Definition and Meaning:
El-paran is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. The name "El-paran" can be translated to mean "the terebinth of Paran" or "the oak of Paran," indicating a notable tree or grove in the region of Paran. Paran itself is a desert area located in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, extending into the southern region of Canaan.

Biblical References:
El-paran is referenced in Genesis 14:6, which describes the military campaign of Chedorlaomer and his allies. The verse states: "and the Horites in their hill country of Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness." (Genesis 14:6). This passage situates El-paran at the edge of the wilderness, suggesting it was a boundary marker or a significant landmark during the time of the patriarchs.

Historical and Geographical Context:
The region of Paran is historically significant as it is associated with the wanderings of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. It is a vast desert area that served as a backdrop for several biblical events. El-paran, being on the periphery of this wilderness, would have been a notable location for travelers and military campaigns, as indicated in the Genesis account.

Theological Significance:
El-paran's mention in the context of Genesis 14 highlights the broader narrative of God's providence and the unfolding of His promises to Abraham. The military campaign that reached El-paran is part of the larger account of Abram's (later Abraham) rescue of Lot, which demonstrates God's protection and blessing over Abram and his descendants. This event underscores the theme of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Cultural and Symbolic Aspects:
In the ancient Near Eastern context, significant trees or groves, such as those implied by the name El-paran, often served as landmarks or places of meeting and worship. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about El-paran itself, its mention alongside other notable locations suggests its importance in the geography and culture of the time.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Divine Guidance and Protection: The journey to El-paran and the subsequent victory of Abram over the kings reflect God's guidance and protection over His chosen people.
· Covenant and Promise: The events surrounding El-paran are part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with Abram, emphasizing themes of faith, obedience, and divine promise.
· Wilderness and Testing: Paran, as a wilderness region, is symbolic of testing and reliance on God, themes that recur throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in the account of the Israelites' desert wanderings.

Cross-References:
· Numbers 10:12: The Israelites set out from the Desert of Sinai and camped in the Desert of Paran.
· Deuteronomy 1:1: Paran is mentioned as part of the geographical setting for Moses' speeches to the Israelites.
· 1 Kings 11:18: Paran is referenced in the context of Hadad the Edomite's flight to Egypt.

El-paran, though briefly mentioned, serves as a geographical and symbolic marker within the biblical narrative, contributing to the understanding of God's unfolding plan and the historical context of the patriarchs.PARAN, EL-PARAN

pa'-ran, (pa'ran, 'el-pa'ran; Pharan):

(1) El-paran (Genesis 14:6) was the point farthest South reached by the kings. Septuagint renders 'el by terebinthos, and reads, "unto the terebinth of Paran." The evidence is slender, but it is not unreasonable to suppose that this is the place elsewhere (Deuteronomy 2:8 1 Kings 9:26, etc.) called Elath or Eloth ('el with feminine termination), a seaport town which gave its name to the Aelanitic Gulf (modern Gulf of `Aqaba), not far from the wilderness of Paran (2).

(2) Many places named in the narrative of the wanderings lay within the Wilderness of Paran (Numbers 10:12; Numbers 13:21; Numbers 27:14; compare 13:3, 16, etc.). It is identified with the high limestone plateau of Ettih, stretching from the Southwest of the Dead Sea to Sinai along the west side of the Arabah. This wilderness offered hospitality to Ishmael when driven from his father's tent (Genesis 21:21). Hither also came David when bereaved of Samuel's protection (1 Samuel 25:1).

(3) Mount Paran (Deuteronomy 33:2 Habakkuk 3:3) may be either Jebel Maqrah, 29 miles South of `Ain Kadis (Kadesh-barnea), and 130 miles North of Sinai (Palmer, Desert of the Exodus, 510); or the higher and more imposing range of mountains West of the Gulf of `Aqaba. This is the more probable if El-paran is rightly identified with Elath.

(4) Some place named Paran would seem to be referred to in Deuteronomy 1:1; but no trace of such a city has yet been found. Paran in 1 Kings 11:18 doubtless refers to the district West of the Arabah.

W. Ewing

EL-PARAN

el-pa'-ran.

See PARAN.

364. El Paran -- "terebinth of Paran," a city and harbor on the ...
El Paran. 363, 364. El Paran. 365 . "terebinth of Paran," a city and
harbor on the Red Sea. Transliteration: El Paran Phonetic ...
/hebrew/364.htm - 6k

Chapter xiv
... Qarnayim and the Zuzim at Ham and the Emim in the plain of Qiryathayim; and the
Horites in their mountains, namely those of Seir, as far as El Paran which is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... near to Ashtaroth-Karnaim, the Zuzim near Ham,**** the Amim at Shaveh-Kiriathaim,
and the Horim on the spurs of Mount Seir as far as El-Paran; then retracing ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Elparan (1 Occurrence)
... West of the Arabah. W. Ewing. EL-PARAN. el-pa'-ran. See PARAN. Multi-Version
Concordance Elparan (1 Occurrence). Genesis 14:6 and the ...
/e/elparan.htm - 9k

El-paran (1 Occurrence)
El-paran. Elparan, El-paran. Elpelet . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ... (BBE
DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS RSV). Elparan, El-paran. Elpelet . Reference Bible.
/e/el-paran.htm - 9k

Paran (11 Occurrences)
... This is the more probable if El-paran is rightly identified with Elath. ... Genesis
14:6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness ...
/p/paran.htm - 13k

Oak (22 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary There are six Hebrew words rendered "oak.". (1.)
`El occurs only in the word El-paran (Genesis 14:6). The LXX. ...
/o/oak.htm - 33k

Terebinth (15 Occurrences)
... translated "oak" or "oaks," with margin "terebinth" or "terebinths." (5) In Genesis
14:6 Septuagint has terebinthos, as the translation of the el of El-paran. ...
/t/terebinth.htm - 15k

En-gedi (6 Occurrences)
... as Hazazon-tamar, mentioned in Genesis 14:7 as occupied by the Amorites and as having
been attacked by Chedorlaomer after leaving Kadesh and ElParan on his ...
/e/en-gedi.htm - 10k

Eloth (3 Occurrences)
... It may be identical with El-paran of Genesis 14:6, and Elah of Genesis 36:41. When
David conquered Edom, Elath passed into the hands of Israel (2 Samuel 8:14). ...
/e/eloth.htm - 9k

Elath (6 Occurrences)
... It may be identical with El-paran of Genesis 14:6, and Elah of Genesis 36:41. When
David conquered Edom, Elath passed into the hands of Israel (2 Samuel 8:14). ...
/e/elath.htm - 10k

Engedi (6 Occurrences)
... as Hazazon-tamar, mentioned in Genesis 14:7 as occupied by the Amorites and as having
been attacked by Chedorlaomer after leaving Kadesh and ElParan on his ...
/e/engedi.htm - 11k

Elpalet (1 Occurrence)

/e/elpalet.htm - 7k

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