פָּרַשׂ (pa.ra.s)
pa.ra.s
to spread
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 55 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb paras means to spread out, stretch, or break apart. It describes the physical act of unfolding something—whether a cloth, a sail, or wings—to cover an area or display it fully. The root idea involves taking what is gathered and extending it outward, often implying a deliberate arrangement or exposure.
This word appears in diverse contexts that highlight its range. In Exodus, it describes the craftsmen spreading out the tabernacle’s coverings, while in Isaiah, it depicts God stretching out His hands in prayer or judgment. The same action applies to nature, as when a bird spreads its wings (Deuteronomy 32:11), or to human behavior, where folly is said to be spread abroad for all to see (Proverbs 13:16).
A notable distinction lies in its connection to breaking. The sources link paras to the idea of shattering or dispersing, suggesting that spreading out often follows a breaking apart. This dual sense—both assembling and scattering—gives the word a dynamic quality. It is not merely passive placement but an active unfolding that reveals what was previously hidden or contained.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paras captures a simple yet profound physical action: spreading something out to reveal what was once hidden or contained. In the biblical narrative, this act is rarely just about decoration. When craftsmen spread coverings over the tabernacle, they were preparing a holy space for God’s presence. When Moses spread his hands toward heaven, he was opening himself fully in prayer and intercession. The word suggests intentionality. It is not passive placement but an active unfolding that invites observation or protection.
For your daily faith life, this imagery offers comfort. Just as the cherubim spread their wings to cover the mercy seat, God’s care often involves a deliberate covering of His people. When you feel exposed or vulnerable, remember that spreading out can also mean making room for grace. Whether it is a garment offered in kindness or hands lifted in surrender, paras reminds us that God sees what is laid bare and meets us there with steadfast love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 55 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they will spread out5×
- and/ he spread out5×
- spreading out3×
- and/ he will spread out3×
- they will spread out2×
- spread out2×
- he spreads out2×
- he spread out2×
- and/ you will spread out2×
- and/ they spread out2×
- and/ he spread out/ it2×
- [were] spreading out2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּפְרֹ֥שׂ4×
- וּ/פָרַ֥שׂ3×
- וּ/פָרְשׂ֣וּ3×
- פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י2×
- פֹּרְשִׂ֣ים2×
- פָּרַ֣שׂ2×
- וַ/יִּפְרְשֵׂ֥/הוּ2×
- תְּפָרֵ֣שׂ1×
- פּוֹרֵ֥שׂ1×
- פֹּרֵ֖שׂ1×
- פֹּֽרְשִׂ֖ים1×
- פָּרֻ֣שׂ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 9:29
Moses said to him, “As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands to Yahweh. The thunders shall cease, and there will not be any more hail; that you may know that the earth is Yahweh’s.
Moses uses this specific verb to describe his posture of intercession, linking the physical act of spreading hands directly to the cessation of judgment.
-
Ruth 3:9
He said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your servant. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.”
Ruth’s request for Boaz to spread the corner of his garment uses this word to signify a plea for kinship protection and redemption.
-
Exodus 25:20
The cherubim shall spread out their wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat.
The cherubim spreading their wings over the mercy seat establishes the word’s connection to divine covering and the location of God's presence.
-
I Kings 8:22
Solomon stood before Yahweh’s altar in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven;
Solomon spreads his hands toward heaven during dedication, modeling how this physical gesture serves as a universal posture for prayer in Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does paras mean in the Bible?
Why do people spread their hands in prayer?
How is this word used in the story of Ruth?
Every Occurrence (55 verses across 20 books)
Exodus 5 verses
Moses said to him, “As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands to Yahweh. The thunders shall…
Exodus 9:33Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread out his hands to Yahweh; and the thunders and hail ceased, and the…
Exodus 25:20The cherubim shall spread out their wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one…
Exodus 37:9The cherubim spread out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one…
Exodus 40:19He spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tabernacle above on it, as Yahweh commanded Moses.