### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Parpar**, represented by `{{H6554}}`, is the proper name of a river in Syria. Its definition suggests a meaning of "rapid," likely derived from a root word implying "rushing." It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, where it serves as a point of comparison.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H6554}}` is in a moment of indignation. A speaker, in a rage, contrasts the grand rivers of his home with the waters of Israel. He asks, "Are not Abana and **Pharpar**, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?" [[2 Kings 5:12]]. In this context, **Pharpar** represents what is familiar, mighty, and preferable from a human perspective when confronted with a divine command that seems illogical or insufficient.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide the context for this word's single appearance:
* `{{H71}}` **ʼĂbânâh** (stony; Abana): This is the name of the other river of Damascus mentioned alongside **Pharpar**, highlighting the two as the principal rivers of that region [[2 Kings 5:12]].
* `{{H1834}}` **Dammeseq** (Damascus): The city to which the **Pharpar** river belongs. Damascus is presented as a significant foreign kingdom, sometimes in opposition to Israel and subject to God's judgment ([[Isaiah 17:1]], [[Isaiah 17:3]]).
* `{{H5104}}` **nâhâr** (river): This is the common Hebrew word for a stream or **river**, used to categorize **Pharpar**. God's power is shown in his ability to create rivers in the desert [[Isaiah 43:19]].
* `{{H2891}}` **ṭâhêr** (to be pure; clean): This is the desired outcome of washing. The question in the text is whether washing in the **Pharpar** can make one **clean**, a state which is ultimately achieved through obedience [[2 Kings 5:14]]. The term is used for both physical and spiritual purification [[Ezekiel 36:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6554}}` is tied entirely to its narrative function as an object of misplaced faith.
* **Human Pride vs. Divine Method:** The appeal to **Pharpar** illustrates the human tendency to trust in visible, impressive means over God's specific, and often humble, instructions. The speaker believes the great rivers of Damascus are superior to the waters of Israel for cleansing [[2 Kings 5:12]].
* **The Source of Cleansing:** The narrative implicitly contrasts the physical properties of the **Pharpar** with the power of God's word. True cleansing is not found in the "better" water but in obedience to the divine command, highlighting that God is the ultimate agent of purification ([[Ezekiel 37:23]], [[Psalms 51:7]]).
* **Foreign vs. Covenant Resources:** **Pharpar** is a river of **Damascus** `{{H1834}}`, a foreign land. Its waters are set against the waters of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`, the covenant land. This underscores a recurring biblical theme: salvation and blessing are tied to the God of Israel and His designated means, not the powers of other nations [[Isaiah 45:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6554}}` is the name of a Syrian river whose significance is far greater than its single mention would suggest. It does not represent a theological concept in itself, but serves as a powerful symbol within its narrative. Through the comparison with the waters of Israel, the word **Pharpar** becomes a lasting illustration of the conflict between human pride, which prefers its own impressive methods, and faith, which finds its power in simple obedience to God's command.
TRV