### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Pâʻûw**, represented by `{{H6464}}`, is the name of a place in Edom. It is derived from a root meaning **screaming**. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, identifying the city of an Edomite king. The name is also rendered as Pai.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6464}}` appears exclusively within the genealogies of the kings of Edom. In Genesis, the city is called **Pau** and is identified as the city of King Hadar, who reigned after the death of Baalhanan the son of Achbor [[Genesis 36:39]]. A parallel account in 1 Chronicles names the city as **Pai** and identifies it as the city of King Hadad, who also reigned after Baalhanan died [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]. In both instances, the name serves to anchor the reign of a specific Edomite ruler to a geographical location.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide the context for the appearance of this place name:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (a city): This is the generic term for which Pau/Pai is the specific name. Both accounts identify `{{H6464}}` with the phrase "the name of his **city**" ([[Genesis 36:39]], [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]).
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This word establishes the royal context. The city is only mentioned because its king **reigned** over Edom after his predecessor's death ([[Genesis 36:39]], [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]).
* `{{H1924}}` **Hădar** (Hadar): This name identifies the Edomite king whose city was **Pau** [[Genesis 36:39]]. He is noted as having reigned after the death of Baalhanan. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles identifies this king as Hadad `{{H1908}}` [[1 Chronicles 1:50]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H6464}}` lies in its contribution to the biblical record:
* **Historical Specificity:** The inclusion of **Pau** demonstrates the Bible's attention to detail in its historical records. By naming a specific **city** `{{H5892}}` associated with a particular Edomite king, the text provides a geographical anchor for the genealogical list ([[Genesis 36:39]], [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]).
* **Royal Succession:** The mention of the city is always tied to a transition of power. It is named as the home of the king who **reigned** `{{H4427}}` after his predecessor **died** `{{H4191}}`, highlighting the theme of royal succession within the Edomite lineage ([[Genesis 36:39]], [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]).
* **Genealogical Record:** The name is embedded within the formal accounting of Edom's rulers. The record extends to the king's wife, **Mehetabel** `{{H4105}}`, and her ancestry through her mother **Matred** `{{H4308}}` and grandmother **Mezahab** `{{H4314}}` [[Genesis 36:39]].
### Summary
In summary, **Pâʻûw** `{{H6464}}` is a proper noun identifying a city in Edom. Its two appearances, as **Pau** and **Pai**, are found in parallel passages detailing the succession of Edomite kings. While not a word with deep doctrinal meaning, its presence is significant for grounding the biblical genealogies in a specific time and place, reinforcing the historical texture of the scriptural account.
TRV