### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Parbâr**, represented by `{{H6503}}`, refers to **Parbar or Parvar, a quarter of Jerusalem; Parbar, suburb**. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This term, noted as being of foreign origin, designates a specific external area or annex connected to the temple grounds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H6503}}` is used to pinpoint a specific location with distinct functions. In [[1 Chronicles 26:18]], it is described as a place on the **westward** `{{H4628}}` side of the temple complex, with **four** `{{H702}}` guards stationed at the **causeway** `{{H4546}}` and **two** `{{H8147}}` at Parbar itself. In [[2 Kings 23:11]], the area is referred to as "the **suburbs**," where the **chamber** `{{H3957}}` of **Nathanmelech** `{{H5419}}` the **chamberlain** `{{H5631}}` was located. This was the site where idolatrous **horses** `{{H5483}}` **given** `{{H5414}}` to the **sun** `{{H8121}}` by the **kings** `{{H4428}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` were kept near the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and location of Parbar:
* `{{H4628}}` **maʻărâb** (the west): This word provides a precise directional orientation for Parbar in relation to the temple [[1 Chronicles 26:18]].
* `{{H4546}}` **mᵉçillâh** (a thoroughfare... causeway, ...terrace): This term describes the major architectural feature associated with Parbar, indicating it was an area of passage or access [[1 Chronicles 26:18]].
* `{{H3957}}` **lishkâh** (a room in a building... chamber, parlour): The presence of a **chamber** in the Parbar highlights its function as a space for lodging or official business for individuals like Nathanmelech [[2 Kings 23:11]].
* `{{H5419}}` **Nᵉthan-Melek** (given of (the) king; Nethan-Melek): The official whose chamber was located in the Parbar, connecting the location to a specific royal appointee [[2 Kings 23:11]].
### Theological Significance
The structural significance of `{{H6503}}` is tied to its role in temple operations and religious purity.
* **Strategic Access Point:** As a **westward** `{{H4628}}` quarter with a **causeway** `{{H4546}}`, Parbar served as a controlled entryway to the temple complex, staffed with assigned personnel [[1 Chronicles 26:18]].
* **Site of Idolatry and Reform:** Parbar was directly implicated in the idolatry of the **kings** `{{H4428}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}`, as it housed the **horses** `{{H5483}}` and **chariots** `{{H4818}}` dedicated to the **sun** `{{H8121}}`. Consequently, it became a focus of King Josiah's reforms when he **took away** `{{H7673}}` these objects and **burned** `{{H8313}}` the chariots [[2 Kings 23:11]].
* **Official Quarters:** The location of a **chamberlain's** `{{H5631}}` room within this "suburb" shows it was an area designated for officials serving either the king or the temple, placing it in close proximity to the **house of the LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6503}}` is a precise geographical term identifying a suburb or quarter on the western side of the temple in Jerusalem. Though mentioned infrequently, its context reveals its importance as both an architectural feature for access and lodging, and as a historically significant site where pagan worship was established and later purged during a period of religious renewal.
TRV