פַּרְעֹשׁ (par.osh)
par.osh
Parosh
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Parosh appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It identifies a specific man who served as an ancestor for a family that returned from exile. This lineage is noted both among those who came back with Zerubbabel and later among those who followed Ezra.
Lexical sources suggest the name translates to "flea," a strikingly humble meaning for a clan leader. Despite this modest etymology, the Parosh family held significant standing in the restored community. A member of this line signed the covenant reaffirming their commitment to God under Nehemiah’s leadership, and another is recorded as the father of Pedaiah.
These brief mentions anchor the name in a pivotal historical moment. The repetition of Parosh across different lists highlights the importance of family identity during the post-exilic restoration. The text preserves these names not for their grandeur, but to document the faithful community rebuilding Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Parosh, appearing in Ezra and Nehemiah, carries a humble meaning often translated as "flea." While this might seem small or insignificant, the families bearing this name played a vital role in rebuilding Jerusalem after the exile. Their presence in the census lists shows that God values every member of His community, regardless of how ordinary their names may appear to us.
These records remind us that faithfulness is often found in quiet, steady obedience rather than public fame. A man named Pedaiah, son of Parosh, contributed his labor to repairing the city walls (Nehemiah 3:25). This detail highlights how ordinary people used their skills and resources to support a common spiritual goal.
When we read these genealogies, we see that our own contributions matter in God’s eyes. Whether we are leading or serving behind the scenes, our willingness to participate in God’s work is recorded and valued. This history encourages us to trust that our faithful steps, however small they seem, are part of a larger story of restoration and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Parosh5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פַרְעֹ֔שׁ2×
- פַּרְעֹֽשׁ\׃\ \ס1×
- פַרְעֹ֡שׁ1×
- פַרְעֹ֖שׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:3
The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two.
This verse establishes the Parosh family as one of the primary groups returning from exile, anchoring their identity in the restoration community.
-
Nehemiah 3:25
Palal the son of Uzai made repairs opposite the turning of the wall, and the tower that stands out from the upper house of the king, which is by the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs.
Pedaiah, son of Parosh, is specifically named as a builder of the wall, showing practical participation in the city's physical and spiritual recovery.
-
Ezra 10:25
Of Israel: Of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malchijah, and Benaiah.
Members of the Parosh line are listed among those who confessed their sins and separated from foreign marriages, demonstrating personal commitment to covenant faithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Parosh mean?
Where does Parosh appear in the Bible?
Why are these names important if they seem minor?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 3 verses
The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two.
Ezra 8:3Of the sons of Shecaniah, of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah; and with him were listed by genealogy of the males one…
Ezra 10:25Of Israel: Of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malchijah, and Benaiah.