פְּרַס

פְּרַס

to split up

Definition

The Aramaic verb פְּרַס (pᵉraç) means 'to split up,' 'to divide,' or 'to break into pieces.' In its two biblical occurrences in Daniel 5, it describes the act of division, specifically of a kingdom. In Daniel 5:25, it appears in the mysterious handwriting on the wall as 'Upharsin,' interpreted as 'and divided.' In Daniel 5:28, the interpretation is explicitly given: 'PERES; your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.' The word carries a sense of decisive, judicial separation, often with a connotation of judgment.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, specifically in the narrative of Belshazzar's feast. It appears only twice, both times in the context of divine judgment pronounced upon the Babylonian kingdom. The usage is highly specific and dramatic, forming the climax of the handwriting on the wall episode. It is not used for ordinary physical division but for the sovereign, judicial partitioning of political power by God.

Etymology

פְּרַס (pᵉraç) is an Aramaic verb corresponding to the Hebrew verb פָּרַס (pāras, H6536), which also means 'to split' or 'to break in two.' The root concept is division or separation. The word 'Peres' in the interpretation (Daniel 5:28) is a deliberate wordplay, as it sounds like the name 'Persia' (פָּרַס, Pāras), the empire that would receive the divided kingdom, linking the action of dividing directly to the agent of judgment.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates a key theme of God's sovereignty over nations. The act of 'dividing' a kingdom is presented as a direct judicial decree from God against pride and idolatry, as seen in Belshazzar's actions (Daniel 5:22-23). It underscores that God is the one who sets up and removes kings (Daniel 2:21). Understanding this term enriches the reading of Daniel 5 by highlighting the finality and divine authority behind the judgment on Babylon, a pivotal moment in biblical history. In the ancient Near Eastern context, handwriting appearing supernaturally on a wall would have been understood as an omen of supreme importance, typically from the gods. The use of פְּרַס in this setting, interpreted by Daniel, directly challenged the power and permanence of the Babylonian king. The wordplay with 'Persia' would have been a chillingly clear message to the court, indicating not just division but the specific identity of the conquering power. It transformed a cryptic sign into a specific prophetic announcement. פָּרַס (pāras, H6536) — The Hebrew cognate, also meaning 'to split or break.' פְּרַס is its Aramaic counterpart used in the same semantic field but within a specific, prophetic-judicial context in Daniel.

Word Details