The Hebrew word Pârâh, represented by H6511, is defined as Parah, a place in Palestine. According to biblical usage statistics, it appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, marking it as a highly specific geographical reference.
The single appearance of H6511 is in a list of locations found in the book of Joshua. The verse enumerates several places, with Parah listed between two other named sites. Its sole mention is in the context of this geographical list: "And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah," Joshua 18:23.
The words listed alongside H6511 provide additional context for its placement in the biblical narrative:
- H5761 ʻAvvîym (Avim): Defined as "a place in Palestine," this location is mentioned as the first in the list where Parah appears Joshua 18:23. The Avim or Avites are also mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:23 and Joshua 13:3.
- H6084 ʻOphrâh (Ophrah): This name refers to both an Israelite and "two places in Palestine." It is listed immediately after Parah Joshua 18:23 and appears elsewhere as the city of Gideon Judges 6:11 and a location associated with the Philistines 1 Samuel 13:17.
The significance of H6511 is derived entirely from its function as a geographical marker.
- Geographical Record: The primary role of Pârâh is to contribute to the detailed lists that define specific territories in the biblical record.
- Narrative Anchor: Its inclusion in Joshua 18:23 helps to ground the biblical narrative in a tangible landscape, providing a specific point of reference.
- Contextual Association: While not significant on its own, its presence alongside places like ʻAvvîym H5761 and ʻOphrâh H6084 situates it within a known collection of ancient sites.
In summary, H6511 Pârâh is a place name with a single, specific function in the Old Testament. It appears once in a list of locations in Joshua 18:23, serving as a precise geographical reference. Its importance is not found in theological symbolism but in its contribution to the detailed and historical mapping of the land described in scripture.
TRV