פַּרְבָּר
Parbar or Parvar, a quarter of Jerusalem
Definition
Parbar (or Parvar) refers to a specific quarter or precinct in Jerusalem, likely a western suburb or outer court area of the Temple complex. In 2 Kings 23:11, it is mentioned as the location of horses dedicated to the sun god, which King Josiah removed during his reforms. In 1 Chronicles 26:18, it is listed as one of the gates or areas where Temple gatekeepers were stationed, specifically 'at Parbar on the west.' The term generally denotes an outer, subsidiary area, possibly a colonnade or open court.
Biblical Usage
The word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in historical contexts related to the Temple's geography. In 2 Kings 23:11, it appears in a narrative about Josiah's purification of worship, identifying a place of idolatrous practice. In 1 Chronicles 26:18, it is used administratively in a list of gatekeeper assignments for the Temple. Both usages suggest it was a recognized outer area of Jerusalem, associated with the Temple's western side.
Etymology
The Hebrew פַּרְבָּר (Parbâr) or פַּרְוָר (Parvâr) is of uncertain foreign origin, possibly borrowed from a Persian or Aramaic word meaning 'colonnade,' 'portico,' or 'open space.' It is not derived from a native Hebrew root, which aligns with its specific, technical usage for a structural or suburban area. Cognates in later Aramaic and Syriac support meanings related to an exterior court or suburb.
Semantic Range
While Parbar itself is a geographical term, its biblical appearances carry theological weight. In 2 Kings 23:11, it highlights the extent of idolatry that had infiltrated even the Temple's outskirts, underscoring the need for Josiah's sweeping reforms to restore pure worship. In 1 Chronicles 26:18, it reflects the meticulous organization of Levitical duties, emphasizing order and reverence in God's house. Understanding this location enriches readings of these passages by clarifying the settings for spiritual conflict and service.
In ancient Jerusalem, 'Parbar' likely referred to a western suburb or an outer court of the Temple, possibly a colonnaded area used for storage or as a precinct for services. This differs from modern suburbs, as it was integrally connected to Temple operations. Its mention alongside idolatrous horses (2 Kings 23:11) indicates it was a visible, accessible space where pagan practices could occur, reflecting the cultural blending and religious syncretism of the time.
חָצֵר (chatser, H2691) — a general term for court or enclosure, often of the Temple, whereas Parbar is a specific outer area. פְּרוֹזְדּוֹר (prozdor, H??? not in Strong's) — a later Hebrew term for porch or colonnade, similar in concept but not biblical. שַׁעַר (sha'ar, H8179) — gate, as Parbar is associated with a gate assignment in 1 Chronicles 26:18.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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