The Hebrew word Paʻăray, represented by H6474, is a proper name meaning yawning; Paarai, an Israelite. It is a very specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text. Its sole purpose is to identify a particular individual.
The single appearance of H6474 is in a list of King David's mighty men found in 2 Samuel 23:35. In this verse, he is identified as "Paarai the Arbite," indicating he was a native of Arab. He is listed alongside another warrior, "Hezrai the Carmelite," establishing his place among the honored heroes who served David.
Several related words provide context for Paarai's identity and the record in which he appears:
- H701 ʼArbîy (Arbite): This patrial term directly describes Paarai, defining him as "an Arbite or native of Arab". It connects his identity to a specific location.
- H2695 Chetsrôw (Hezro, Hezrai): This is the name of the man listed with Paarai in 2 Samuel 23:35. The name also appears as Hezro in a parallel list in 1 Chronicles 11:37, though in that account a different individual is named afterward.
- H3761 Karmᵉlîy (Carmelite): This designation, meaning "a Karmelite or inhabitant of Karmel," is applied to Hezrai/Hezro, the man named alongside Paarai.
While not a term with deep theological weight, the inclusion of H6474 carries significance in the biblical narrative.
- Historical Preservation: The name Paarai is preserved in scripture to honor the identity and service of one of David's mighty men.
- Geographic Diversity: By identifying Paarai as "the Arbite," the text highlights that David's elite warriors were drawn from various locations and clans within Israel.
- Scribal Context: The presence of Paarai in the 2 Samuel 23:35 list, compared to a different name in the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 11:37, provides insight into the transmission of biblical texts.
In summary, H6474 is the proper name Paʻăray, identifying one of David's mighty men. Its significance is not found in a broad theological concept but in its specific, singular role within the historical record of David's kingdom. The name is preserved in 2 Samuel 23:35, cementing the identity of Paarai the Arbite as one of the heroes of ancient Israel.
TRV