from פָּרָשׁ; (compare סוּס); a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e. (collectively) cavalry; horseman.
Transliteration:pârâsh
Pronunciation:paw-rawsh'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פָּרָשׁ (pârâsh), Strong's number `{{H6571}}`, is derived from a root (also פָּרָשׁ, though not directly provided as a Strong's number here in the same form) that may relate to "spreading out" or "stretching out." Its core meaning encompasses two primary, related semantic domains:
1. **A Steed/Horse:** Specifically, a horse used for pulling a vehicle, particularly a war-chariot. The base definition notes "as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting." This distinguishes it from the more general term for horse, סוּס (sûs, `{{H5483}}`), emphasizing its role in a team for transport or warfare rather than as a mount for a single rider.
2. **A Driver/Horseman/Cavalry:** By metonymic extension, פָּרָשׁ can refer to the one who drives such a steed (a "driver" or "charioteer"), or collectively to "cavalry" or "horsemen." This highlights the human element associated with these powerful animals in military contexts.
Thus, פָּרָשׁ inherently carries connotations of military strength, speed, and the formidable power of ancient armies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פָּרָשׁ (pârâsh) appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, predominantly in contexts of warfare, military might, and national power. It is often found alongside רֶכֶב (rekeb, `{{H7393}}`), meaning "chariot," underscoring its specific association with chariot warfare.
* **Egyptian Military Might:** One of the most prominent uses is in the Exodus narrative, describing Pharaoh's army. The pursuing force is consistently identified by its "chariots and horsemen" (פָּרָשׁ). For example, [[Exodus 14:9]] states, "The Egyptians pursued them, all Pharaoh's horses and chariots, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them encamped by the sea." This imagery emphasizes the overwhelming power of Egypt, which God then decisively defeats ([[Exodus 14:17]], [[Exodus 14:23]], [[Exodus 15:19]]).
* **Canaanite and Philistine Armies:** The term also describes the formidable armies encountered by Israel in Canaan, such as those of Jabin, king of Hazor, who had "horses and chariots in great numbers" ([[Joshua 11:4]], [[Joshua 11:6]], [[Joshua 11:9]]), and Sisera's nine hundred chariots of iron ([[Judges 4:3]], [[Judges 4:15]]).
* **Israelite Kings and Military Buildup:** The Law explicitly warns kings against multiplying "horses" (סוּס, `{{H5483}}`) for themselves ([[Deuteronomy 17:16]]), a command often violated. Solomon, for instance, amassed an immense force of "chariots and horsemen" (פָּרָשׁ), importing them from Egypt ([[1 Kings 4:26]], [[1 Kings 10:26]], [[2 Chronicles 1:14]]). This accumulation of military power often signaled a reliance on human strength rather than divine provision.
* **Prophetic Oracles:** Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel frequently mention פָּרָשׁ in their pronouncements against nations, detailing the invading armies that would bring judgment ([[Isaiah 21:7]], [[Isaiah 22:6]]; [[Jeremiah 4:29]], [[Jeremiah 6:23]]; [[Ezekiel 23:6]], [[Ezekiel 26:7]]). These passages highlight the instruments of divine wrath or the futility of human defenses against God's will.
* **Symbolic Use:** In a poignant and powerful symbolic usage, Elisha cries out to Elijah as he is taken up to heaven, "My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" ([[2 Kings 2:12]]). This phrase is later used by King Joash for Elisha himself ([[2 Kings 13:14]]). Here, "chariots and horsemen" represent the true spiritual defense and strength of Israel, embodied in the prophetic ministry and divine presence, rather than literal military hardware.
Across these contexts, פָּרָשׁ consistently denotes a significant component of ancient military power, often serving as a symbol of human might and self-reliance, frequently set against the backdrop of God's ultimate sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding פָּרָשׁ (pârâsh, `{{H6571}}`) includes several key terms and concepts:
* **סוּס (sûs, `{{H5483}}`):** This is the more general Hebrew term for "horse." While פָּרָשׁ often specifies a warhorse or a horse used for chariots, סוּס can refer to any horse. The distinction highlights the specialized military function implied by פָּרָשׁ.
* **רֶכֶב (rekeb, `{{H7393}}`):** Meaning "chariot," this word is almost invariably paired with פָּרָשׁ. The combination "chariots and horsemen" forms a common idiom for a powerful military force, emphasizing the combined strength of the vehicle and the animal/rider.
* **אִישׁ (ʼîsh, `{{H376}}`):** "Man" or "person." While not directly related by root, the collective "horsemen" (פָּרָשׁ) implies the men who ride or drive the horses.
* **Concepts of Military Power and Warfare:** The word is deeply embedded in the vocabulary of ancient warfare, alongside terms for armies, weapons, and battles. It signifies the elite, mobile, and often decisive component of a nation's military strength.
* **Reliance on Human Strength vs. Divine Providence:** The biblical narrative often uses the presence or absence of chariots and horsemen to illustrate the theological tension between trusting in human military might and relying on God's intervention.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּרָשׁ (pârâsh) is profound, serving as a recurring motif that underscores several core biblical truths:
1. **The Futility of Human Power:** The frequent portrayal of vast armies with their chariots and horsemen, only to be defeated by God's intervention (e.g., the Red Sea, Joshua's victories), strongly emphasizes that true power and security do not reside in military might. This is a consistent biblical theme, encapsulated in passages like [[Psalm 20:7]]: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."
2. **Warning Against Self-Reliance:** The command in [[Deuteronomy 17:16]] for the king not to multiply horses serves as a theological warning against trusting in military strength rather than in Yahweh. Solomon's extensive acquisition of chariots and horsemen is often seen as a deviation from this divine principle, contributing to Israel's later spiritual decline.
3. **Divine Sovereignty in Warfare:** God is depicted as sovereign over all military forces, whether He uses them as instruments of His judgment (e.g., the Assyrian or Babylonian armies as His "rod" – [[Isaiah 10:5]]) or defeats them to deliver His people. He can "cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem" ([[Zechariah 9:10]]), demonstrating His ultimate control.
4. **The True Defense of Israel:** The striking use of "chariots of Israel and its horsemen" for Elijah and Elisha ([[2 Kings 2:12]], [[2 Kings 13:14]]) elevates the concept beyond mere military hardware. It signifies that the true strength, defense, and power of God's people lie not in physical armies but in the presence of His Spirit, His prophets, and His divine protection. This phrase transforms a symbol of earthly might into an emblem of divine spiritual power.
5. **Eschatological Peace:** Prophetic visions of the Messianic age often include the removal of military instruments, including chariots and horses. [[Zechariah 9:10]] speaks of the Messiah "cutting off the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem," signifying a future era of peace where reliance on military power will be obsolete, replaced by the universal reign of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פָּרָשׁ (pârâsh, `{{H6571}}`) primarily refers to a warhorse, specifically one used for chariots, or collectively to horsemen/cavalry. Throughout the Old Testament, it serves as a potent symbol of human military strength, national power, and self-reliance. Its frequent pairing with "chariot" (רֶכֶב, `{{H7393}}`) underscores its role in the formidable armies of ancient times, particularly those of Egypt, Canaan, and later, Israel under kings like Solomon.
Theologically, the term highlights the recurring biblical tension between trusting in human might and relying on the omnipotence of Yahweh. Narratives consistently demonstrate the futility of human military strength when set against God's sovereign power. The command to kings not to multiply horses serves as a warning against misplaced trust. Furthermore, the powerful imagery of Elijah and Elisha as "the chariots of Israel and its horsemen" transforms the symbol of military might into one of divine spiritual presence and protection, revealing where Israel's true strength lies. Ultimately, פָּרָשׁ contributes to the overarching biblical message that true security, victory, and peace are found not in the strength of horses and chariots, but in unwavering faith and obedience to the Lord.
TRV