Lexical Summary peraq: Joint, knuckle Original Word: פְרַק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance break off (Aramaic) corresponding to paraq; to discontinue -- break off. see HEBREW paraq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to paraq Definition to tear away, break off NASB Translation break away (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מְּרַק] verb tear away, break off (see Biblical Hebrew [מָּרַק]); — Pe`al Imperative masculine singular מְּרֻק Daniel 4:24 (compare Dr), acc of sins + ב instrumental Topical Lexicon Idea of Deliberate Separation The word depicts a purposeful act of tearing oneself loose from something that holds or binds. It is not a casual drifting away but a decisive, often urgent, severance—whether from sin, oppression, or any obstacle to faithfulness. Canonical Setting The sole biblical occurrence is Daniel 4:27, where Daniel counsels King Nebuchadnezzar: “But break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, so that your prosperity may be prolonged”. Spoken in Aramaic, the verb sits in the heart of the prophetic warning that precedes the king’s temporary madness (Daniel 4:28-33). The setting highlights royal accountability to God and the reality that repentance is the only path to sustained blessing. Historical Background Nebuchadnezzar stood at the pinnacle of imperial power. Yet Daniel, an exile, confronts him with a summons to moral reform. In the ancient Near Eastern worldview kings were often deemed semi-divine, but Scripture strips away that illusion, insisting that even the greatest monarch must “break off” sin and practice justice. The word thus embodies a prophetic critique of earthly sovereignty and points to Yahweh’s ultimate authority over all kingdoms (Daniel 4:17). Theological Significance 1. Repentance as Separation: The verb portrays repentance not merely as remorse but as an active rupture with wrongdoing (cf. Isaiah 1:16-17; Proverbs 28:13). New Testament Echoes While the exact term does not recur, its concept reappears: Practical and Devotional Implications • Personal Holiness: Believers are called to identify and decisively “tear away” any habitual sin, trusting the Spirit’s enabling power (Romans 8:13). Homiletical Suggestions • Sermon Title: “Break Away: The Urgency of Repentance” Conclusion Though appearing only once, פְרַק vividly portrays the heart of repentance—an intentional, sometimes costly, severance from sin that opens the door to renewed fellowship with God and blessing for oneself and others. Forms and Transliterations פְרֻ֔ק פרק feRuk p̄ə·ruq p̄əruqLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:27 HEB: ק) בְּצִדְקָ֣ה פְרֻ֔ק וַעֲוָיָתָ֖ךְ בְּמִחַ֣ן NAS: be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins KJV: unto thee, and break off thy sins INT: sin by righteousness break your iniquities showing 1 Occurrence |
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