Paruah

At a Glance

A biblical personal name appearing once in connection with Solomon’s kingdom administration.

Key Points

• Mentioned in 1 Kings 4:17
• Identified as the father of Jehoshaphat
• Known from a historical list, not from a narrative account

Description

Paruah is a minor Old Testament personal name appearing in the administrative list from Solomon’s reign. He is identified only as the father of Jehoshaphat, one of the officials responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household (1 Kings 4:17). Scripture does not develop Paruah as a theological figure or narrative character; the name is preserved as part of the historical record of Solomon’s administration.

Biblical Context

1 Kings 4 lists Solomon’s officials and district governors, illustrating the organization and reach of his kingdom. Paruah is mentioned only indirectly through his son Jehoshaphat.

Historical Context

The reference belongs to the administrative structure of Solomon’s reign, when the kingdom was organized into districts for taxation and supply. Paruah’s name survives as part of that royal record.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Ancient genealogical and administrative lists often preserved family names even when the individuals themselves played no direct narrative role. Paruah is such a preserved name.

Primary Key Texts

• 1 Kings 4:17

Secondary Key Texts

• No other clear biblical text is associated with Paruah.

Original Language Note

The Hebrew personal name is transliterated as Paruah; the biblical text preserves it as a family name in an administrative list.

Theological Significance

Paruah has no direct theological teaching attached to him. His significance is historical, showing the detailed administrative memory preserved in Scripture.

Philosophical Explanation

As a proper name, Paruah does not express a doctrine or concept. His value in the canon is documentary: Scripture records real people within real historical administration.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not infer more about Paruah than the text states. He is known only by name and relation to Jehoshaphat in Solomon’s official list.

Major Views

There is no substantive interpretive debate about Paruah himself; the main issue is simply identification as a personal name rather than a theological term.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Paruah should not be treated as a doctrinal category, symbolic figure, or allegorical type. The text supports only a historical identification.

Practical Significance

Paruah reminds readers that Scripture includes even brief, ordinary historical details. Such details reinforce the concreteness and reliability of the biblical record.

Related Entries

• Jehoshaphat (son of Paruah)
• Solomon
• 1 Kings 4

See Also

• district governors
• Solomon’s administration
• personal names in the Old Testament