feminine of פֶּרֶס; a claw or split hoof; claw, (cloven-) footed, hoof.
Transliteration:parçâh
Pronunciation:par-saw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פַּרְסָה (parṣâh, `{{H6541}}`) denotes a "hoof" or "claw," specifically emphasizing the characteristic of being "split" or "cloven." It is the feminine form of פֶּרֶס (peres, `{{H6530}}`), which can refer to a "fragment" or "a bone," and also to a "vulture" (a bird of prey with claws). This etymological connection subtly hints at the idea of division or tearing, which is pertinent to both claws and the *split* nature of the hoof. In its biblical usage, פַּרְסָה is almost exclusively used in the context of ungulates, referring to the "cloven hoof" as a distinguishing anatomical feature. While the base definition includes "claw," the specific application of פַּרְסָה in the Hebrew Bible points overwhelmingly to the hoof of land animals, particularly in the context of dietary regulations. The semantic range is thus narrow and highly specialized, focusing on this singular characteristic crucial for the identification of clean and unclean animals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פַּרְסָה (parṣâh, `{{H6541}}`) appears predominantly within the Mosaic dietary laws outlined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Its usage is central to defining which land animals are permissible for consumption by the Israelites. The criteria for a clean land animal are twofold: it must both chew the cud (מַעֲלֵה גֵרָה, maʿaleh gērāh, related to `{{H1645}}`) and have a cloven hoof (מַפְרֶסֶת פַּרְסָה, maphreset parṣâh – literally "splitting a hoof").
Key occurrences include:
* [[Leviticus 11:3]]: "Whatever divides the hoof (פַּרְסָה) and has the hoof (פַּרְסָה) cloven in two, and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat." This verse establishes the primary criteria.
* [[Leviticus 11:7]]: "And the pig, though it divides the hoof (פַּרְסָה) and is cloven-footed (פַּרְסָה), yet does not chew the cud, it is unclean for you." This highlights the necessity of *both* criteria being met; the pig is an example of an animal that has a cloven hoof but is still unclean due to not chewing the cud.
* [[Leviticus 11:26]]: "Every animal that has a divided hoof (פַּרְסָה) but is not cloven-footed (פַּרְסָה), or that does not chew the cud, is unclean for you." This verse reinforces the dual nature of the requirement, emphasizing that the hoof must be not only divided but also fully cloven.
* [[Deuteronomy 14:6-8]]: These verses echo the regulations found in Leviticus, reiterating the importance of the cloven hoof (פַּרְסָה) and chewing the cud. Specific examples like the camel, rock badger, hare (which chew the cud but do not have a cloven hoof), and the pig (which has a cloven hoof but does not chew the cud) are cited as unclean.
The consistent use of פַּרְסָה in these passages underscores its technical significance in the legal framework of Israelite purity. The detailed specification of the "cloven" nature of the hoof (מַפְרֶסֶת פַּרְסָה) indicates that it is not merely a split, but a complete division of the hoof into two distinct parts, distinguishing it from animals with partially divided or merely indented hooves. This precision reflects the meticulous nature of the Mosaic Law in establishing clear boundaries for the covenant community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of פַּרְסָה (parṣâh, `{{H6541}}`) is enhanced by understanding its relationship to several interconnected terms and theological concepts:
* **פֶּרֶס (peres, `{{H6530}}`):** As the masculine root, פֶּרֶס signifies "a fragment" or "a bone," and also refers to a "vulture." This connection points to the idea of division or tearing, which is inherent in the "split" nature of the hoof. The semantic link reinforces the precision of the anatomical description.
* **גֵּרָה (gērāh, `{{H1645}}`):** This term means "cud" and is invariably linked with פַּרְסָה in the dietary laws. The phrase "chews the cud and has a cloven hoof" (מַעֲלֵה גֵרָה וּמַפְרֶסֶת פַּרְסָה) forms a single, indivisible criterion for clean land animals. The two concepts are mutually dependent for establishing ritual purity.
* **טָהוֹר (ṭāhôr, `{{H2889}}`) and טָמֵא (ṭāmēʾ, `{{H2931}}`):** These are the fundamental terms for "clean" and "unclean" respectively. The presence or absence of the cloven hoof and cud-chewing determined an animal's status as *ṭāhôr* or *ṭāmēʾ*, which had direct implications for Israelite worship and daily life.
* **קֹדֶשׁ (qōḏeš, `{{H6944}}`):** "Holiness." The dietary laws, including the regulations concerning פַּרְסָה, were part of a broader system designed to teach Israel about holiness and to set them apart as a distinct people unto Yahweh. The distinction between clean and unclean foods was a tangible expression of their consecrated status.
* **בָּדַל (bāḏal, `{{H914}}`):** "To separate" or "to distinguish." The laws concerning פַּרְסָה and גֵּרָה served as a practical means of *bāḏal*, enabling the Israelites to distinguish between what was permissible and what was forbidden, thereby reinforcing their identity as a separated people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פַּרְסָה (parṣâh, `{{H6541}}`) extends far beyond mere dietary restrictions, serving as a powerful symbol within the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel.
1. **Holiness and Purity:** The primary theological purpose of the dietary laws was to cultivate holiness among the Israelites. By distinguishing between clean and unclean animals based on features like the cloven hoof, God taught His people about the nature of purity and the importance of living a consecrated life. This external distinction was meant to foster an internal disposition of holiness, reflecting God's own character. [[Leviticus 11:44-45]] explicitly links adherence to these laws with God's command for Israel to be holy, "for I am holy."
2. **Distinction and Separation:** The laws served as a constant reminder of Israel's unique identity as a covenant people, separated from the surrounding nations. Their eating habits set them apart, reinforcing their distinctiveness and discouraging assimilation into pagan cultures, which often consumed animals deemed unclean by the Mosaic Law. This separation was not arbitrary but rooted in God's election of Israel to be His treasured possession.
3. **Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness:** Adherence to the specific regulations regarding the cloven hoof and cud-chewing was an act of obedience to God's revealed will. It was a tangible expression of their covenant faithfulness, demonstrating their willingness to submit to divine authority even in seemingly mundane aspects of life. This obedience fostered a disciplined community that recognized God's sovereignty over all creation.
4. **Symbolic Interpretations (Later Traditions):** While the biblical text itself does not explicitly assign symbolic meaning to the cloven hoof, later Jewish and Christian traditions have sometimes explored its potential allegorical significance. For instance, the "split" nature of the hoof has been interpreted by some as symbolizing the ability to "divide" or "discern" between good and evil, or to walk carefully and thoughtfully in the world, avoiding stumbling. Others have seen it as representing a walk that is both earthly (one part of the hoof) and heavenly (the other), or a life lived with integrity, not wavering between two paths. While these interpretations are not explicitly stated in the Pentateuch, they reflect attempts to find deeper spiritual meaning in the physical requirements.
5. **Fulfillment in Christ:** In the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus (e.g., [[Mark 7:18-19]]) and the vision of Peter (e.g., [[Acts 10:9-16]]), the ceremonial dietary laws, including those concerning the cloven hoof, are understood to have been fulfilled in Christ. The emphasis shifts from external, ritual purity to internal, spiritual purity. The distinction between clean and unclean foods is abolished, signifying the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile and the universal availability of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. However, the underlying theological principles of holiness, distinction, and obedience remain, reinterpreted through a New Covenant lens.
### Summary
The Hebrew term פַּרְסָה (parṣâh, `{{H6541}}`) precisely denotes the "cloven hoof," a critical anatomical feature in the Mosaic dietary laws found primarily in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Its consistent usage, always alongside the concept of "chewing the cud," defines the criteria for clean land animals permissible for consumption by the Israelites. This specific detail was not arbitrary but served profound theological purposes. The regulations concerning the פַּרְסָה were instrumental in teaching Israel about holiness (קֹדֶשׁ), requiring them to live a life of purity that reflected God's own character. They also functioned as a tangible means of distinction (בָּדַל), setting Israel apart from the surrounding nations and reinforcing their unique identity as a covenant people. Adherence to these laws was a direct act of obedience and a demonstration of covenant faithfulness. While the literal application of these dietary laws is understood to be fulfilled in the New Covenant through Christ, the enduring theological principles of discerning purity, living a consecrated life, and obediently responding to God's revealed will continue to resonate for believers today. The פַּרְסָה, therefore, stands as a concise yet powerful symbol of the intricate relationship between divine command, human obedience, and the pursuit of holiness in ancient Israel.
TRV