from פָּרַק; soup (as full of crumbed meat); broth. See also מַרְפֵּא.
Transliteration:pârâq
Pronunciation:paw-rawk'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6564 (פָּרָק, *pârâq*) is derived from the root H6563 (פָּרַק, *pâraq*), which carries the primary meaning "to break," "to tear off," or "to rescue/deliver." While Strong's Concordance defines H6564 specifically as "soup (as full of crumbed meat)" or "broth," its etymological connection to "breaking" suggests a broader semantic range. This could refer to food that has been broken down (as in ingredients for soup or broth) or a portion of food that has been broken off, such as a "morsel" or "piece." The concept of "brokenness" is central, whether applied to the preparation of food or the division of a portion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6564 (פָּרָק, *pârâq*) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Judges:
* **[[Judges 19:5]]**: "When the man rose up to depart, his father-in-law said, 'Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread (פָּרָק), and afterward you may go.'"
In this solitary occurrence, the context is one of hospitality and sustenance. The father-in-law urges his guest, the Levite, to "strengthen his heart" (חזק לבב, *ḥāzaq lēvāv*) before continuing his journey. While the Strong's definition points to "broth," most English translations render H6564 here as "morsel of bread," "piece of bread," or simply "food" (e.g., KJV, NASB, ESV). This translation aligns well with the root H6563 (פָּרָק, *pâraq*), implying a piece broken off for consumption. The purpose is clearly to provide nourishment and strength for a journey, highlighting the restorative power of food. The discrepancy between the "broth" definition and the "morsel of bread" translation suggests that H6564 might refer to a general portion of solid food, possibly one that is easily consumed or broken, rather than exclusively a liquid broth in this specific context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Strong's definition for H6564 explicitly references H4832 (מַרְפֵּא, *marpê'*), which means "healing," "remedy," or "health." This connection is significant:
* **Healing Properties:** In ancient cultures, broths and certain foods were often considered medicinal, used to restore strength to the weak or sick. The act of "strengthening the heart" with food in [[Judges 19:5]] resonates with the concept of a remedy or restoration of vitality, thus linking H6564 to H4832.
* **The Root H6563 (פָּרַק, *pâraq*):** As mentioned, the verb H6563 means "to break off," "to tear off," or "to rescue/deliver." This root informs the noun H6564 in several ways:
* **Broken Food:** A "morsel" is a piece broken off. Broth is made from ingredients broken down.
* **Deliverance/Rescue through Sustenance:** The act of providing food, especially to someone in need of strength for a journey, can be seen as a form of "rescue" or "deliverance" from weakness or hunger. The food "delivers" strength to the body.
The broader semantic field includes words related to food, nourishment, hospitality, and the restoration of physical strength.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence and somewhat ambiguous translation, H6564 (פָּרָק, *pârâq*) points to several significant theological themes:
* **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** The act of offering and receiving food for strength underscores God's general provision for human needs. Even a simple "morsel" or "broth" is a gift that sustains life and enables one to continue their journey, whether physical or metaphorical.
* **Hospitality and Care:** The context in [[Judges 19:5]] highlights the importance of hospitality in ancient Israelite culture. Providing food to a guest was a sacred duty, reflecting care for the sojourner and adherence to communal values. This act of hospitality mirrors God's own welcoming and sustaining nature towards His people.
* **Restoration and Strengthening:** The phrase "strengthen your heart" (חזק לבב) speaks to the restorative power of nourishment. Theologically, this can be extended to the spiritual realm, where God provides spiritual food (His Word, His presence, the Sacraments) to strengthen the weary soul and enable perseverance in faith. Just as physical food sustains the body, spiritual sustenance invigorates the spirit for its journey through life.
* **The Mundane as Sacred:** The ordinary act of eating a "morsel of bread" becomes a vehicle for expressing care, fulfilling duty, and receiving strength. This reminds us that God's grace and provision are often found in the most common and essential aspects of daily life.
### Summary
H6564 (פָּרָק, *pârâq*) is a rare Hebrew term, appearing only once in [[Judges 19:5]]. While Strong's defines it as "soup" or "broth," its derivation from H6563 (פָּרָק, "to break, tear off") and its contextual usage suggest a "morsel" or "piece of food" broken off for consumption. The primary function in its single biblical occurrence is to "strengthen the heart" for a journey, emphasizing its role in physical sustenance and restoration. The connection to H4832 (מַרְפֵּא, "healing") further highlights the restorative quality of such nourishment. Theologically, H6564 points to themes of divine provision, the sacred duty of hospitality, and the importance of both physical and spiritual sustenance for life's journey.
TRV