פַּר (par)

The noun par refers to a young bull or steer, an animal valued in ancient Israel for both its strength and its role in religious life. It appears frequently in the books of Numbers, Leviticus, and Exodus, where it serves as a primary offering for sin and consecration. The term distinguishes this specific age and gender of cattle from older bulls or female oxen, highlighting its particular suitability for sacrificial rituals.

Etymologically, the word likely derives from a root meaning to break forth or divide, possibly alluding to the animal’s vigorous energy or the split hoof characteristic of clean animals. This connection underscores the physical vitality associated with the par, making it a fitting symbol for the substantial nature of the offerings required in the tabernacle and temple services.

Translators typically render par as "bullock" or "young bull," reflecting its status as a prime male cattle used in covenant ceremonies. Its repeated appearance in detailed sacrificial lists emphasizes its central place in Israelite worship, where it represented a significant portion of a family’s wealth and a solemn act of devotion to God.