perhaps by compounding פָּרָשׁ and פָּרַד (in the sense of straddling) (compare פַּרְשֵׁז); the crotch (or anus); dirt.
Transliteration:parshᵉdôn
Pronunciation:par-shed-one'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פַּרְשְׁדֹן (transliterated parshᵉdôn, Strong's H6574) is a lexically rare and somewhat obscure word, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible. Its etymology is debated but commonly posited to derive from a compounding of roots. Strong's suggests a connection to פָּרָשׁ (parash, perhaps related to "spreading out" or "straddling," as in a horseman `{{H6571}}`) and פָּרַד (parad, "to divide" or "to separate" `{{H6504}}`), with a comparison to פַּרְשֵׁז (parshes, "to stretch out" `{{H6573}}`). This etymological basis points towards a meaning related to the separation or spreading of the legs. Consequently, its primary anatomical definition refers to "the crotch" or "the anus." From this anatomical referent, the word takes on a secondary, derived meaning of "dirt" or "excrement," specifically referring to the waste matter associated with these bodily regions. The singular occurrence necessitates careful contextual analysis to fully grasp its intended nuance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פַּרְשְׁדֹן (H6574) appears exclusively in Deuteronomy 23:14 (or 23:13 in some English translations, depending on verse numbering conventions). The passage reads: "And you shall have a paddle among your weapons, and it shall be, when you sit down outside, you shall dig with it, and turn back and cover your parshᵉdôn." [[Deuteronomy 23:14]]
The context is a set of purity laws for the Israelite military camp. This specific command addresses the proper disposal of human waste. The instruction is remarkably practical and hygienic, requiring soldiers to carry a digging tool, go outside the camp to relieve themselves, dig a hole, and then cover their excrement. The use of parshᵉdôn here clearly refers to the waste itself, the "dirt" or "excrement" that issues from the body. The meticulous nature of this law underscores the profound emphasis on ritual purity and cleanliness within the Israelite camp, particularly because the Lord Himself "walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to give your enemies over to you" [[Deuteronomy 23:15]]. The presence of God necessitated an absolute separation from anything defiling, even human waste.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its proposed etymology, parshᵉdôn is semantically linked to words suggesting separation, division, or spreading. The root פָּרַד (parad, `{{H6504}}`) means "to divide," "to separate," or "to scatter," which aligns with the act of defecation and the subsequent covering of the waste. Similarly, פָּרָשׁ (parash, `{{H6571}}`), while often meaning "horseman," can also relate to "spreading out" or "stretching forth," which could refer to the posture taken during defecation. The related term פַּרְשֵׁז (parshes, `{{H6573}}`) means "to stretch out" or "to spread out," further supporting the connection to the physical act.
Beyond its etymological roots, parshᵉdôn connects to broader biblical concepts of purity (טָהוֹר `{{H2889}}`) and impurity (טָמֵא `{{H2930}}`). The Mosaic Law meticulously detailed what constituted clean and unclean, extending even to bodily discharges and waste. This word, therefore, falls under the umbrella of ritual purity, emphasizing the necessity of removing sources of defilement from the holy camp. It relates to the concept of holiness (קָדוֹשׁ `{{H6918}}`), particularly the idea that God's presence demands a consecrated space, free from any form of physical or spiritual pollution.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of parshᵉdôn in Deuteronomy 23:14 carries significant theological weight despite its seemingly mundane subject matter. It reveals God's meticulous concern for holiness and order, not only in sacred rituals but also in the most ordinary and even unsavory aspects of daily life. The command to cover one's parshᵉdôn is not merely a hygienic measure; it is a theological statement.
Firstly, it underscores the pervasive nature of God's holiness. Because the Lord "walks in the midst of your camp," every aspect of the camp, even its waste disposal, must reflect His purity. Defilement, even from human excrement, was considered an affront to God's presence and could lead to His withdrawal from the camp. This teaches that true holiness extends beyond the sanctuary and permeates every corner of human existence.
Secondly, it highlights divine wisdom in practical matters. God, in His infinite wisdom, instituted laws that ensured the health and well-being of His people, long before modern sanitation. This demonstrates His care for both the spiritual and physical welfare of Israel.
Finally, the command serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual integrity. Just as physical defilement must be hidden and removed from God's sight, so too must spiritual impurities (sin, unrighteousness) be dealt with and covered, ideally through repentance and atonement, to maintain communion with a holy God. The very word, though referring to something base, serves to elevate the understanding of God's absolute demand for purity in all things.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פַּרְשְׁדֹן (parshᵉdôn, H6574) is a unique and potent term, appearing only in [[Deuteronomy 23:14]]. Etymologically linked to concepts of spreading and separation, its core meaning refers to "the crotch" or "anus," extending to "dirt" or "excrement." In its sole biblical context, it precisely denotes human waste, emphasizing the command for its proper and immediate burial outside the Israelite camp. This seemingly simple hygienic instruction carries profound theological significance, underscoring the pervasive nature of God's holiness and His demand for absolute purity in all aspects of life, even the most mundane. It reveals God's meticulous care for the physical and spiritual well-being of His people and the necessity of maintaining an undefiled environment when in the presence of a holy God. The word, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder that reverence for the Divine extends to every detail of human conduct, ensuring that nothing impure remains exposed in the sight of the Lord.
TRV