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פֶּרַע

𐤐𐤓𐤏

peraʻ

H6545 noun

SILEX Entry

Root פרע to let go, let loose, neglect

Definition

Unbound or disheveled hair, especially head hair that hangs loosely. This term refers specifically to hair that is not arranged, confined, or covered, and is often used to describe a state of disorder or lack of restraint in appearance. In various contexts, it can denote loose or wild hair, typically as an outward sign of mourning, ritual separation, or neglect.

Semantic Range

unbound hair, loose/disorderly hair, grown uncut hair (as in the Nazirite vow), let hair go loose as sign of mourning or neglect, disheveled appearance

Root / Etymology

Root פָּרַע (para‘), meaning 'to let go, let loose, neglect' — the noun פֶּרַע derives from this root, denoting that which is let loose or unrestrained, specifically referring to hair. The formation is a common noun pattern that embodies the result or state of the root action (i.e., hair that is unbound or neglected).

Historical & Contextual Notes

פֶּרַע is most commonly used to describe hair that is left loose and unkempt, often as an intentional sign of ritual status or mourning. In priestly texts (e.g., Leviticus, Numbers, Ezekiel), the prohibition or allowance of leaving one's hair unbound is related to specific periods of vow (such as the Nazirite vow) or mourning practices. The Nazirites are instructed to let their hair grow and be left unshorn and unarranged (Numbers 6:5), signifying separation from ordinary life. Priests are commanded not to let their hair grow wild as a sign of self-control and ritual order (Leviticus 10:6; Ezekiel 44:20). English translations often render פֶּרַע as 'locks', 'unbound hair', or 'disheveled hair'; however, 'locks' may obscure the primary sense of looseness or lack of restraint, and 'disheveled' often carries a negative connotation which is not always implied in Hebrew. The term may serve as a public signifier of one's ritual or emotional state rather than merely a description of physical appearance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from פָּרַע; the hair (as dishevelled); locks.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

פרע (p-r-ʿ) — let go, let loose, neglect

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H6544 פָּרַע in letting loose
H6546 פַּרְעָה leaders of
H6549 פַּרְעֹה נְכֹה Pharaoh Necho
H6550 פַּרְעֹשׁ flea
H6552 פִּרְעָתוֹן in Pirathon

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6545-01 פֶּ֖רַע pera HNcmsc locks unbound hair of 1
H6545-02 וּ/פֶ֖רַע ufera HC/Ncmsa or let grow long unbound hair 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6545-01 Numbers 6:5 פֶּ֖רַע pera HNcmsc locks unbound hair of
H6545-02 Ezekiel 44:20 וּ/פֶ֖רַע ufera HC/Ncmsa or let grow long unbound hair
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