פֶּרַע
the hair (as dishevelled)
Definition
פֶּרַע refers specifically to long, unshorn hair, often in a state of being let loose or dishevelled. In the Old Testament, it denotes the uncut hair of a Nazirite during their vow, symbolizing consecration (Numbers 6:5). It also describes the hair of priests, which they were commanded not to let grow long in mourning practices (Ezekiel 44:20). The term inherently carries a sense of hair that is not trimmed or groomed, emphasizing a state of natural growth or intentional neglect for religious or cultural reasons.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only twice in the Old Testament, both in legal or ritual contexts. In Numbers 6:5, it describes the uncut hair of a Nazirite as a sign of their holy separation to God. In Ezekiel 44:20, it instructs priests not to let their hair grow long (pera') as a mourning practice, maintaining ritual purity. Both uses involve hair length regulated by religious law, associating pera' with vows or priestly conduct.
Etymology
Derived from the root פָּרַע (para', H6544), meaning 'to let go, let loose, or neglect.' This root conveys a sense of releasing restraint, which directly informs פֶּרַע as hair that is 'let loose' or allowed to grow freely without cutting. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to hair or the head, emphasizing this physical sense.
Semantic Range
פֶּרַע is theologically significant as it visually represents devotion and holiness in the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:5), where uncut hair is a 'crown' of dedication to God. Conversely, in Ezekiel 44:20, restricting long hair for priests highlights the importance of distinguishing holy mourning practices from pagan rituals. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by revealing how physical appearance was tied to spiritual identity and purity in Israel's worship.
In ancient Israelite culture, hair length often carried symbolic meaning. Long, unshorn hair (pera') could signify a sacred vow, as with Nazirites, or in other contexts, excessive mourning (cf. Leviticus 10:6). Priests were prohibited from adopting such dishevelled hair in grief to avoid associations with pagan mourning rites. This contrasts with modern views where hair length is typically a matter of personal or fashion choice without ritual significance.
שֵׂעָר (se'ar, H8181) — general term for hair or hairy skin; צִיצִת (tsitsit, H6734) — a lock or tassel, often of hair or fabric; מַחְלָפָה (machlaphah, H4253) — a braid or plait of hair, implying arrangement (unlike pera').
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →