פַּרְזֶל
𐤐𐤓𐤆𐤋
parzel
H6523 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A metal, specifically iron, used in ancient contexts primarily for tools, weapons, and implements. In the Hebrew Bible (specifically in Aramaic portions), 'parzel' refers to the material 'iron,' both in its natural mineral state and as it is forged or shaped for human use. The term carries semantic nuance depending on context, including the raw material, manufactured objects, and symbolically as an emblem of strength, hardness, or impenetrability.
Semantic Range
iron (the metal), iron implements or objects, symbol of strength or resilience, metaphor for harshness or inflexibility
Root / Etymology
The word פַּרְזֶל (parzel) is of uncertain origin. It is the Aramaic form corresponding to the Hebrew בַּרְזֶל (barzel, 'iron'). Some suggest an ancient non-Semitic loanword, as similar words for 'iron' appear in other Northwest Semitic languages, but its precise etymology remains debated.
Historical & Contextual Notes
פַּרְזֶל (parzel) appears in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, such as Daniel and Ezra, where Aramaic supersedes Hebrew as the primary language. Its usage aligns with the wider ancient Near Eastern recognition of iron as a valuable and strong material. In Israelite and Judahite contexts, iron marks a period transition from the Bronze to Iron Age, and its mention often reflects technological advances (e.g., iron tools, iron weaponry). The Hebrew form, בַּרְזֶל (barzel), is more common in pre-exilic and monarchic texts, while the Aramaic parzel appears after the Babylonian exile, particularly in texts documenting Persian administration or court life. The term occasionally has metaphorical use as a symbol of toughness, inflexibility, or power (e.g., 'iron legs,' 'iron teeth' in Daniel 2:33, 40; 7:7, 19). English translations typically render the word simply as 'iron,' which largely captures the literal sense but may miss some symbolic connotations in apocalyptic or poetic passages.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to בַּרְזֶל; iron; iron.
Bantu Hebrew
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ברזל (b-r-z-l) — hardness, strength, metal (iron)
Word Forms
6 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6523-01 |
פַרְזֶ֑ל | farezel | ANcmsa |
iron | iron | 6 |
H6523-02 |
פַרְזְלָ֖/א | farezela | ANcmsd/Td |
of iron | the iron | 6 |
H6523-05 |
פַּרְזְלָ/א֩ | parezela | ANcmsd/Td |
the iron | the iron | 4 |
H6523-04 |
פַּרְזֶ֔ל | parezel | ANcmsa |
iron | iron | 2 |
H6523-06 |
וּֽ/כְ/פַרְזְלָ֛/א | ukhefarezela | AC/R/Ncmsd/Td |
and-as-iron | and like the iron | 1 |
H6523-03 |
כְּ/פַרְזְלָ֑/א | kefarezela | AR/Ncmsd/Td |
as-iron | as the iron | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
20 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6523-01 |
Daniel 2:33 | פַרְזֶ֑ל | farezel | ANcmsa |
iron | iron |
H6523-01 |
Daniel 2:33 | פַרְזֶ֔ל | farezel-2 | ANcmsa |
iron | iron |
H6523-02 |
Daniel 2:34 | פַרְזְלָ֖/א | farezela | ANcmsd/Td |
of iron | the iron |
H6523-05 |
Daniel 2:35 | פַּרְזְלָ/א֩ | parezela | ANcmsd/Td |
the iron | the iron |
H6523-03 |
Daniel 2:40 | כְּ/פַרְזְלָ֑/א | kefarezela | AR/Ncmsd/Td |
as-iron | as the iron |
H6523-02 |
Daniel 2:40 | פַרְזְלָ/א֙ | farezela | ANcmsd/Td |
iron | the iron |
H6523-06 |
Daniel 2:40 | וּֽ/כְ/פַרְזְלָ֛/א | ukhefarezela | AC/R/Ncmsd/Td |
and-as-iron | and like the iron |
H6523-04 |
Daniel 2:41 | פַּרְזֶ֔ל | parezel | ANcmsa |
iron | iron |
H6523-02 |
Daniel 2:41 | פַרְזְלָ֖/א | farezela | ANcmsd/Td |
the iron | the iron |
H6523-05 |
Daniel 2:41 | פַּ֨רְזְלָ֔/א | parezela | ANcmsd/Td |
the iron | the iron |