אֵיל פָּארָן (el pa.ran)
el pa.ran
El-paran
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name El-paran translates to "terebinth of Paran" or "palm of Paran," identifying a specific town and harbor located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea. This geographical marker appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Genesis 21:21.
Its singular occurrence places Ishmael in this region after his departure from Abraham’s household. The location serves as a concrete setting for the narrative of Ishmael’s early life, anchoring the story in a real place near the edge of the wilderness rather than leaving it abstract.
While the name itself suggests vegetation typical of oasis settlements, the text focuses on its function as a dwelling place. It marks the boundary between the settled lands and the open desert, providing a specific backdrop for the biblical account of Ishmael’s growth into an archer.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
El-paran appears only once in Scripture, marking a specific place where Ishmael settled after leaving his father’s home. This single mention grounds the biblical narrative in real geography, showing that God’s care extends to those living on the edges of known civilization. The name itself points to an oasis setting, suggesting provision and shelter in a harsh environment.
For readers today, this detail reminds us that God is present even in remote or difficult places. It offers comfort to those who feel isolated or distant from traditional centers of faith, affirming that divine presence is not limited by location. The story encourages trust in God’s ongoing guidance, regardless of where life may lead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Paran1×
- El1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פָּארָ֔ן1×
- אֵ֣יל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:6
and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to El Paran, which is by the wilderness.
This verse uniquely identifies El-paran as a location near the wilderness, anchoring Ishmael’s settlement in a tangible geographical context.