פָּרַס (pa.ras)
pa.ras
to divide
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb paras means to break or split something into pieces. In the Old Testament, it appears in eleven verses, primarily within Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where it describes the physical act of breaking objects or animals. The basic sense is straightforward: a whole entity is fractured or divided, often implying force or separation.
One notable usage occurs in Leviticus 1:6, where the worshiper is instructed to split the head of the offering from its body. This specific application highlights the ritual precision required for sacrifices; the animal must be properly prepared so that its parts can be arranged on the altar. The word emphasizes the tangible result of this division, marking a clear separation between components.
In Jeremiah 51:20, the term takes on a metaphorical weight as Babylon is described as God’s "hammer" used to break nations in pieces. Here, paras conveys destruction and the shattering of power structures. The verb thus moves from simple physical splitting to a broader image of decisive action that divides or defeats, reflecting both ritual order and divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Leviticus and Deuteronomy, this word describes a hoof that is split completely in two. This physical detail was not arbitrary; it served as a clear marker distinguishing clean animals from those that were not permitted for food. The requirement for a divided hoof created a visible boundary, teaching the people to pay close attention to the specifics of their obedience and their daily habits.
Isaiah 58:7 uses this same concept in a profound way. Here, dividing bread is linked to sharing it with the hungry. The physical act of breaking food becomes a spiritual act of generosity. It reminds us that true faith involves tangible actions, such as opening our hands to those in need rather than keeping resources to ourselves.
This word connects ritual purity with practical love. Whether it marks an animal as clean or calls us to share our meal, the idea of division serves a purpose. It helps us recognize what is right and guides us toward compassionate behavior in our everyday lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] dividing in two3×
- it divides in two2×
- they divide1×
- people will break1×
- and/ from/ [those which] divide in two1×
- and/ [any] of/ those dividing1×
- [which] divides1×
- [one which] divides in two1×
- [is] dividing1×
- [is it] to break1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַפְרֶ֣סֶת2×
- מַפְרִ֨יס2×
- פָרֹ֤ס1×
- מַפְרֶ֨סֶת1×
- מַפְרִ֔יס1×
- יַפְרִ֑יס1×
- יִפְרְס֥וּ1×
- וּ/מִ/מַּפְרִיסֵ֥י1×
- וּ/מִ/מַּפְרִיסֵ֖י1×
- הִפְרִ֔יסוּ1×
- הִפְרִ֑יסָה1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 11:3
Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and chews the cud among the animals, that you may eat.
This verse establishes the standard for clean animals by requiring a hoof that is split completely, setting the baseline for dietary obedience.
-
Deuteronomy 14:8
The pig, because it has a split hoof but doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat their meat. You shall not touch their carcasses.
The pig is explicitly excluded because its hoof is split but it does not chew the cud, showing how multiple criteria were used to define cleanliness.
-
Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh?
The term shifts from physical anatomy to social action, urging the reader to divide their bread by sharing it with the hungry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does paras mean in the dietary laws?
How is the meaning different in Isaiah 58:7?
Why is the pig mentioned in these verses?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)
Leviticus 6 verses
Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and chews the cud among the animals, that you may eat.
Leviticus 11:4“‘Nevertheless these you shall not eat of those that chew the cud, or of those who part the hoof: the camel, because it…
Leviticus 11:5The hyrax, because it chews the cud but doesn’t have a parted hoof, is unclean to you.
Leviticus 11:6The hare, because it chews the cud but doesn’t have a parted hoof, is unclean to you.
Leviticus 11:7The pig, because it has a split hoof, and is cloven-footed, but doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you.
Leviticus 11:26“‘Every animal which has a split hoof that isn’t completely divided, or doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you.…