6546. pera
Lexical Summary
pera: leaders, long-haired

Original Word: פַרְעָה
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: par`ah
Pronunciation: peh'-rah
Phonetic Spelling: (par-aw')
KJV: + avenging, revenge
NASB: leaders, long-haired
Word Origin: [feminine of H6545 (פֶּרַע - locks) (in the sense of beginning)]

1. leadership
2. (plural, concretely) leaders

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 Origin
from 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.
Judges 5:2 celebrates Israel’s deliverers: “When the leaders take the lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, bless the LORD!” Here the word elevates volunteer warriors whose bold devotion sparks national praise.

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).
2. Consecrated Leadership: The image of uncut hair links civil or military leadership with spiritual consecration. Authority in Israel is not merely civic; it is religious, rooted in covenant loyalty.
3. Judgment and Salvation in One Motif: The same term frames both blessing (praise for faithful leaders) and curse (doom of God’s foes), illustrating Scripture’s consistent two-edged portrayal of God’s dealings with humanity.

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.
• Calling Leaders to Consecration: Visible symbols may change, yet the principle remains—spiritual authority flows from personal holiness. Pastors and elders lead best when their lives, like the ancient warriors’ hair, testify to wholehearted devotion.
• Warning against Pride: Deuteronomy 32 cautions that status and charisma cannot protect the unrepentant. Churches must measure success by obedience, not spectacle.

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 peraOt
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman'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
HEB: בִּפְרֹ֤עַ פְּרָעוֹת֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּהִתְנַדֵּ֖ב
NAS: That the leaders led in Israel,
INT: led the leaders Israel volunteered

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 6546
2 Occurrences


par·‘ō·wṯ — 1 Occ.
pə·rā·‘ō·wṯ — 1 Occ.

6545
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