פָּרַק

pâraq /paw-rak'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver
KJV usagebreak (off), deliver, redeem, rend (in pieces), tear in pieces.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word pâraq, represented by H6561, is a primitive root used to describe breaking something off. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses. Its definition encompasses both literal and figurative actions, including to break (off), crunch, rend (in pieces), and also to deliver or redeem.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the Scriptures, H6561 is used to convey a range of powerful actions. It describes literal, violent force, as when a strong wind rent the mountains 1 Kings 19:11 and a destructive shepherd is said to tear the claws of the flock in pieces Zechariah 11:16. The word is also used for the physical act of detaching something, as when Aaron commanded the Israelites to Break off their golden earrings Exodus 32:2. Figuratively, it signifies liberation from bondage, such as the promise that Esau would one day break his brother's yoke from his neck Genesis 27:40. In a theological sense, it describes God's saving power, who has redeemed His people from their enemies Psalms 136:24.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the semantic range of breaking and delivering:

  • H2963 ṭâraph: Defined as to pluck off or pull to pieces... tear (in pieces). This word emphasizes a violent tearing action, appearing alongside H6561 to describe a lion rending its victim in pieces Psalms 7:2.
  • H5337 nâtsal: Meaning to snatch away... deliver... rescue. It highlights the concept of rescue, often from an oppressor. In Psalms 7:2, it is used to describe the lack of anyone to deliver from the one who tears in pieces.
  • H5428 nâthash: This word means to tear away;... pluck (out, up, by the roots). It is used in parallel with H6561 in Ezekiel 19:12, where a vine is plucked up and its strong rods are broken.
  • H7665 shâbar: Meaning to burst... break (down, off, in pieces, up)... tear. This common word for "break" is used with H6561 in 1 Kings 19:11, where the wind rent the mountains and brake in pieces the rocks.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H6561 is seen in its dual application to both destruction and salvation.

  • Violent Judgment: The word often illustrates intense force and judgment. This is evident in the allegorical description of a vine's strong rods being broken and withered Ezekiel 19:12 and the warning of being torn apart like a lion rending its prey Psalms 7:2.
  • Breaking of Servitude: H6561 is used to represent a definitive break from oppression. The prophecy that Esau's descendants would break the yoke of servitude demonstrates that this word can signify political and personal liberation Genesis 27:40.
  • Divine Redemption: The term is elevated to describe God's ultimate act of salvation. The declaration that God redeemed Israel from its enemies is a cornerstone of praise Psalms 136:24. The lament that "there is none that doth deliver us" Lamentations 5:8 highlights the desperation felt in the absence of such a divine act.

Summary

In summary, H6561 is a dynamic term that encapsulates the concept of a decisive break. Whether describing the physical shattering of rocks, the removal of jewelry for idolatry, the casting off of an oppressive yoke, or the divine act of redemption, pâraq consistently portrays a powerful and complete separation. It illustrates how a single term can convey both the violence of being torn apart and the profound relief of being delivered.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 10 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 2×
  • Hithpael Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Piel Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 10 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Exodus (3 verses).

1
Genesis
3
Exodus
1
1 Kings
2
Psalms
1
Lamentations
1
Ezekiel
1
Zechariah

Verse Explorer

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