פְּרַשׁ (pe.rash)
pe.rash
to make clear
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb perash means to make something clear or distinct, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Ezra 4:18. In this context, King Artaxerxes instructs his officials to examine the records carefully and then "make distinct" or specify exactly what was written in the original documents regarding Jerusalem. The word carries a sense of precision, requiring that details be separated out and clearly identified.
As a Pael form derived from the root parash ("to declare"), it emphasizes the act of clarifying information through careful examination. The term suggests more than just stating facts; it implies a process of distinguishing specific elements within a larger body of text or evidence. This usage highlights the importance of accuracy in official correspondence and historical record-keeping during the Persian period.
Translators typically render this verb as "make distinct" or "specify," reflecting its technical nature in administrative contexts. The single occurrence underscores how specific language was employed in diplomatic communications between empires, where precise wording could determine political outcomes. This rare usage provides insight into the linguistic precision required in ancient Near Eastern bureaucracy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we seek understanding in Scripture, clarity is often what we need most. This rare Aramaic word appears in Ezra 4:18, where King Artaxerxes orders his officials to examine records and make the details distinct. It reminds us that truth is not hidden in vague generalities but revealed through careful attention to specific facts.
In our own spiritual lives, we often face situations where the path forward seems obscured by confusion or mixed messages. This word encourages us to value precision and honesty. By asking for clear explanations and examining evidence carefully, we align ourselves with a God who is not a God of confusion but of order and truth.
May you find peace in seeking clarity, trusting that God illuminates the details necessary for your journey. Let this example from ancient bureaucracy inspire a commitment to integrity in your own life, knowing that clear communication builds trust and reflects the character of our Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- made distinct1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְפָרַ֥שׁ1×
Key Verses
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Ezra 4:18
The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me.
The king commands officials to make the contents of the letter distinct, emphasizing the need for precise identification of specific details rather than general summaries.