פָּרָה

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

Definition

The Hebrew verb פָּרָה (pârâh) fundamentally means 'to be fruitful, to bear fruit, to multiply, to increase.' It describes both literal biological reproduction, as seen in God's command to creatures to 'be fruitful and multiply' in Genesis 1:22, and metaphorical or spiritual fruitfulness, such as the promise of numerous descendants to Abraham in Genesis 17:6. The word encompasses growth in number, prosperity, and successful increase, whether applied to animals, humans, or even plants (as implied in its agricultural sense). In some contexts, it can imply being made fruitful by an external cause, as when God promises to 'make you fruitful' (Genesis 17:6, 20).

Biblical Usage

פָּרָה is used 28 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the Pentateuch (especially Genesis) and the Prophets. Its primary context is within divine blessings and commands concerning reproduction and population growth, as in the creation mandate (Genesis 1:22, 28), the post-flood renewal (Genesis 8:17; 9:1, 7), and patriarchal promises (Genesis 17:6, 20; 26:22). It appears in covenantal contexts where fruitfulness is a sign of God's favor. The pattern shows it is almost exclusively used in positive, declarative statements about increase, often directly linked to God's action or command.

Etymology

פָּרָה is a primitive root verb. It is related to the noun פְּרִי (periy, H6529), meaning 'fruit,' establishing its core semantic field of bearing and producing. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages with similar meanings of being fruitful or breaking forth. The root conveys the concept of bursting forth with productivity, whether in offspring or agricultural yield.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is central to God's foundational blessings and covenantal promises. It embodies the themes of creation, blessing, covenant faithfulness, and the fulfillment of divine promises. Understanding פָּרָה enriches reading by highlighting that biblical 'fruitfulness' is not merely biological but a sign of God's life-giving power and favor, integral to the story from creation (Genesis 1) to the promises to the patriarchs. It connects physical abundance to spiritual blessing.

In ancient Israelite culture, fruitfulness—having many children and abundant harvests—was a primary measure of success, divine blessing, and social security. The command to 'be fruitful and multiply' addressed a fundamental need for survival and legacy in an agrarian, tribal society. This contrasts with modern individualistic perspectives, as fruitfulness was a collective, familial, and national ideal tied directly to land and covenant.

פָּרָה (parah, H6509) — focuses on the process of becoming fruitful and multiplying. פְּרִי (periy, H6529) — the noun 'fruit,' the product or result of being fruitful. רָבָה (ravah, H7235) — to be or become many, multiply; often used alongside פָּרָה (e.g., Genesis 1:22) but emphasizes increase in number. עָשָׂה פְרִי (asah periy) — a phrase meaning 'to yield fruit'; emphasizes the act of producing the fruit itself.

Word Details

Scripture References