פֶּ֫רֶק (pe.req)
pe.req
plunder
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.req carries the core meaning of plunder or spoil, specifically that which is seized by force. Its primary occurrence in the Bible is found in Obadiah 1:13, where it describes the violent looting of Judah’s gates by foreign invaders. In this context, the word captures the tangible result of military conquest—the goods taken from a defeated city.
Lexical sources note that pe.req also relates to the idea of a "parting of ways" or a crossroad. This etymological root suggests a breaking apart or a junction where paths diverge. The connection between a physical break and the act of plundering likely stems from the imagery of forces splitting open defenses or dividing property among victors. While rare, this dual sense highlights how the word bridges spatial division and violent acquisition.
Translators typically render pe.req as "plunder" or "spoil" to emphasize the loss suffered by the victim rather than the gain of the aggressor. Its singular use in Obadiah underscores the specific tragedy of that moment: the enemy did not just enter the city, they dismantled its security and carried away its wealth. The word serves as a stark marker of humiliation and material loss in prophetic judgment literature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pe.req describes plunder, the goods seized by force after a conquest. In Obadiah 1:13, it marks the tragic loss of Judah’s security and wealth to invaders. This image reminds us that injustice brings real pain, but God sees the brokenness caused by violence.
For your faith, this word highlights the importance of protecting the vulnerable. When others take what is not theirs, it reflects a deep disorder in the world. Yet, God’s justice ultimately restores what was stolen. We can trust that He cares about our losses and will make all things right in His time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ parting of ways1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/פֶּ֔רֶק1×
Key Verses
-
Obadiah 1:14
Don’t stand in the crossroads to cut off those of his who escape. Don’t deliver up those of his who remain in the day of distress.
The context of this verse involves standing at crossroads to capture those fleeing, which directly relates to the plundering described in the preceding verse.