Lexical Summary pera: leaders, long-haired Original Word: פַרְעָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance avenging, revenge Feminine of pera' (in the sense of beginning); leadership (plural concretely, leaders) -- + avenging, revenge. see HEBREW pera' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition perhaps leader NASB Translation leaders (1), long-haired (1). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Usage The noun designates a person of prominence distinguished by unshorn hair—an outward mark of dedication or rank. In the Ancient Near Eastern setting, flowing hair could signal consecration (as with Nazirites) or martial prowess. Scripture employs the term figuratively for those who take the lead in battle or, conversely, for enemy chiefs slated for judgment. Scriptural Occurrences • Deuteronomy 32:42 portrays the LORD’s retribution reaching “from the heads of the enemy leaders,” underscoring that no rank or prowess can shield the ungodly from divine justice. Historical Background In the Late Bronze and early Iron Age, warriors often entered combat with hair uncut as a sign of vow or valor. Within Israel, such a gesture recalled the Nazirite model (Numbers 6), where unshorn hair marked total devotion to God. Thus, during the era of the judges, commanders who “let their hair flow” visually proclaimed dependence on the LORD rather than on conventional military might. In contrast, the Song of Moses looks ahead to Israel’s conquests and to later confrontations with arrogant foreign chieftains. Their vaunted locks symbolize pride that invites God’s sword. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty over Leaders: Whether Israelite champions or pagan commanders, all “long-haired ones” stand under God’s rule. He honors willing servants (Judges 5) and humbles rebels (Deuteronomy 32). Practical Implications for Ministry • Encouraging Lay Initiative: Judges 5:2 models congregational life in which believers “volunteer” and step forward without coercion. Leaders today foster such willingness by blessing, not controlling, God’s people. Christological Reflection The motif of the consecrated, victorious leader finds ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose dedication unto death secured triumph over all hostile powers (Colossians 2:15). He embodies both the volunteer deliverer praised in Judges and the divine warrior announced in Deuteronomy, ensuring judgment on His enemies while leading His people in praise. Summary The word captures a vivid biblical picture: hair let loose in fearless devotion. It honors those who step forward for God’s purposes and warns that every proud commander will ultimately bow. In every age, the LORD seeks leaders whose outward actions flow from inner consecration—followers of the Champion whose own zeal brought salvation. Forms and Transliterations פְּרָעוֹת֙ פַּרְע֥וֹת פרעות par‘ōwṯ par·‘ō·wṯ parot pə·rā·‘ō·wṯ pərā‘ōwṯ peraOtLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 32:42 HEB: וְשִׁבְיָ֔ה מֵרֹ֖אשׁ פַּרְע֥וֹת אוֹיֵֽב׃ NAS: and the captives, From the long-haired leaders KJV: from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy. INT: and the captives leaders the long-haired the enemy Judges 5:2 2 Occurrences |
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