פָּרַם (pa.ram)
pa.ram
to tear
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb param means to tear or rip something apart, specifically referring to the act of rending garments. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, with two occurrences in Leviticus 10:6 and 21:10 where it describes priests tearing their clothes as a sign of mourning or ritual defilement.
This word carries a heavy emotional weight, capturing the visceral reaction to profound grief or shock. Unlike general words for breaking, param implies a deliberate, forceful ripping action. The sources highlight its use in contexts of extreme distress, such as when Aaron’s sons died or when a high priest entered the Most Holy Place.
Its rarity makes each instance significant. In Leviticus 10:6, Moses commands Aaron and his remaining sons not to tear their clothes (param) at the tabernacle entrance, showing that even in deep mourning, ritual order must be maintained. This contrasts with other biblical figures who routinely tore their garments as an outward expression of inner turmoil.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word param describes a sudden, violent tearing of garments in response to shock or grief. In the Old Testament, this was a raw, physical expression of inner turmoil. It captures moments when words failed and only action could convey the depth of pain or horror.
Yet Scripture also shows restraint. In Leviticus 10:6, Moses instructed Aaron not to tear his clothes after losing his sons. This command highlights that worship and obedience sometimes require holding back even our deepest emotional reactions. It reminds us that God values order and trust, even in the face of devastating loss.
For believers today, this word invites reflection on how we express sorrow. While we may not tear our clothes, we still carry heavy burdens. The Bible encourages bringing those burdens to God with honesty, while trusting in His sovereignty and peace that surpasses understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you must tear1×
- torn1×
- he will tear1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִפְרֹ֙מוּ֙1×
- פְרֻמִים֙1×
- יִפְרֹֽם\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 10:6
Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, “Don’t let the hair of your heads go loose, and don’t tear your clothes, so that you don’t die, and so that he will not be angry with all the congregation; but let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which Yahweh has kindled.
This verse shows the word used in a command to restrain grief, highlighting the tension between natural mourning and divine instruction.
-
Leviticus 21:10
“‘He who is the high priest among his brothers, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and who is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose, or tear his clothes.
Here the high priest is forbidden from tearing his clothes, emphasizing that sacred office requires maintaining composure even in personal tragedy.
-
Leviticus 13:45
“The leper in whom the plague is shall wear torn clothes, and the hair of his head shall hang loose. He shall cover his upper lip, and shall cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’
This occurrence links torn clothes with the declaration of uncleanness, showing how physical signs communicated spiritual and social reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word param mean?
Why did priests not tear their clothes in Leviticus?
How is param different from other words for tearing?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, “Don’t let the hair of your heads go loose, and don’t…
Leviticus 13:45“The leper in whom the plague is shall wear torn clothes, and the hair of his head shall hang loose. He shall cover his…
Leviticus 21:10“‘He who is the high priest among his brothers, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and who is consecrated to…