror [[Jeremiah 47:3]]. In a unique context, the phrase "not an **hoof** be left behind" signifies the complete departure of Israel's livestock from Egypt [[Exodus 10:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of `{{H6541}}`:
* `{{H6536}}` **pâraç** (to break in pieces, i.e. (usually without violence) to split, distribute): This is the root verb from which **parçâh** is derived and is used directly to describe the action of dividing or parting the hoof [[Leviticus 11:3]].
* `{{H8156}}` **shâçaʻ** (to split or tear) and `{{H8157}}` **sheçaʻ** (a fissure; cleft, clovenfooted): These terms are used alongside `{{H6541}}` to describe the specific quality of a hoof being "clovenfooted" or having a cleft [[Deuteronomy 14:6]].
* `{{H1625}}` **gêrâh** (the cud (as scraping the throat); cud): This word is almost always paired with the status of the hoof as the second criterion for determining if a land animal is clean [[Leviticus 11:3]].
* `{{H7272}}` **regel** (a foot): This general term for a foot is used in parallel with `{{H6541}}` to distinguish between the impact of humans and animals, as when neither the "**foot** of man" nor the "**hoofs** of beasts" will trouble the waters [[Ezekiel 32:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and thematic weight of `{{H6541}}` is seen in several key areas:
* **A Marker of Holiness:** The state of an animal's hoof is a primary physical sign used to distinguish between the clean and the unclean in Mosaic Law. This distinction was fundamental to Israel's identity and separation unto God [[Leviticus 11:26]].
* **Symbol of Imposing Power:** In prophetic writings, hoofs represent the terrifying and destructive force of armies. They are used to depict judgment, as in the "stamping of the **hoofs** of his strong horses" [[Jeremiah 47:3]] and the treading down of cities [[Ezekiel 26:11]].
* **Instrument of Divine Empowerment:** God can also turn this symbol of strength to His people's advantage. In Micah, God promises to make Zion's "**hoofs** brass" so that she can "beat in pieces many people" as an instrument of His will [[Micah 4:13]].
* **Representation of Completeness:** The declaration that not a single **hoof** would remain in Egypt demonstrates a theme of total deliverance and God’s claim over all that belonged to His people [[Exodus 10:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6541}}` moves from a simple anatomical feature to a word of significant legal and symbolic importance. It serves as a physical marker for the sacred distinctions in Israel's dietary laws and functions as a vivid metaphor in prophetic literature. Whether defining what is clean or illustrating the might of a conquering army, the **hoof** carries a weight far beyond its literal meaning, symbolizing holiness, power, and divine purpose.
TRV