### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Parʻôsh**, represented by `{{H6551}}`, is the name of an Israelite. The name appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**, primarily in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It refers to the head of a prominent family clan during the period of Israel's return from exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6551}}` identifies a significant family line involved in the restoration of Jerusalem. The "children of Parosh" are listed among the first to return from Babylon, numbering two thousand one hundred and seventy-two people ([[Ezra 2:3]], [[Nehemiah 7:8]]). The family's commitment to rebuilding is shown when Pedaiah the son of Parosh helps repair the city wall [[Nehemiah 3:25]]. A leader named Parosh is also listed among the chiefs of the people who sealed the covenant [[Nehemiah 10:14]]. A descendant named Zechariah is mentioned among the sons of Pharosh (a variant spelling) who returned with Ezra [[Ezra 8:3]]. However, the "sons of Parosh" are also included among those who had taken foreign wives, demonstrating the challenges the community faced [[Ezra 10:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the clan of Parosh and its role in the biblical record:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is fundamental to identifying the lineage of Parosh, appearing in phrases like "The children of Parosh" [[Ezra 2:3]] and "the sons of Parosh" [[Ezra 10:25]]. It establishes Parosh as the builder of a significant family name.
* `{{H505}}` **ʼeleph** (a thousand): This numeral is used to describe the large size of the Parosh clan that returned from exile, highlighting their prominence within the community ([[Ezra 2:3]], [[Nehemiah 7:8]]).
* `{{H3967}}` **mêʼâh** (a hundred): This term is used to give a precise count of the family members, both in the larger census ([[Ezra 2:3]], [[Nehemiah 7:8]]) and in a smaller, detailed genealogy [[Ezra 8:3]].
* `{{H8147}}` **shᵉnayim** (two): This number completes the specific count of the "children of Parosh" who returned, emphasizing the detailed record-keeping of the restoration community ([[Ezra 2:3]], [[Nehemiah 7:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The narrative function of `{{H6551}}` is tied to the key themes of the post-exilic era.
* **Covenant Restoration:** The large number of Parosh's descendants returning to Judah represents the theme of a faithful remnant being restored to the promised land after exile ([[Ezra 2:3]], [[Nehemiah 7:8]]).
* **Community Responsibility:** The family is shown to be an active participant in the life of the restored community. This is seen in their contribution to rebuilding Jerusalem's defenses [[Nehemiah 3:25]] and their inclusion in the sealing of the covenant [[Nehemiah 10:14]].
* **The Need for Purity:** The inclusion of sons of Parosh among those who had to put away foreign wives illustrates the serious internal struggles for religious and social purity that defined the era [[Ezra 10:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6551}}` is more than a personal name; it represents a major Israelite family clan central to the story of Israel's return from Babylon. Through the records in Ezra and Nehemiah, the family of Parosh exemplifies the themes of divine restoration, the importance of community participation in God's work, and the ongoing struggle for covenant faithfulness.
TRV