פֶּ֫רַע

From the study of Ezekiel 44:20

Range of meaning

Long hair that is free and unrestrained. The related verb pāraʿ means 'let loose, unbind, let go.' The noun is used for the Nazirite's uncut hair ('let the locks of the hair of his head grow,' Num 6:5) and possibly for warriors' flowing hair (Deut 32:42; Judg 5:2, which is debated).

Against the English

English versions say 'let their hair grow long' (BSB, KJV 'locks'). That catches length but can miss the second idea in the root: hair hanging loose and unkempt, the sign of a mourner or someone ritually unclean.

Used elsewhere in the period

The same root governs the priestly mourning law: 'Do not let the hair of your heads hang loose' (Lev 10:6, said to Aaron's sons after Nadab and Abihu died). The high priest 'shall not let his hair hang loose' (Lev 21:10). Lepers (Lev 13:45) and the woman suspected of adultery (Num 5:18) have their hair loosened as a sign of their shamed or impure state.

From the study of Numbers 6:5

Range of meaning

Loose, unbound, untrimmed hair; long locks. The related verb means "to let go, let loose, leave unbound" (Lev 10:6; 13:45; 21:10, of letting the hair hang loose; Num 5:18, of a priest loosening a woman's hair; Exod 32:25, of the people "let loose").

Against the English

KJV, ESV and NASB: "the locks of the hair of his head." BSB and NIV: "let the hair… grow long." YLT: "the upper part of the hair", an older guess that most modern lexicons do not follow. "Grow long" is accurate about length but loses the sense of hair that is untouched, left to grow freely.

Used elsewhere in the period

Judg 5:2, bifroa‘ pera‘ot beyisra’el, is often taken to mean "when locks hung loose in Israel." This may refer to warriors who let their hair grow under a vow before battle, though the line is debated. Deut 32:42 speaks of "the long-haired heads of the enemy." The Greek Septuagint here describes the Nazirite as one who "grows long hair" (komē).