פֻּרָה
Purah, an Israelite
Definition
Purah is the name of an Israelite servant of Gideon, mentioned only in the context of Gideon's mission to spy on the Midianite camp (Judges 7:10-11). The name itself means 'foliage' or 'branch,' likely signifying growth or fruitfulness. In the biblical narrative, Purah accompanies Gideon down to the enemy outposts, where Gideon overhears a dream that reveals God has given the Midianites into his hand. Purah serves as a silent companion in this critical moment of divine reassurance before battle.
Biblical Usage
The name Purah is used exclusively in Judges 7:10-11. It appears twice, identifying Gideon's servant who accompanies him on a reconnaissance mission. The usage is strictly as a proper noun for an individual, with no other semantic range or application in the Old Testament.
Etymology
Purah (פֻּרָה) is derived from the root פּאר (p'r), relating to foliage, a bud, or a branch. It is explicitly linked to the noun פְּאֹרָה (pe'orah, H6288), which means 'foliage' or 'glorious branch.' The name is therefore a 'branch' name, similar to other Hebrew names drawn from the natural world.
Semantic Range
While the name Purah itself is not theologically loaded, his role is significant. His presence with Gideon underscores the theme of God providing companionship and confirmation to His chosen, often fearful, leaders. The mission in Judges 7:10-11, where Purah is present, is a pivotal moment where God directly strengthens Gideon's faith through a sign, demonstrating that victory comes from divine assurance, not human numbers. Understanding that Purah's name means 'branch' can subtly reinforce the idea of God causing His purposes to grow and bear fruit through obedient, if initially hesitant, individuals.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often descriptive or expressed hope. A name meaning 'foliage' or 'branch' likely conveyed wishes for vitality, growth, and prosperity for the child. As Gideon's servant, Purah occupied a trusted role, accompanying his master on a dangerous night mission, which reflects the social structure and relationships of the time.
There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Conceptually, other 'branch' names include: Tsemach (H6780) — a sprout or shoot, often used messianically; and Netzer (H5342) — a branch or shoot.
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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