פֶּ֫רַע (par.ah)
par.ah
leader
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun perah appears only twice in the Old Testament, yet it carries significant weight as a term for leadership. In both occurrences, Judges 5:14 and Deuteronomy 33:5, it translates to "leader" or "commander," describing those who guide people in times of crisis or national formation.
Its usage is distinctively martial and communal. In Deborah’s song, the tribes are listed by their leaders, highlighting the organized response to battle. Similarly, in Moses’ blessing, it refers to the leaders who gathered Israel in the wilderness. The word emphasizes authority and direction rather than just status.
Translators consistently render perah as "leader" or "commander," reflecting its concrete role in guiding groups. Unlike terms for kingship (melek), which imply dynastic rule, perah suggests functional authority, often temporary or situational, suited to the context of tribal confederacies and military campaigns.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word perah describes a leader who steps up when guidance is needed most. It does not refer to someone holding power by birth or title, but to those who take responsibility for others in difficult times. This kind of leadership is about direction and care, guiding people through uncertainty with courage and clarity.
In the Old Testament, this term appears in moments where communities face crisis or transition. Leaders are called not because they seek status, but because others look to them for stability. When we read of such figures, we see an invitation to serve faithfully in our own contexts, offering steady support to those around us.
Whether in times of peace or trial, leadership remains a gift meant to build up the community. May you find strength in knowing that God raises up helpers when they are needed most, and may your own life reflect that same spirit of service.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- heads1×
- [the] leaders of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פַּרְע֥וֹת1×
- פְּרָעוֹת֙1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 5:2
“Because the leaders took the lead in Israel, because the people offered themselves willingly, be blessed, Yahweh!
This verse highlights how leaders inspire willing participation among the people, showing their role in mobilizing communal action.
-
Deuteronomy 32:42
I will make my arrows drunk with blood. My sword shall devour flesh with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the head of the leaders of the enemy.”
Here the term refers to enemy commanders, illustrating that perah applies even to opposing forces, emphasizing functional authority rather than moral alignment.