פִּרְדָּה

פִּרְדָּה

a she-mule

Definition

פִּרְדָּה specifically refers to a female mule, a hybrid animal resulting from the crossbreeding of a male donkey and a female horse. In the biblical context, it is a distinct term from the male mule (פֶּרֶד, H6505). All three occurrences of the word are found in 1 Kings 1, where it is used exclusively for the royal mount of King David and his designated successor, Solomon. The text emphasizes that this was David's personal she-mule, highlighting its role in a pivotal moment of royal succession.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only three times, all within the narrative of Solomon's anointing in 1 Kings 1:33, 38, and 44. It appears in a highly specific and formal context: King David commands that his son Solomon be placed on the king's own פִּרְדָּה to be led to Gihon for his public coronation. The repetition of the term underscores the ceremonial and political significance of the act, marking the official transfer of royal authority through the use of the king's personal property.

Etymology

פִּרְדָּה is the feminine form of the masculine noun פֶּרֶד (pered, H6505), meaning 'mule.' The root likely relates to the idea of separation or distinction, possibly reflecting the mule's status as a hybrid, 'separate' from its purebred parents. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian 'perdum,' also meaning mule.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a simple animal term, its usage in 1 Kings 1 carries significant symbolic weight. The act of placing Solomon on King David's own she-mule was a public, tangible declaration of dynastic succession and divine choice (1 Kings 1:33-34). It visually communicated the transfer of kingly authority and legitimacy, fulfilling God's promise to David (2 Samuel 7). Understanding this specific Hebrew term enriches the reading by highlighting the deliberate, ceremonial detail in a foundational moment for the Davidic monarchy. In the ancient Near East, mules were highly valued, sturdy pack and riding animals, often associated with royalty and the wealthy due to their cost and strength. The specific use of the king's personal she-mule, as opposed to a horse or donkey, would have been a clear signal of royal protocol and status. This differs from a modern understanding where mules are less common and carry no inherent royal symbolism. פֶּרֶד (pered, H6505) — the masculine form, a male mule. סוּס (sûs, H5483) — a horse, a purebred animal, not a hybrid like the mule. חֲמוֹר (ḥămôr, H2543) — a donkey, one of the parent animals of a mule.

Word Details