feminine of פֶּרַע (in the sense of beginning); leadership (plural concretely, leaders); [phrase] avenging, revenge.
Transliteration:parʻâh
Pronunciation:par-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פַּרְעָה (parʻâh), Strong's number `{{H6546}}`, is defined as the feminine form of פֶּרַע (peraʻ), which carries the sense of "beginning." From this foundational understanding, its semantic range extends to "leadership" (especially in its plural concrete form, meaning "leaders"). A specific phrase involving this word also yields the meaning of "avenging" or "revenge."
The root from which פַּרְעָה derives is פָרַע (paraʻ) `{{H6544}}`, meaning "to let loose," "uncover," or "unrestrain." The noun פֶּרַע (peraʻ) `{{H6545}}` often refers to "uncovered hair" or "unrestrained conduct." The connection to "beginning" for פַּרְעָה is subtle but significant. It may imply the "uncovering" or "breaking forth" of a new state or action—the *beginning* of leadership emerging, or the *beginning* of divine retribution being unleashed. Thus, פַּרְעָה encapsulates a dynamic sense of emergence, whether of authority or of retributive justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פַּרְעָה (parʻâh) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the triumphant Song of Deborah and Barak in Judges 5:2:
> "When leaders lead in Israel, when the people willingly offer themselves—bless the LORD!" [[Judges 5:2]]
The precise translation of the phrase "בִּפְרֹעַ פְּרָעוֹת בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל" (bip̄rōaʿ pərāʿōṯ bəyiśrāʾēl) has been a subject of scholarly debate.
1. **"When leaders lead" / "When leadership arose":** Many modern translations (e.g., ESV, NIV, NASB) render it in terms of leadership. This interpretation aligns with the idea of פַּרְעָה meaning "leadership" or "leaders," suggesting that the song celebrates the emergence of strong leadership in Israel, specifically Deborah and Barak, who inspired the people to volunteer for battle. This view connects to the "beginning" aspect—the beginning of effective leadership or the "uncovering" of those called to lead.
2. **"For the avenging of Israel" / "When vengeance broke forth":** Older translations (e.g., KJV) and some scholars interpret the phrase as referring to "avenging" or "revenge." This understanding emphasizes the divine judgment enacted against Israel's oppressors, the Canaanites under Sisera. This meaning aligns with the "unrestrained" aspect of the root, where divine retribution is "unleashed" or "breaks forth" against the enemy.
The context of Judges 5 is a celebration of divine victory and the deliverance of Israel from oppression. Both interpretations fit the narrative: the praise of God for raising up leaders who led the people to victory, or the praise for God's righteous vengeance against those who afflicted His people. The dual definition provided by Strong's reflects this inherent ambiguity and the rich semantic potential of the word in its unique biblical context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are those from the same root:
* פָרַע (paraʻ) `{{H6544}}`: The verbal root, meaning "to let loose," "uncover," "unrestrain." This verb's action of "uncovering" or "unleashing" is fundamental to understanding פַּרְעָה.
* פֶּרַע (peraʻ) `{{H6545}}`: The masculine noun, often referring to "uncovered hair" (e.g., of a Nazirite, [[Numbers 6:5]]) or "unrestrained conduct" (e.g., of the people at Sinai, [[Exodus 32:25]]). The feminine form פַּרְעָה takes on more abstract or collective meanings like "leadership" or "avenging."
Conceptually, פַּרְעָה touches upon:
* **Divine Appointment of Leaders:** In the "leadership" sense, it highlights God's sovereignty in raising up individuals for specific purposes, particularly during times of national crisis.
* **Divine Justice and Retribution:** In the "avenging" sense, it underscores God's active role in defending His people and executing judgment against their oppressors, a core theme in the Deuteronomistic history.
* **Voluntary Service:** The accompanying phrase in [[Judges 5:2]], "when the people willingly offer themselves," complements either interpretation, emphasizing the synergy between divine initiative (through leaders or vengeance) and human responsiveness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פַּרְעָה, despite its singular occurrence, is profound due to its placement in the pivotal Song of Deborah.
If understood as "leadership," it speaks to the divine principle of God raising up and empowering individuals to guide His people. This leadership is not merely human initiative but a divine "uncovering" or "beginning" of a new phase of guidance. It suggests that true leadership in Israel is characterized by a willingness to step forth and inspire God's people to action, often in the face of overwhelming odds. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God calling prophets, judges, and kings to serve His purposes.
If understood as "avenging," it powerfully proclaims God's justice and His commitment to delivering His oppressed people. It signifies that God is not passive in the face of injustice but actively intervenes to "unleash" His righteous judgment. This interpretation reinforces the theme of Yahweh as a warrior God who fights for Israel, vindicating His covenant and demonstrating His power over all earthly forces. It serves as a reminder that divine retribution, though often delayed, will ultimately "break forth" against the wicked.
In either case, פַּרְעָה points to God's active involvement in human history, orchestrating events and raising up agents—whether human leaders or divine judgment—to fulfill His redemptive plan and uphold His righteousness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פַּרְעָה (parʻâh) `{{H6546}}` is a unique and semantically rich term found only in [[Judges 5:2]]. Derived from a root meaning "to let loose" or "uncover," it carries a dual meaning: "leadership" (or "leaders") and "avenging" (or "revenge"). This duality stems from the nuance of "beginning" or "breaking forth"—the emergence of leadership or the unleashing of divine retribution. While scholars debate the precise translation in its sole biblical occurrence, both interpretations resonate with the context of Deborah's song, which celebrates God's deliverance of Israel from oppression. Whether highlighting God's raising up of powerful leaders or His righteous execution of justice, פַּרְעָה underscores the Lord's sovereign and active engagement in the affairs of His people, intervening powerfully to bring about their salvation and the defeat of their enemies.
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