passive participle of פָּרַח; blossomed; Paruach, an Israelite; Paruah.
Transliteration:Pârûwach
Pronunciation:paw-roo'-akh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6515 (פָּרוּחַ, Pârûwach) is defined as a passive participle of the verb פָּרַח (parach), meaning "blossomed." As a proper noun, it identifies an Israelite individual. Thus, the name itself carries the inherent meaning of "one who has blossomed," "flourished," or "prospered." While its primary function in the biblical text is as a personal name, its etymological root grounds it in concepts of growth, vitality, and successful development. The semantic range is therefore narrow in its direct application (a name), but broad in its conceptual origin (flourishing).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6515 (Pârûwach) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Kings 4:17]]. In this passage, Pârûwach is identified as the father of Jehoshaphat, one of the twelve district officers appointed by King Solomon to provide provisions for the royal household. The verse reads: "Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah in Issachar." The context is a detailed administrative list, highlighting the organizational structure of Solomon's kingdom. As a proper name within a genealogical and administrative record, "Paruah" simply serves to identify an individual within the lineage of a prominent family. The literal meaning of "blossomed" or "flourished" for the name Pârûwach does not carry explicit theological weight in this specific administrative context, though it may reflect a hope or observation regarding the individual's or family's prosperity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word to H6515 is its root verb, פָּרַח (parach), identified by `{{H6524}}`. This verb means "to bud, sprout, blossom, flourish, break forth, or fly." The concept of "flourishing" or "blossoming" is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, often associated with divine blessing, vitality, and the prosperity of the righteous. Other related concepts, though not etymologically linked, include:
* `{{H6780}}` (tsamach), "to sprout, grow," often used for vegetation and even messianic figures (e.g., "The Branch").
* `{{H7945}}` (shalem), "to be complete, sound, prosperous," indicating a state of well-being.
* `{{H1288}}` (barak), "to bless," which is the divine action that often leads to flourishing.
* The broader biblical theme of fruitfulness and abundance, often presented as a sign of God's favor and covenant faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
While H6515 itself, as a proper name, does not bear direct theological significance in its sole biblical occurrence, its etymological root `{{H6524}}` (parach) is laden with rich theological meaning. The concept of "blossoming" or "flourishing" is frequently employed in scripture to convey divine affirmation, life, and prosperity. For instance:
* Aaron's staff "blossomed" (`{{H6524}}`) as a divine sign of his priestly legitimacy ([[Numbers 17:8]]). This demonstrates God's life-giving power and choice.
* The righteous are depicted as "flourishing" (`{{H6524}}`) like palm trees or cedars in Lebanon ([[Psalm 92:12]]), signifying stability, longevity, and spiritual vitality under God's care.
* Conversely, the temporary flourishing of the wicked ([[Psalm 92:7]]) serves as a stark contrast to their ultimate destruction, highlighting the ephemeral nature of ungodly prosperity.
* Prophetic texts utilize `{{H6524}}` to describe future restoration and renewal, such as the desert "blossoming as the rose" ([[Isaiah 35:2]]) or Israel "blossoming like a lily" ([[Hosea 14:5]]).
Thus, though Pârûwach is merely a name, its underlying meaning connects it to profound biblical themes of divine blessing, life, growth, and the flourishing condition of those who are in right relationship with God. It subtly echoes the broader theological truth that true prosperity and vitality originate from the Lord.
### Summary
H6515 (Pârûwach) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, meaning "blossomed" or "flourished," derived from the verb `{{H6524}}` (parach). It appears only once in [[1 Kings 4:17]], identifying the father of one of King Solomon's administrative officers. In this specific context, it functions primarily as a descriptor within a genealogical and administrative list. However, the etymological root of the name points to a significant biblical concept: the idea of flourishing and vitality. This concept is consistently associated with divine blessing, covenant faithfulness, and the life-giving power of God throughout the Old Testament, as seen in the blossoming of Aaron's staff or the flourishing of the righteous. Therefore, while Pârûwach itself is a simple personal identifier, its inherent meaning subtly evokes the broader theological truth of God's capacity to bring forth life, growth, and prosperity.
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