Lexical Summary Paruach: Flourishing, sprouting Original Word: פָרוּחַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Paruah Passive participle of parach; blossomed; Paruach, an Israelite -- Paruah. see HEBREW parach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom parach Definition a man of Issachar NASB Translation Paruah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מָּרוּחַ proper name, masculine in Issachar 1 Kings 4:17, ᵐ5 Φουασουδ, A Φαρρου, ᵐ5L Βαρσαουχ. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Paruach appears once in Scripture: “Jehoshaphat son of Paruah in Issachar” (1 Kings 4:17). The mention is found in the register of twelve district officials appointed by King Solomon to supply the royal court. Historical and Administrative Setting The list of twelve officers (1 Kings 4:7–19) marks Israel’s shift from tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy. Each overseer provided for the palace “one month in the year” (1 Kings 4:7). Jehoshaphat, son of Paruach, managed Issachar, confirming both the territory’s strategic value and Solomon’s nationwide reach. The reference to Paruach’s paternity underscores the era’s emphasis on lineage and the esteem granted to reputable households. Geographical Context: Issachar Issachar’s fertile plains stretched across the Jezreel Valley. Its grain, wine, and livestock made it ideal for royal provisions. From this rich region, resources flowed to Jerusalem, fueling the splendor of Solomon’s reign and the construction of the temple. The Father Behind the Official Though unnamed in deeds, Paruach’s reputation lives through his son. Ancient Israel credited a man when his offspring held public trust (Proverbs 17:6). Paruach exemplifies the unseen contributors whose faithfulness upholds national welfare. Symbolic Resonance of “Blossoming” Paruach’s name conveys the idea of budding or flourishing, a motif Scripture links to covenant blessing: His solitary mention during Solomon’s golden era subtly mirrors Israel’s flowering under divine favor. Spiritual and Ministry Applications 1. Hidden faithfulness bears public fruit—parents, mentors, and quiet servants shape leaders who bless many. Christological and Eschatological Echoes Solomon’s orderly kingdom foreshadows the perfect government of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:7). Just as Paruach’s lineage supplied the earthly son of David, every believer supplies the body of Christ, “growing and building itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16). Summary Paruach embodies the quiet but indispensable role of godly heritage in Israel’s blossoming. His brief appearance highlights the value Scripture places on hidden roots that yield lasting fruit, encouraging present-day believers to cultivate faithfulness and expect God’s promises to bloom in every generation. Forms and Transliterations פָּר֖וּחַ פרוח pā·rū·aḥ paRuach pārūaḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 4:17 HEB: יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט בֶּן־ פָּר֖וּחַ בְּיִשָׂשכָֽר׃ ס NAS: the son of Paruah, in Issachar; KJV: the son of Paruah, in Issachar: INT: Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah Issachar 1 Occurrence |
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