Lexical Summary perash: translated Original Word: פְרַשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance distinctly (Aramaic) corresponding to parash; to specify -- distinctly. see HEBREW parash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to parash Definition to make distinct NASB Translation translated (1). Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Literary Background The single appearance of פְרַשׁ in Ezra 4:18 occurs within the Aramaic section of Ezra (4:8–6:18; 7:12–26), a portion that preserves official Persian correspondence. The verb is used in the passive participle form to describe how the king’s officials had the Judean petition “plainly read” before him. Its semantic field centers on making something explicit, setting forth the precise sense of a written text, or translating it so that the hearer understands without ambiguity. Historical Context in Ezra 4 Ezra 4 recounts opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and temple foundations following the exile. Enemies of Judah wrote a formal accusation to King Artaxerxes, warning that a restored Jerusalem would rebel against Persian authority. The king ordered the archives searched, then replied: “The letter you sent us has been read and translated in my presence” (Ezra 4:18). The use of פְרַשׁ underscores three realities: 1. Imperial administration required precision; accusations could not be acted upon until put into the king’s court language and explained line by line. Theological Significance of Clarity Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself in intelligible words. Ezra 4:18 contributes a linguistic witness to this principle. The same book later depicts priests who “read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Nehemiah 8:8). Although a different verb is used there, both passages point to the necessity of faithful exposition. The clarity reflected in פְרַשׁ anticipates: Implications for Ministry and Worship 1. Translation and expository preaching: Ezra 4:18 legitimizes the work of translators and teachers who labor to render God’s Word “plainly” for every people group. Practical Applications • Invest in Bible translation efforts so that every tribe may hear Scripture “plainly.” Related Biblical Parallels Nehemiah 8:8; Daniel 5:16; Luke 24:32; Acts 8:30–35; 1 Corinthians 14:19. In its single occurrence, פְרַשׁ serves as a quiet yet potent testimony to God’s commitment to make His Word understood, sustaining the covenant community amid political challenges and foreshadowing the New Testament call to clear proclamation of the gospel. Forms and Transliterations מְפָרַ֥שׁ מפרש mə·p̄ā·raš mefaRash məp̄ārašLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:18 HEB: שְׁלַחְתּ֖וּן עֲלֶ֑ינָא מְפָרַ֥שׁ קֱרִ֖י קָדָמָֽי׃ NAS: you sent to us has been translated and read KJV: unto us hath been plainly read INT: sent us has been translated and read before 1 Occurrence |
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