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H6515 · Hebrew · Old Testament
פָּרוּחַ
Paruach
Proper Noun
father of Jehoshaphat; 'blossoming/flourishing'

Definition

Paruach (פָּרוּחַ) appears only in 1 Kings 4:17 as the father of Jehoshaphat, one of Solomon's twelve district administrators. The name derives from the root parach, meaning to blossom, sprout, or flourish — the same root used of Aaron's rod that blossomed miraculously (Numbers 17), of Israel flourishing in Egypt, and of the Messiah's growth in Isaiah.

Usage & Theological Significance

Names meaning 'blossoming' or 'flourishing' in the Hebrew Bible point to God's creative life-giving power. Parach (to blossom) is used of: Aaron's rod that budded in Numbers 17 (confirming priestly authority); Israel flourishing under God's blessing; and the righteous flourishing like a palm tree (Psalm 92:12). The name Paruach encodes the promise that covenant faithfulness produces flourishing life.

Key Bible Verses

1 Kings 4:17 Jehoshaphat son of Paruach — in Issachar.
Numbers 17:8 The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron's staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded [parach], blossomed and produced almonds.
Psalm 92:12 The righteous will flourish [parach] like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
Isaiah 35:1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom [parach].
Isaiah 27:6 In days to come, Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom [parach] and fill all the world with fruit.

Word Study

Aaron's rod blossomed (parach) overnight as a supernatural sign of confirmed calling — dead wood producing almonds. This is a picture of resurrection life: what appears lifeless and dry is capable of divine flourishing when God acts. The same root describes the eschatological desert blossoming (Isaiah 35:1) — the transformation of waste places into garden abundance when Messiah reigns.

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External Resources

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