### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **peresh**, represented by `{{H6569}}`, refers to **excrement** or **dung**. Its base definition is excrement as it is eliminated. This specific term appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses**, primarily in contexts related to sacrificial law and divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law, `{{H6569}}` is consistently associated with the parts of a sacrificial animal that are considered unclean and must be disposed of. In the instructions for sin offerings, the **dung** of the bullock, along with its skin and flesh, was to be burned with fire outside the camp ([[Exodus 29:14]], [[Leviticus 8:17]]). This physical removal from the community's sacred space underscored its impurity. The same procedure is mandated for the bullock and goat of the sin offering on the Day of Atonement [[Leviticus 16:27]]. In a prophetic context, the word is used to convey extreme contempt and judgment. God warns the corrupt priests that He will spread **dung** upon their faces, specifically the **dung** of their solemn feasts, as a sign of their defilement and rejection [[Malachi 2:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{H6569}}` is used:
* `{{H1320}}` **bâsâr** (flesh): This word for **flesh** or body is frequently listed alongside dung and skin as parts of the animal to be burned outside the camp, distinguishing the physical remains from the sacred offering ([[Leviticus 4:11]], [[Numbers 19:5]]).
* `{{H5785}}` **ʻôwr** (skin): The **skin** or hide of the sacrificial animal is also disposed of with the flesh and dung, treated as part of the refuse that must be removed [[Leviticus 16:27]].
* `{{H8313}}` **sâraph** (burn): This verb is consistently used to describe the prescribed action for dealing with **dung**. The command is to **burn** it completely with fire, signifying its utter destruction as part of a purification process [[Exodus 29:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6569}}` is seen in its consistent application to themes of purity and judgment.
* **Ritual Separation:** The repeated command to carry the **dung** "without the camp" highlights the biblical principle of separating the holy from the profane and the clean from the unclean ([[Leviticus 8:17]], [[Leviticus 16:27]]).
* **Worthlessness in Sacrifice:** As a component of the sin offering that is utterly destroyed, **dung** represents the worthless and defiled aspects associated with sin, which cannot be presented to God but must be completely removed.
* **Symbol of Humiliation:** The prophetic use of **dung** serves as a powerful metaphor for divine rejection. By threatening to spread **dung** on the priests' faces, God illustrates how their corrupted worship has become disgusting and shameful in His sight [[Malachi 2:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6569}}` **peresh** is a stark and visceral term for dung that primarily functions within Israel's ritual system. It is not merely a biological waste product but a potent symbol of ritual impurity, that which must be separated and destroyed. From the detailed instructions for sin offerings in Leviticus to the scathing prophecies in Malachi, **peresh** illustrates the profound biblical concepts of holiness, the consequences of sin, and the utter contempt God holds for profane worship.
TRV