Lexical Summary parat: To break forth, to spread, to increase Original Word: פָרַט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chant A primitive root; to scatter words, i.e. Prate (or hum) -- chant. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition perhaps divide NASB Translation improvise (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מָּרַט] verb very dubious, Qal Participle plural הַמֹּרְטִים עַלמִּֿי הַנָּ֑בֶל Amos 6:5 (Late Hebrew break off, divide, so Syriac Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrence and Context Amos 6:5 contains the sole biblical use of פָרַט, describing the privileged citizens of Samaria who “improvise songs on the harp like David and invent for themselves instruments of music” (Berean Standard Bible). The prophet is announcing imminent judgment on a complacent elite (Amos 6:1–7). Their creative self-indulgence stands in stark contrast to the surrounding injustices and the impending collapse of the northern kingdom. Literary Force of the Verb The verb pictures spontaneous, showy performance. It carries no overt moral value in itself, yet within Amos it is framed negatively: their musical ingenuity is evidence of hearts dulled to spiritual reality. They have taken David’s revered example of worship and repurposed it as entertainment for personal pleasure. Cultural Background of Israelite Music Music occupied a central place in Israel’s life—celebrations (Exodus 15:20–21), royal processions (2 Samuel 6:5), temple liturgy (1 Chronicles 25:1). Instruments such as harps, lyres, cymbals, and horns were crafted with skill (1 Kings 10:12). In Amos 6 the same artistic impulse is present, but detached from covenant devotion. Contrast with Davidic Worship David pioneered musical worship that exalted the LORD (2 Samuel 6:14–15; Psalm 150). By echoing David’s creativity, the Samaritan nobility claimed continuity with Israel’s greatest king while ignoring his God-centered motive. David’s music led a nation toward humble praise; their music masked moral decay. Theological Insights 1. Worship divorced from obedience becomes hollow. Isaiah 1:12–17 shows that formal acts lose value when righteousness is neglected. Practical Applications for Ministry • Examine motives behind congregational music—creativity should serve proclamation and adoration, not self-display. Related Themes Across Scripture Job 21:12–13 and Luke 12:19 illustrate how carefree celebration can camouflage spiritual peril. Conversely, Revelation 5:9–10 portrays redeemed creativity focused entirely on Christ. Scripture therefore affirms music’s legitimacy while warning against its misuse. Summary פָרַט captures a moment when artistic improvisation betrayed a deeper complacency. The lone occurrence in Amos 6:5 serves as a perpetual reminder: every gift, including musical innovation, must yield to love for God and neighbor, lest it become an anthem of self-absorption on the eve of judgment. Forms and Transliterations הַפֹּרְטִ֖ים הפרטים hap·pō·rə·ṭîm happoreTim happōrəṭîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Amos 6:5 HEB: הַפֹּרְטִ֖ים עַל־ פִּ֣י NAS: Who improvise to the sound KJV: That chant to the sound of the viol, INT: improvise unto the sound 1 Occurrence |
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; Late Hebrew מְּרוּטָה, Aramaic מְּרִיטָא, small coin, change, hence) AW Ra AE Ki divide words into parts (in singing), AV chant; and Thes scatter (compare מֶּרֶט) empty words; possibly also would be stammer (of broken speech; said contemptuously): — (Arabic 
is precede, act hastily, IV. act extravagantly, talk immoderately (see further DrAm. 236), hence) AW (as alternative) improvise carelessly, idly.