Jump to: Hitchcock's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Geographical Location: Paran is a significant desert region mentioned in the Bible, located in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the wilderness of Shur to the west and the wilderness of Zin to the east. The exact boundaries of Paran are not clearly defined in the biblical text, but it is generally associated with the area south of Canaan and north of the Sinai Desert. Biblical References: Paran is first mentioned in the context of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. After being sent away by Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael dwelt in the wilderness of Paran. Genesis 21:21 states, "And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt." The wilderness of Paran is also significant in the narrative of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. After leaving Mount Sinai, the Israelites camped in the wilderness of Paran. Numbers 10:12 records, "And the Israelites set out from the Wilderness of Sinai, traveling from place to place until the cloud came to rest in the Wilderness of Paran." Paran served as a base for the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. Numbers 13:3 notes, "So at the command of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All of them were leaders of the Israelites." Historical and Theological Significance: Paran is often associated with themes of testing and divine provision. The wilderness experience of the Israelites, including their time in Paran, is a period marked by God's guidance and sustenance despite the people's frequent disobedience and lack of faith. The sending of the spies from Paran underscores the importance of faith and obedience to God's promises. The region is also mentioned in the context of God's revelation and power. Deuteronomy 33:2 describes a theophany, "The LORD came from Sinai and dawned over them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came with myriads of holy ones, with lightning from His right hand for them." Prophetic and Poetic References: Paran is referenced in the poetic and prophetic literature of the Bible, often symbolizing God's majestic presence and intervention. Habakkuk 3:3 states, "God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth." Cultural and Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of Paran remains uncertain, it is traditionally identified with the area around the modern-day desert of Wadi Paran. Archaeological findings in this region have provided insights into the nomadic lifestyle of its ancient inhabitants, consistent with the biblical portrayal of Paran as a wilderness area. Conclusion: Paran holds a multifaceted role in biblical history, serving as a backdrop for significant events in the lives of Ishmael and the Israelites. It is a place of divine encounter, testing, and revelation, reflecting the broader themes of God's faithfulness and the call to trust in His promises. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary ParanEaston's Bible Dictionary Abounding in foliage, or abounding in caverns, (Genesis 21:21), a desert tract forming the north-eastern division of the peninsula of Sinai, lying between the `Arabah on the east and the wilderness of Shur on the west. It is intersected in a north-western direction by the Wady el-`Arish. It bears the modern name of Badiet et-Tih, i.e., "the desert of the wanderings." This district, through which the children of Israel wandered, lay three days' march from Sinai (Numbers 10:12, 33). From Kadesh, in this wilderness, spies (q.v.) were sent to spy the land (13:3, 26). Here, long afterwards, David found refuge from Saul (1 Samuel 25:1, 4). Paran, Mount Probably the hilly region or upland wilderness on the north of the desert of Paran forming the southern boundary of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 33:2; Habakkuk 3:3). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PARAN, EL-PARANpa'-ran, (pa'ran, 'el-pa'ran; Pharan): Strong's Hebrew 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 6290. Paran -- a place in Sinai Library Chapter xiv Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the ... Heralds of the Morning Heralds of the Morning. The History after the Flood. In the Borders of Canaan. Ode iv. Afraid of Giants Letter Xcvii. To Pammachius and Marcella. God's Care for the Boy Ishmael Thesaurus Paran (11 Occurrences)... Here, long afterwards, David found refuge from Saul (1 Samuel 25:1, 4). Paran, Mount. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PARAN, EL-PARAN. ... /p/paran.htm - 13k El-paran (1 Occurrence) Elparan (1 Occurrence) Hazeroth (5 Occurrences) Oak (22 Occurrences) Kadesh (30 Occurrences) Zin (9 Occurrences) Aaron (343 Occurrences) Allowance (11 Occurrences) Hadad (38 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God came from Teman (Habakkuk 3:3)? | GotQuestions.orgWas Yahweh originally a Edomite or Canaanite god? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Midian in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Paran (11 Occurrences)Genesis 14:6 Genesis 21:21 Numbers 10:12 Numbers 12:16 Numbers 13:3 Numbers 13:26 Deuteronomy 1:1 Deuteronomy 33:2 1 Samuel 25:1 1 Kings 11:18 Habakkuk 3:3 Subtopics Paran: Desert or Wilderness of Related Terms |