a primitive root; to break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver; break (off), deliver, redeem, rend (in pieces), tear in pieces.
Transliteration:pâraq
Pronunciation:paw-rak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb פָּרַק (pâraq, `{{H6561}}`) is a primitive root carrying a robust and multifaceted semantic range. At its core, it signifies a decisive act of "breaking off" or "crunching." This literal sense implies a forceful separation, a rending or tearing into pieces. It suggests a violent or sudden rupture, often resulting in fragmentation or destruction of a whole.
From this foundational meaning, the word extends figuratively to encompass the concept of "deliverance" or "redemption." The transition is logical: to deliver or redeem is, in essence, to "break off" or "break free" from bonds, yokes, oppression, or a state of servitude. Thus, *pâraq* can denote the act of liberating someone or something by severing the ties that bind them. The action remains one of decisive separation, whether physical or metaphorical.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of פָּרַק (pâraq, `{{H6561}}`) in the Hebrew Bible illustrates both its literal and figurative dimensions.
In its literal sense, *pâraq* often describes the act of tearing clothing as a sign of grief, distress, or repentance. For instance, after hearing of Saul's death, David and his men "tore their clothes" ([[2 Samuel 1:11]]), and David similarly "tore his clothes" upon hearing of Abner's murder ([[2 Samuel 3:31]]). This physical act of rending garments symbolized an inner breaking or profound anguish. Similarly, Hezekiah's officials "tore their clothes" when hearing Rabshakeh's blasphemies ([[2 Kings 18:37]], [[2 Kings 19:1]]), signifying shock and dismay.
More commonly, *pâraq* refers to the breaking of a yoke or bonds, often in a metaphorical sense to denote liberation from servitude or oppression. The prophet Jeremiah frequently employs this imagery to describe Israel's rebellion against God's covenant, where they "broke their yoke" and "burst their bonds" ([[Jeremiah 2:20]], [[Jeremiah 5:5]]). This signifies a defiant rejection of divine authority and an assertion of independence, though often leading to further entanglement. Conversely, God promises to "break his yoke from off your neck, and will burst your bonds" for Jacob ([[Jeremiah 30:8]]), signifying divine liberation from foreign domination. This demonstrates God's power to dismantle oppressive structures.
The verb also appears in contexts of general deliverance or lack thereof. In [[Lamentations 5:8]], the lament states, "Slaves rule over us; there is no one to deliver us from their hand," using *pâraq* to express the absence of a liberator. Conversely, [[Isaiah 58:6]] calls for breaking "the bonds of wickedness" and undoing "the straps of the yoke," which is a call for social justice and liberation of the oppressed, echoing the divine attribute of breaking yokes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of פָּרַק (pâraq, `{{H6561}}`) intersects with several other Hebrew terms.
* **Breaking/Shattering:**
* `{{H7665}}` (shabar): A very common word for breaking, shattering, or smashing, often implying complete destruction. While *pâraq* can imply breaking *off* or *apart*, *shabar* is more general for breaking.
* `{{H5423}}` (nathats): To pull down, break down, or demolish, often used for structures or idols.
* **Deliverance/Redemption:**
* `{{H6299}}` (padah): To ransom, redeem, or deliver, often through payment or substitution.
* `{{H3467}}` (yasha): To save, deliver, or give victory, emphasizing rescue from danger.
* `{{H5337}}` (natsal): To snatch away, rescue, or deliver, often from peril or an enemy's hand.
* `{{H6030}}` (anah): While primarily meaning "to answer," in some contexts it can imply deliverance by responding to a cry for help.
The concepts associated with *pâraq* include liberation, freedom, destruction, separation, and divine intervention. It speaks to the breaking of chains, the rending of oppressive structures, and the decisive act of setting free.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּרַק (pâraq, `{{H6561}}`) is profound, particularly in its application to God's character and actions. God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate "breaker" of yokes and bonds, the one who delivers His people from slavery and oppression. This concept is foundational to the Exodus narrative, where God "broke off" the power of Pharaoh and delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage. The prophetic literature frequently reiterates this theme, promising that Yahweh will again "break" the yokes of exile and foreign domination, restoring His people. This highlights God's sovereignty, His commitment to justice, and His power to intervene decisively in human history to bring about liberation.
Conversely, when humanity "breaks" God's yoke (His commandments, covenant, or authority), it signifies rebellion and a descent into spiritual bondage, even if it feels like freedom. This underscores the theological truth that true freedom comes not from breaking away from God, but from being broken free *by* God. The act of tearing clothes, while a human expression of grief, can also be seen as an acknowledgment of a "breaking" within the human spirit or the fabric of society, a desperate plea for divine intervention to mend what is torn. Ultimately, *pâraq* speaks to the dynamic interplay between human bondage and divine liberation, emphasizing God's unique capacity to redeem through a decisive act of separation from evil and oppression.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb פָּרַק (pâraq, `{{H6561}}`) encapsulates a powerful dual meaning: the literal act of "breaking off," "rending," or "tearing in pieces," and the figurative concept of "delivering" or "redeeming." Its usage in the Bible highlights decisive actions, whether it is the tearing of garments in grief, the breaking of a literal or metaphorical yoke of servitude, or God's powerful intervention to liberate His people. The word conveys an active and often forceful separation, leading either to destruction or, more significantly, to freedom. Theologically, *pâraq* underscores God's character as the great Liberator who breaks the bonds of oppression and sin, offering redemption through His mighty hand.
TRV