פְּאֵר (pe.er)
pe.er
headdress
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun pe’er refers to a headdress, turban, or ornamental headpiece. It appears only four times in the Old Testament, primarily within the detailed instructions for priestly garments in Exodus and in Isaiah’s poetic descriptions of Jerusalem’s restoration.
Its core meaning centers on adornment that signifies dignity and status. In Exodus 28:40 and 39:28, it describes the turban worn by Aaron and his sons, marking them as set apart for sacred service. The word emphasizes the visual splendor associated with holiness, rather than mere clothing.
Isaiah uses the term metaphorically in Isaiah 61:10 and 62:3. Here, it represents the righteousness and glory God provides to His people, likened to a bridegroom wearing a priestly headdress or a bride adorned with jewels. This usage shifts the focus from literal fabric to spiritual honor, showing how physical ornaments can symbolize divine favor.
Translators typically render pe’er as "turban," "headdress," or "ornament." The choice depends on context: literal in Exodus, figurative in Isaiah. The word consistently points to something worn on the head that enhances appearance and indicates identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pe’er describes more than just a piece of cloth; it signifies dignity, status, and honor. In the Old Testament, this headdress marked the priests as set apart for sacred service. It was not merely about looking good, but about reflecting a holy identity before God. When Aaron wore his turban, it showed that he carried the weight of representing the people in God’s presence.
Later prophets used this image to speak of spiritual restoration. Isaiah describes God clothing His people with righteousness like a bridegroom wearing a glorious headpiece. This shifts the focus from physical fabric to divine favor. It reminds us that our true value comes not from our own efforts, but from the honor God gives us.
For your faith, this means you are seen as precious and set apart. You do not need to earn dignity through performance. God offers you a robe of righteousness and a headpiece of glory. This assurance allows you to walk with confidence, knowing your identity is secure in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a turban2×
- the/ head-dresses1×
- [the] head-wrap of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פַּאֲרֵ֥י1×
- פְּאֵ֜ר1×
- פְּאֵ֔ר1×
- הַ/פְּאֵרִ֤ים1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 39:28
the turban of fine linen, the linen headbands of fine linen, the linen trousers of fine twined linen,
This verse specifies the physical construction of the priestly turban, grounding the concept of holy office in tangible reality.
-
Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh! My soul will be joyful in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Here the term illustrates the joy and righteousness God provides, comparing it to a bridegroom’s decorative headpiece.
-
Isaiah 3:20
the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume containers, the charms,
This list includes headdresses among other ornaments, showing how such items were central to social status in ancient Israel.