a primitive root; to bear fruit (literally or figuratively); bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase.
Transliteration:pârâh
Pronunciation:paw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb פָּרָה (pârâh, `{{H6509}}`) is a primitive root carrying the fundamental meaning of "to bear fruit" or "to be fruitful." Its semantic range extends beyond mere biological reproduction to encompass a broader sense of productivity, increase, and flourishing. This can manifest literally in the context of plants yielding their produce or animals multiplying their kind. Figuratively, it speaks to prosperity, growth in numbers or influence, and the successful outcome of endeavors. The causative forms ("cause to be fruitful," "make fruitful") highlight divine agency or human action in bringing about such increase. It denotes a state of vitality and abundance, often linked to blessing and divine favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb פָּרָה (pârâh, `{{H6509}}`) appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, often in pivotal passages related to creation, covenant, and blessing.
One of its earliest and most significant occurrences is in the creation account, where God blesses humanity with the command, "Be fruitful and multiply" ([[Genesis 1:22]], [[Genesis 1:28]]). This establishes fruitfulness as an intrinsic part of God's original design for life, both for animals and for humankind, signifying divine blessing and the perpetuation of life. This command is reiterated to Noah after the flood ([[Genesis 9:1]], [[Genesis 9:7]]), underscoring its foundational importance for repopulating the earth.
The promise of fruitfulness is a recurring theme in the Abrahamic covenant. God promises Abraham that his descendants will be exceedingly fruitful ([[Genesis 17:6]], [[Genesis 28:3]]), linking the concept directly to the promise of numerous offspring and the formation of a great nation. This promise extends to Jacob ([[Genesis 35:11]]) and is seen as a fulfillment in the rapid growth of the Israelites in Egypt ([[Exodus 1:7]]).
Beyond human procreation, פָּרָה (pârâh) also describes the productivity of the land. For instance, the land of Israel is promised to be fruitful when the people obey God's commands ([[Leviticus 26:9]]), indicating agricultural abundance as a sign of covenant faithfulness and divine favor. Conversely, a lack of fruitfulness can signify judgment or divine displeasure.
The word can also be used metaphorically. In [[Hosea 13:15]], Ephraim is described as "fruitful among his brothers," referring to their numerical strength and prominence. The concept of fruitfulness, therefore, is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative as a sign of life, blessing, and covenant fulfillment, often directly attributed to God's enabling power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of fruitfulness in the Hebrew Bible is interwoven with several other significant terms and ideas:
* **פְּרִי (pĕrî, `{{H6529}}`):** This is the direct noun form of פָּרָה (pârâh), meaning "fruit," "produce," or "offspring." It is the tangible result of the verb's action and frequently appears alongside it, as in "be fruitful and multiply" ([[Genesis 1:22]]).
* **רָבָה (râbâh, `{{H7235}}`):** Meaning "to multiply," "to become many," or "to increase." This verb often appears in parallel with פָּרָה (pârâh) in the divine blessing, "Be fruitful and multiply" ([[Genesis 1:22]], [[Genesis 1:28]]), emphasizing numerical growth and expansion.
* **בָּרַךְ (bârak, `{{H1288}}`):** Meaning "to bless." Fruitfulness is consistently presented as a primary manifestation of God's blessing. The divine command to "be fruitful" is itself a blessing, conveying the power and capacity for procreation and abundance.
* **צֶמַח (tsemah, `{{H6780}}`):** Meaning "sprout," "branch," or "growth." While not directly related morphologically, this term captures the idea of new life and growth, which is an inherent aspect of fruitfulness, particularly in the context of vegetation.
* **נָתַן (nātan, `{{H5414}}`):** Meaning "to give" or "to grant." God is often depicted as the one who "gives" fruitfulness, whether to the womb or to the land, highlighting His sovereignty over life and productivity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּרָה (pârâh, `{{H6509}}`) is profound and multifaceted.
Firstly, it underscores **God's creative power and benevolent design**. Fruitfulness is not an accidental outcome but a deliberate gift from the Creator, embedded in the very fabric of creation. It reflects God's desire for life to flourish and expand.
Secondly, it is intimately linked to **divine blessing and covenant faithfulness**. The ability to be fruitful, whether in terms of human lineage or agricultural yield, is consistently portrayed as a sign of God's favor and a reward for obedience. Conversely, barrenness or unproductive land can be seen as a consequence of sin or divine judgment. This makes fruitfulness a vital indicator of the covenant relationship between God and His people.
Thirdly, פָּרָה (pârâh) highlights **God's faithfulness to His promises**. The promise to Abraham that his descendants would be "exceedingly fruitful" was a cornerstone of the covenant, and its fulfillment throughout Israel's history demonstrated God's unwavering commitment to His word.
Fourthly, the concept of fruitfulness extends beyond the physical realm to encompass **spiritual productivity**. While the Hebrew Bible primarily uses פָּרָה (pârâh) in a literal sense, the New Testament often develops the metaphor of "bearing fruit" (e.g., `{{G2592}}` and `{{G2590}}`) in terms of righteous living, good works, and the spiritual harvest of the gospel. This provides a hermeneutical bridge, suggesting that God's desire for physical fruitfulness in the Old Testament foreshadows His desire for spiritual fruitfulness in the lives of believers. The command to "be fruitful" thus carries an enduring theological weight, calling humanity to participate in God's ongoing work of life and blessing, both physically and spiritually.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb פָּרָה (pârâh, `{{H6509}}`) signifies "to bear fruit," "to be fruitful," or "to increase." This primitive root encapsulates the concepts of productivity, growth, and abundance, whether literally in biological reproduction and agricultural yield, or figuratively in terms of prosperity and numerical expansion. From God's initial blessing in creation to the promises of the Abrahamic covenant, fruitfulness is consistently presented as a divine gift and a hallmark of God's blessing. It is often paired with "to multiply" (רָבָה, `{{H7235}}`) and is a direct manifestation of God's blessing (בָּרַךְ, `{{H1288}}`). Theologically, פָּרָה (pârâh) underscores God's creative design, His benevolent desire for life to flourish, His faithfulness to covenant promises, and His sovereign control over all forms of increase. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire for His creation, and particularly His people, to be vibrant, productive, and abundant in every good work.
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