פָּרוּחַ

Paruach, an Israelite

Definition

Paruach is a proper noun referring to an Israelite man, the father of Jehoshaphat, who served as a district officer under King Solomon's administration. The name appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Kings 4:17, where Jehoshaphat is listed among the twelve officers responsible for providing food for the king's household. As a proper name, it carries no other semantic senses or meanings in different passages.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively as a personal name in the Old Testament. Its single occurrence is in the historical narrative of 1 Kings 4:17, within a list of Solomon's administrative officials. The context is purely genealogical and bureaucratic, identifying the lineage of an officer named Jehoshaphat. There are no patterns of usage beyond this solitary reference.

Etymology

The name Paruach (פָּרוּחַ) is derived from the Hebrew root פָּרַח (parach, H6524), meaning 'to bud, sprout, or blossom.' It is the passive participle form of this verb, essentially meaning 'blossomed' or 'flourishing.' As a name, it likely carried a positive connotation of vitality, growth, or prosperity, a common theme in Hebrew onomastics (name-giving).

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive. A name like Paruach ('blossomed') likely expressed a hope or acknowledgment of blessing, fruitfulness, or new life. It fits a pattern where parents named children after desirable traits or circumstances. While the individual himself is only a minor administrative figure, his name reflects a common cultural practice of using meaningful words from nature and agriculture for personal names.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. However, other names derived from the same root (פָּרַח) include: Perach (H6526) — a different personal name meaning 'bud' or 'sprout.'

Word Details

Scripture References