### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pârâh**, represented by `{{H6509}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to bear fruit, grow, or increase**, both literally and figuratively. It appears 30 times across 28 unique verses in the Bible. The term is foundational to the biblical concepts of divine blessing, population growth, and agricultural abundance, extending even to prophetic and spiritual fulfillment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6509}}` appears in several significant contexts. It is introduced as one of God's first commands to his creation, instructing them to "**Be fruitful**, and multiply" [[Genesis 1:28]]. This mandate is repeated to Noah after the flood [[Genesis 9:1]]. The term is also a key component of God's covenant promises to the patriarchs, as when He pledges to make Abraham "exceeding **fruitful**" [[Genesis 17:6]]. It is used to describe the rapid growth of the Israelites in Egypt [[Exodus 1:7]] and is also employed metaphorically. Joseph is called a "**fruitful** bough" [[Genesis 49:22]], and in a key prophecy, a messianic "Branch" is said to "**grow**" from the roots of Jesse [[Isaiah 11:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of fruitfulness and growth:
* `{{H7235}}` **râbâh** (to increase): This word is frequently paired with `{{H6509}}` to express the fullness of God's blessing, as in the command to "be fruitful and **multiply**" [[Genesis 1:28]], emphasizing comprehensive growth.
* `{{H1288}}` **bârak** (to bless): Fruitfulness is consistently presented as the direct result of a divine **blessing**. God first **blesses** creation before commanding it to be fruitful [[Genesis 1:28]].
* `{{H5342}}` **nêtser** (a shoot; figuratively, a descendant): This term for a branch is linked to `{{H6509}}` in the prophecy where the messianic **Branch** is the one who will "**grow**" [[Isaiah 11:1]], connecting fruitfulness to a promised lineage.
* `{{H3318}}` **yâtsâʼ** (to go/bring out): This root connects to fruitfulness as an act of bringing forth. Kings are promised to "**come out**" of Abraham as part of God making him fruitful [[Genesis 17:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6509}}` is immense, underscoring several core themes:
* **Divine Mandate and Blessing:** The command to be fruitful is a foundational instruction from God, establishing growth as a primary part of His design for creation and a tangible expression of His blessing [[Genesis 1:28]].
* **Covenant Fulfillment:** God’s promise to make His people fruitful is a tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness. He pledges to "**make you fruitful**, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you" [[Leviticus 26:9]]. The fulfillment of this promise, as seen with Israel in Egypt, demonstrates God's power and commitment [[Exodus 1:7]].
* **Spiritual and Prophetic Growth:** The concept extends beyond the physical. It is used to prophesy the coming of a messianic "Branch" that will "**grow**" [[Isaiah 11:1]] and to describe the earth bringing forth "salvation" [[Isaiah 45:8]], pointing to a spiritual fruitfulness that originates from God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6509}}` is a powerful word that conveys far more than simple multiplication. It is intrinsically tied to God's creative power, His covenant promises, and His ultimate plan of redemption. From the literal growth of peoples and plants to the prophetic growth of the messianic Branch, **pârâh** demonstrates that all true and lasting fruitfulness flows from God as the source.
TRV