פֶּ֫רַע (pe.ra)
pe.ra
lock
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun pe’ra refers to a lock of hair or long hair on the head. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 6:5, where it describes the Nazirite vow. The text commands that no razor shall touch the person’s head during the days of separation, allowing the locks of hair to grow long as a visible sign of dedication to God.
This single occurrence highlights how physical appearance could serve as a public marker of spiritual commitment. By leaving the hair uncut, the Nazirite demonstrated a set-apart status that distinguished them from the general community. The word captures the tangible nature of this vow, turning a personal choice into an observable reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word pe’ra refers specifically to a lock or tuft of hair, appearing only once in Scripture within Numbers 6:5. This verse outlines the Nazirite vow, where individuals dedicated themselves to God for a specific period by letting their hair grow long and uncut. It was a visible, physical marker of a set-apart life, showing that their devotion extended beyond private prayer into public identity.
For your faith today, this word reminds us that our commitment to God is not always hidden. Just as the Nazirite’s hair served as a tangible sign of dedication, our lives can reflect our inner spiritual state through consistent actions and character. It invites you to consider how your daily choices visibly demonstrate your trust in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] lock[s] of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פֶּ֖רַע1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 6:5
“‘All the days of his vow of separation no razor shall come on his head, until the days are fulfilled in which he separates himself to Yahweh. He shall be holy. He shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.
This verse uses pe’ra to describe the physical evidence of a Nazirite’s vow, where uncut hair served as a public sign of separation to God.