The Hebrew word Parnak, represented by H6535, is a proper name with an uncertain derivation. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. The name's sole function is to identify an Israelite man as the father of a tribal leader, establishing a specific lineage in the biblical record.
The single appearance of H6535 is found in Numbers 34:25, within a list of princes appointed to represent the tribes of Israel. The verse reads, "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Zebulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach." This context establishes Parnak as the father of Elizaphan, the designated leader for the tribe of Zebulun during a critical moment of organization for the nation.
Several related words in the surrounding text clarify the role and identity of Parnak's lineage:
- H469 ʼĔlîytsâphân (Elizaphan, Elzaphan): This is the name of Parnak's son, meaning "God of treasure." He is the individual appointed as the leader for Zebulun Numbers 34:25.
- H5387 nâsîyʼ (prince, ruler): This title, meaning "an exalted one," is bestowed upon Parnak's son, defining his official capacity as a chief and representative for his tribe Numbers 34:25.
- H2074 Zᵉbûwlûwn (Zebulun): Meaning "habitation," this identifies the tribe to which Parnak and his son belonged, situating their family line within the larger structure of Israel Numbers 34:25.
- H4294 maṭṭeh (tribe): This word, also meaning a rod or staff, figuratively denotes a tribe and is used to specify that Elizaphan's leadership was over the tribe of Zebulun Numbers 34:25.
- H1121 bên (son): This foundational term is used to establish the direct genealogical link between Parnak and his son, Elizaphan, which was essential for recording leadership succession Numbers 34:25.
The significance of H6535 is not found in the man himself, but in his recorded place within the structure of Israel.
- Genealogical Integrity: The mention of Parnak serves to document the specific ancestry of a leader. It highlights the Old Testament's emphasis on maintaining a clear and verifiable record of lineage for those in positions of authority.
- Basis of Leadership: By being identified as the father of a prince H5387, Parnak's name is tied to the divinely sanctioned organization of the tribes. It shows that leadership was rooted in specific family lines.
- Tribal Identity: Parnak's name is intrinsically linked to the tribe H4294 of Zebulun. His inclusion is a detail that solidifies the identity of the tribe's representative, ensuring the organizational structure is complete.
In summary, Parnak H6535 is a name recorded once in the Bible for the express purpose of genealogical identification. His appearance in Numbers 34:25 as the father of Elizaphan, the prince of Zebulun, is a key detail in the formal record of Israel's tribal leadership. The mention of Parnak illustrates the meticulous nature of the biblical text and its focus on established lineage as a cornerstone of national and tribal structure.
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