### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pârâq**, represented by `{{H6564}}`, is a specific term for **soup** or **broth**. According to its base definition, it signifies a soup full of crumbed meat. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in the entire Bible, which makes its single context critically important for its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H6564}}` is found in [[Isaiah 65:4]]. The verse describes people engaging in profane and idolatrous acts: remaining among graves, lodging in hidden places, and eating swine's flesh. In this context of rebellion, the passage mentions a **broth** `{{H4839}}` of abominable things `{{H6292}}` is in their vessels, with **pârâq** `{{H6564}}` being used to denote this specific broth. Its appearance here is directly linked to actions that are detestable and ceremonially unclean.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide crucial context for the meaning of `{{H6564}}`:
* `{{H4839}}` **mârâq** (broth): Defined as soup or **broth**, this word appears alongside `{{H6564}}` in [[Isaiah 65:4]]. However, it is also used in a neutral or positive context, such as when Gideon prepares **broth** as part of a meal for the angel of God [[Judges 6:19-20]]. This highlights that the impurity of the broth in Isaiah comes from its contents, not the word itself.
* `{{H6292}}` **piggûwl** (abominable): This term, meaning something ceremonially unclean or **abominable**, directly modifies the **broth** in [[Isaiah 65:4]]. Its use elsewhere in scripture is consistently tied to defilement, such as peace offerings that have become **abominable** ([[Leviticus 7:18]], [[Leviticus 19:7]]) or **abominable** flesh that must not be eaten [[Ezekiel 4:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6564}}` is derived entirely from its single, negative context.
* **Ritual Defilement:** The word is exclusively associated with a substance that is ceremonially unclean. The broth is not merely food but an **abominable** `{{H6292}}` concoction, consumed as part of a series of forbidden acts.
* **Symbol of Idolatry:** The consumption of this specific **broth** alongside swine's flesh in a setting of graves and monuments [[Isaiah 65:4]] points to participation in pagan or syncretic rituals that were explicitly condemned.
* **Basis for Judgment:** In the broader passage of Isaiah 65, the actions described, including the making and keeping of this **broth**, are cited as the reasons for God's coming judgment upon a rebellious people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6564}}` **pârâq** is a term whose meaning is completely defined by its singular, powerful appearance. Unlike the more general word for broth, `{{H4839}}`, **pârâq** is used in scripture only to denote a specific broth of abominable things. It functions as a potent symbol of ritual impurity, idolatry, and willful rebellion against God's commands as described in [[Isaiah 65:4]].
TRV