the same as פָּרָה; Parah, a place in Palestine; Parah.
Transliteration:Pârâh
Pronunciation:paw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6511}}` (Pârâh) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its base definition identifies it as "Parah, a place in Palestine." Crucially, the definition notes it is "the same as פָּרָה," indicating a direct etymological link to the more common Hebrew lemma פָּרָה. This shared root points to two primary associations: the verb `{{H6509}}` (פָּרָה, *pārāh*), meaning "to be fruitful, to multiply, to bear fruit," and the noun `{{H6510}}` (פָּרָה, *pārāh*), meaning "cow" or "heifer." Therefore, while `{{H6511}}` denotes a specific location, its name likely carries connotations of fertility, abundance, or an association with cattle, reflecting the characteristics of the area or its historical significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Parah, designated by `{{H6511}}`, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible.
* **[[Joshua 18:23]]**: "And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,"
In this solitary occurrence, Parah is listed as one of the twelve cities belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, immediately following Avim and preceding Ophrah. This passage details the inheritance allocated to the tribe of Benjamin during the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. The listing of these cities emphasizes the precise and divinely ordained allocation of territory, crucial for the establishment of Israel as a nation in the Promised Land. The context is purely geographical and administrative, placing Parah within a specific tribal boundary. Its exact location is generally believed to be in the vicinity of modern-day Khirbet Fârah, northeast of Jerusalem, confirming its position within the ancient territory of Benjamin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words to `{{H6511}}` are the other forms of the lemma פָּרָה:
* **`{{H6509}}` (פָּרָה, *pārāh*)**: This is the verbal root meaning "to be fruitful, to multiply." It is frequently used in divine blessings, such as God's command to humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" ([[Genesis 1:28]], [[Genesis 9:1]]). It also describes the fruitfulness of the land or the prosperity of a people.
* **`{{H6510}}` (פָּרָה, *pārāh*)**: This is the noun meaning "cow" or "heifer." It appears in various contexts, from describing livestock ([[Genesis 32:15]]) to specific ritual animals, most notably the "red heifer" (*parah adummah*) used in the purification rites for defilement by a corpse ([[Numbers 19:2]]).
The place name Parah (`{{H6511}}`) is almost certainly derived from one or both of these related concepts. It suggests that the area of Parah might have been known for its agricultural fertility, its abundant pastures, or perhaps as a place where cattle were particularly numerous or significant. Many biblical place names reflect the natural features, resources, or historical events associated with a location, and Parah fits this pattern by connecting to the concepts of fruitfulness or livestock.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun appearing only once in a geographical list, the direct theological significance of Parah (`{{H6511}}`) is limited. However, its inclusion within the detailed tribal allotments in the book of Joshua underscores several broader theological themes:
1. **Divine Order and Fulfillment of Promise**: The meticulous listing of cities like Parah demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan ([[Genesis 12:7]]) and His orderly division of that land among the twelve tribes. Each place, no matter how obscure, played a role in the divine plan for Israel's settlement.
2. **The Significance of Place Names**: While speculative, the etymological link to "fruitfulness" (`{{H6509}}`) or "heifer" (`{{H6510}}`) could subtly imbue the place with an echo of God's blessing of fertility upon the land and its inhabitants, or perhaps a connection to the purity laws associated with the heifer. This reflects a common biblical practice where names carry meaning, even for geographical locations.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Territory**: The very act of naming and allocating specific territories like Parah to Benjamin highlights God's sovereign control over the earth and His people's inheritance within it. It is not merely a human conquest but a divine distribution.
### Summary
`{{H6511}}` (Pârâh) designates a specific geographical location, a town within the territory of the tribe of Benjamin, mentioned once in [[Joshua 18:23]]. While its direct biblical references are sparse, its name is etymologically linked to the Hebrew root פָּרָה, which signifies "to be fruitful" (`{{H6509}}`) or "cow/heifer" (`{{H6510}}`). This connection suggests that the place Parah may have been characterized by agricultural abundance, rich pastures, or an association with cattle. Theologically, its inclusion in the tribal allotments in Joshua underscores God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the land, His divine order in distributing the inheritance, and the subtle ways in which place names can reflect the characteristics or blessings associated with a region under God's providence.
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