for פְּאֹרָה; foliage; Purah, an Israelite; Phurah.
Transliteration:Purâh
Pronunciation:poo-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6513}}` (פֻּרָה, *Purâh*) presents a fascinating duality in its semantic range. Its base definition explicitly links it to פְּאֹרָה (pe'orah), meaning "foliage," "branch," or "bough." This primary sense connects `{{H6513}}` to the natural world, evoking images of verdant growth, life, and perhaps fruitfulness, as foliage is essential for a plant's vitality and production. However, the Strong's entry immediately expands this to include its use as a proper noun: "Purah, an Israelite." This indicates that while the root meaning is botanical, the word is primarily known in the biblical text as the name of a specific individual. Thus, its semantic range encompasses both a descriptive term for plant life and a unique personal identifier within Israelite society.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H6513}}` occurs exclusively as a proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, specifically referring to Purah, the servant of Gideon. His name appears twice in the book of Judges:
* [[Judges 7:10]]: "But if you are afraid to go down, go with Purah your servant to the camp."
* [[Judges 7:11]]: "And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” So he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost of the armed men who were in the camp."
In this pivotal narrative, Purah accompanies Gideon on a covert mission into the Midianite camp. Gideon, filled with trepidation despite God's clear call, is given a divine concession: he may take his servant with him. Purah's presence is not merely incidental; he serves as a crucial witness to the dream of the barley loaf and its interpretation, which directly affirms God's promised victory over Midian. His silent presence and shared experience of this divine sign are instrumental in bolstering Gideon's wavering faith, empowering him to proceed with the audacious plan of reducing his army to 300 men. Purah's role, though seemingly minor, is therefore vital to the unfolding of God's redemptive strategy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for `{{H6513}}` is to the noun פְּאֹרָה (pe'orah), which explicitly means "foliage" or "branch." This root evokes a semantic field related to plant life, growth, and natural vigor. Other related terms in this sphere include `{{H6529}}` (פְּרִי, *periy*), meaning "fruit," and `{{H6509}}` (פָּרַח, *parach*), a verb meaning "to bud, blossom, or flourish." While the proper name Purah does not directly convey "foliage" in its biblical context, the underlying meaning may subtly contribute to a sense of life, growth, or being part of the "branches" of Israel. Beyond its botanical root, Purah's role as a "servant" (`{{H5647}}`, *'eved* or `{{H5288}}`, *na'ar*) links him to concepts of loyalty, assistance, and faithful accompaniment, which are central to his narrative function.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name, the theological significance of Purah lies primarily in his *role* within the divine economy of salvation. He is a faithful companion, chosen by God (through Gideon's permission) to be present at a moment of profound divine revelation and encouragement. His presence underscores several theological truths:
1. **God's Accommodation to Human Weakness:** God allows Gideon to bring his servant, recognizing Gideon's fear and providing an external witness to solidify his faith. This demonstrates God's gracious condescension to human frailty.
2. **The Importance of Witness and Confirmation:** Purah's shared experience of the dream and its interpretation serves as a powerful confirmation of God's word, not just for Gideon, but for the reader. It highlights the divine method of providing assurance.
3. **The Significance of Seemingly Minor Characters:** Purah is not a leader or a prophet, yet his quiet presence is indispensable to the narrative's climax. He exemplifies how God uses and empowers individuals from all stations to participate in His redemptive plan, even those whose contributions are primarily supportive. His loyalty and obedience are virtues that are implicitly commended.
### Summary
`{{H6513}}` (פֻּרָה, *Purâh*) is a Hebrew term with a dual identity: it is rooted in the meaning of "foliage" or "branch," yet it is exclusively used in the Bible as the proper name of Gideon's loyal servant. Appearing in [[Judges 7:10]] and [[Judges 7:11]], Purah accompanies Gideon on a critical reconnaissance mission into the Midianite camp. His silent yet crucial role as a witness to the dream and its interpretation serves to strengthen Gideon's faith, enabling him to proceed with God's plan for Israel's deliverance. The word thus illustrates both the rich metaphorical potential of Hebrew vocabulary and the theological truth that God meticulously uses individuals from all walks of life, even those in supportive roles, to accomplish His divine purposes.
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