The Hebrew phrase ʼÊyl Pâʼrân, represented by H364, is a proper name for a location. Its base definition is oak of Paran; El-Paran, a portion of the district of Paran; El-paran. This specific name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a highly specific geographical reference.
The single biblical mention of H364 occurs in Genesis 14:6, where it serves as a geographical marker. The verse describes the territory of the Horites, noting they were "in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness." This context establishes El-paran as a landmark defining the extent or boundary of the area associated with the Horites in that region.
The meaning of H364 is clarified by the words used alongside it in its only appearance:
- H2752 Chôrîy (Horites): Defined as a "cave-dweller or troglodyte," this term identifies the people group inhabiting the region of Mount Seir where El-paran is located Genesis 14:6.
- H2042 hârâr (mount): Meaning "a mountain; hill, mount(-ain)," this word specifies the type of terrain the Horites occupied Genesis 14:6.
- H8165 Sêʻîyr (Seir): A proper name meaning "rough," this refers to the specific mountain of Idumaea where the narrative takes place Genesis 14:6.
- H5921 ʻal (by): A preposition used to show relation, signifying location "above, over, upon, or against." In this context, it places El-paran next to the wilderness Genesis 14:6.
- H4057 midbâr (wilderness): This word describes a "pasture... by implication, a desert; also speech... wilderness," indicating that El-paran was situated at the edge of an uncultivated region Genesis 14:6.
The geographical significance of H364 is established entirely by its singular context in the narrative.
- Boundary Marker: El-paran functions as a waypoint or boundary, marking the limit of the Horite domain in Mount Seir as described in the account Genesis 14:6.
- Transitional Location: Its placement "by the wilderness" H4057 suggests it is a landmark on the border between the mountainous region of Seir and the adjacent desert or pasture land.
- Point of Reference: The name, meaning "oak of Paran," provides a precise point of reference within the broader geography of the district of Paran, connecting a specific feature to the larger region.
In summary, H364 ʼÊyl Pâʼrân is a precise place name used once in scripture to define a location. Its sole appearance in Genesis 14:6 fixes its position as a landmark associated with the Horites H2752 in mount H2042 Seir H8165, adjacent to the wilderness H4057. Rather than carrying theological weight, its importance is purely geographical, providing a specific and vivid detail within the biblical landscape.
TRV