from פָּאַר; properly, illuminated, i.e. a glow; as noun, a flush (of anxiety); blackness.
Transliteration:pâʼrûwr
Pronunciation:paw-roor'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פָּארוּר (pâʼrûwr, `{{H6289}}`) presents a fascinating semantic paradox, stemming from the root פָּאַר (pa'ar, `{{H6286}}`), which typically signifies "to adorn," "to glorify," or "to beautify." While the base definition of pâʼrûwr suggests "illuminated" or "a glow," its actual usage in the Hebrew Bible points to a contrasting meaning: a "flush of anxiety" or, more strikingly, "blackness." This apparent contradiction is best understood not as a literal color "black," but as a severe darkening, pallor, or ashen appearance of the face brought on by extreme fear, anguish, or dread. It describes a disfigurement of the countenance, a loss of the normal healthy glow, replaced by a dark, sickly hue indicative of profound distress. It is the antithesis of a radiant, healthy glow, representing instead a "dark flush" or "pallor of terror."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term pâʼrûwr (`{{H6289}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in prophetic books, describing the physical manifestation of overwhelming dread:
1. **[[Joel 2:6]]**: "Before them peoples writhe in anguish; all faces grow pale (literally, 'gather pâʼrûwr')."
In this context, Joel describes a devastating locust plague, which is metaphorically portrayed as an invading army. The "gathering of pâʼrûwr" on the faces of the people signifies their utter terror and helplessness in the face of this overwhelming destruction. It is a visual representation of their internal agony, a collective expression of despair that transcends mere fear, reaching into the realm of existential dread.
2. **[[Nahum 2:10]]**: "She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness (literally, 'gather pâʼrûwr')."
Here, Nahum vividly depicts the impending destruction of Nineveh. As the city faces its inevitable downfall, its inhabitants are overcome with terror. The "gathering of pâʼrûwr" on their faces again emphasizes the profound and paralyzing fear that grips them. Their physical reactions—melting hearts, trembling knees, and agonizing pain—culminate in this visible darkening of their countenances, a stark image of their complete loss of composure and hope.
In both instances, pâʼrûwr is associated with intense collective anguish, depicting the physical response to inescapable calamity and divine judgment. It is not a literal change in skin color to black, but a metaphorical expression of extreme emotional and physical distress, a profound darkening or ashen pallor that reflects the inner turmoil.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root פָּאַר (pa'ar, `{{H6286}}`), from which pâʼrûwr (`{{H6289}}`) is derived. As noted, pa'ar typically means "to glorify," "to adorn," or "to beautify," often used in contexts of divine glory or human adornment. This creates a striking semantic tension: a root associated with glory and beauty gives rise to a word describing a visage of terror and despair. This contrast underscores the severity of the condition pâʼrûwr describes—a complete reversal of glory into ignominy and dread.
Conceptually, pâʼrûwr relates to other biblical terms describing the physical manifestations of fear, anguish, and divine judgment. While not etymologically linked, words like חֲרָדָה (charadah, `{{H2731}}`, "trembling" or "dread") or those describing the "melting" of hearts (e.g., [[Joshua 5:1]]) or "fainting" (e.g., [[Isaiah 13:7]]) share the semantic field of overwhelming terror and its physical impact. Pâʼrûwr uniquely captures the visual aspect of this distress on the face, making it a powerful and concise descriptor of utter despair.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent use of pâʼrûwr (`{{H6289}}`) carries significant theological weight. It serves as a vivid descriptor of the human experience in the face of overwhelming divine judgment or the catastrophic consequences of sin and rebellion.
1. **Consequences of Judgment**: Pâʼrûwr underscores the severity and inevitability of God's judgment. When divine wrath is unleashed, or when consequences unfold, the effect on humanity is not merely superficial but profoundly unsettling, manifesting even in the physical appearance. It signifies a complete stripping away of human pride, strength, and composure.
2. **Human Helplessness**: The "gathering of pâʼrûwr" on faces portrays the utter helplessness of humanity when confronted with forces beyond their control, whether a literal plague or an invading army, both seen as instruments of divine will. It is a visual testament to the loss of all hope and agency.
3. **Antithesis of Glory**: In stark contrast to the glory (pa'ar) that belongs to God or that believers are called to reflect, pâʼrûwr represents the antithetical state of profound human despair and disfigurement. It is a reminder that apart from divine favor, humanity is prone to anguish and dread, particularly when facing the just recompense for sin.
4. **Prophetic Warning**: As found in prophetic books, pâʼrûwr acts as a powerful warning. It paints a grim picture of the future for those who stand against God or whose societies are ripe for judgment, emphasizing the tangible and visceral terror that awaits.
### Summary
Pâʼrûwr (`{{H6289}}`) is a rare and evocative Hebrew term, used only twice in the biblical text, to describe a "darkening" or "pallor" of the face brought on by extreme fear and anguish. Despite its etymological connection to a root meaning "to glorify" or "to adorn" (pa'ar, `{{H6286}}`), pâʼrûwr signifies the antithesis: a countenance disfigured by overwhelming dread and despair. In both [[Joel 2:6]] and [[Nahum 2:10]], it powerfully conveys the physical manifestation of collective terror in the face of divine judgment or inescapable calamity. Theologically, pâʼrûwr serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of judgment and the utter helplessness of humanity when confronted with such overwhelming forces, highlighting a profound reversal from glory to deep distress.
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