from פָּעַר; yawning; Paarai, an Israelite; Paarai.
Transliteration:Paʻăray
Pronunciation:pah-ar-ah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פַּעֲרַי (Paʻăray, `{{H6474}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymology traces back to the root פָּעַר (paʻar, `{{H6473}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to open wide," "to gape," or "to yawn." Therefore, the name Paʻăray likely signifies "yawning" or "one who opens wide." As a proper name, its meaning would not denote a literal action but rather a characteristic, a circumstance of birth, or perhaps a symbolic attribute. While "yawning" might seem an unusual basis for a name, ancient names often reflected diverse observations, from physical traits to hopes or prayers of parents.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Paʻăray (`{{H6474}}`) appears only a single time in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[2 Samuel 23:35]]: "Paarai the Arbite." Here, Paʻăray is listed among the elite warriors known as David's Mighty Men, specifically within the list of "The Thirty" (or "The Thirty-Seven"). These men were celebrated for their extraordinary bravery, skill, and loyalty to King David.
A significant point of textual analysis arises when comparing this verse with its parallel account in [[1 Chronicles 11:37]], which lists "Naarai the son of Ezbai." This discrepancy suggests a textual variant between the two parallel passages. Scholars often consider the reading in Chronicles to be potentially more original or a variant tradition. Regardless of the textual debate, Paʻăray, if the correct reading in Samuel, is depicted as a valiant warrior, worthy of inclusion in such an esteemed company. His presence among David's most trusted and powerful men underscores his significant role in the kingdom, despite the rare and somewhat unusual nature of his name.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which Paʻăray (`{{H6474}}`) is derived: פָּעַר (paʻar, `{{H6473}}`). This root appears in various contexts in the Hebrew Bible, often conveying the idea of an opening that is wide or gaping:
* Of the mouth opening wide, sometimes in a hostile or mocking manner, as seen in [[Psalm 22:13]] where enemies "gape with their mouths."
* Of the earth opening its mouth, as in the account of Korah's rebellion in [[Numbers 16:30]] and [[Numbers 16:32]].
* It can also imply an empty or desolate void, a wide-open space.
While other biblical names might derive from physical characteristics or actions, the specific meaning of "yawning" for a proper name is quite unique. The concept of "opening" or "gap" is more broadly attested, but its application to a human name in this specific form is rare. The context of David's Mighty Men often features individuals with names reflecting strength, divine favor, or tribal affiliation, making Paʻăray's name stand out due to its unusual etymology.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name with a single, disputed occurrence, Paʻăray's (`{{H6474}}`) direct theological significance is limited. However, several indirect theological insights can be drawn:
* **Divine Sovereignty in Naming and Calling:** The Bible demonstrates that God uses individuals from all backgrounds and with all manner of names to fulfill His purposes. Paʻăray, regardless of the literal meaning of his name, was chosen and empowered to serve King David, a pivotal figure in God's redemptive plan and a type of the Messiah. This illustrates that God's choice is not based on human perceptions of grandeur or impressive titles, but on His sovereign will and the individual's faithfulness.
* **Humility and God's Instruments:** The possibility that a mighty warrior bore a name associated with a common, perhaps even unheroic, action like yawning, subtly highlights a profound theological truth: God often chooses the seemingly weak or unremarkable things of the world to shame the strong ([[1 Corinthians 1:27]]). It underscores that human instruments are merely vessels, and the power resides in God alone.
* **Textual Integrity and Preservation:** The textual variant between [[2 Samuel 23:35]] and [[1 Chronicles 11:37]] serves as a reminder of the human element in the transmission of the biblical text. While such variations exist, they typically do not alter core theological doctrines or historical narratives. Instead, they invite deeper textual criticism and reinforce the miraculous preservation of the Scriptures over millennia, maintaining their essential message and authority.
### Summary
Paʻăray (`{{H6474}}`) is a singular Hebrew proper name derived from the root פָּעַר (paʻar, `{{H6473}}`), meaning "to open wide" or "to yawn." It appears only once in [[2 Samuel 23:35]], identifying him as "Paarai the Arbite," one of King David's renowned Mighty Men. This occurrence is notable for its textual variant in [[1 Chronicles 11:37]], which lists "Naarai the son of Ezbai" in the parallel account. Despite the unusual etymological suggestion of "yawning," Paʻăray's inclusion among David's elite warriors underscores his valor and loyalty. Theologically, Paʻăray's name, rare and with a humble etymology, subtly reinforces the biblical theme of God's sovereign choice, demonstrating His capacity to use individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their names or perceived status, to accomplish His divine purposes. It also highlights the importance of textual scholarship in understanding the transmission of sacred texts.
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