Parbar is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the temple service during the reign of King David. The reference to Parbar appears in 1 Chronicles 26:18, which states: "As for the court on the west, there were four at the road and two at the Parbar." This passage is part of a larger section detailing the divisions of the gatekeepers, who were responsible for the security and order of the temple.

Etymology and Meaning

The exact meaning and origin of the word "Parbar" are somewhat obscure. Some scholars suggest that it may be derived from a Persian word meaning "suburb" or "open space," indicating an area adjacent to the temple complex. Others propose a Hebrew origin, possibly related to the word "parvar," which could mean "precinct" or "enclosure."

Location and Function

Parbar is believed to have been a location on the western side of the temple, possibly an open court or a colonnade. Its specific function is not detailed in the biblical text, but it is mentioned in the context of the gatekeepers' duties, suggesting it was an area requiring oversight and protection. The gatekeepers were Levites assigned to guard the entrances to the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter and that the sanctity of the temple was maintained.

Historical and Cultural Context

During King David's reign, the organization of temple service was a significant aspect of Israelite worship. David, with divine guidance, established a detailed system for the Levites, priests, musicians, and gatekeepers, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 23-26. This organization was crucial for the functioning of the temple, which was the center of religious life in Israel.

The mention of Parbar in this context highlights the meticulous care taken to ensure the temple's security and order. The gatekeepers' role was not merely functional but also spiritual, as they helped maintain the holiness of the temple, which was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the reference to Parbar and the detailed organization of temple service underscore the importance of order, reverence, and holiness in worship. The temple was a sacred space where God met with His people, and every aspect of its operation was designed to reflect His glory and holiness.

In a broader sense, the mention of Parbar and the gatekeepers' duties can be seen as a reminder of the need for vigilance and dedication in the service of God. Just as the gatekeepers were tasked with protecting the physical temple, believers are called to guard their hearts and lives, ensuring that they remain pure and devoted to the Lord.

Conclusion

While Parbar is a minor detail in the grand narrative of Scripture, its inclusion in the biblical text serves as a testament to the comprehensive nature of God's instructions for worship and the care with which His people were to approach Him. The reference to Parbar, though brief, is a part of the rich tapestry of temple worship that points to the greater reality of God's holiness and the privilege of serving in His presence.Parbar

a suburb

Parbar

(open apartment), a word occurring in Hebrew and Authorized Version only in (1 Chronicles 26:18) It would seem that Parbar was some place on the west side of the temple enclosure, probably the suburb mentioned by Josephus as lying in the deep valley which separated the west wall of the temple from the city opposite it.

(1 Chronicles 26:18), a place apparently connected with the temple, probably a "suburb" (q.v.), as the word is rendered in 2 Kings 23:11; a space between the temple wall and the wall of the court; an open portico into which the chambers of the official persons opened (1 Chronicles 26:18). PARBAR

par'-bar (parbar (1 Chronicles 26:18), and parwarim, translated "precincts" (the King James Version "suburbs" in 2 Kings 23:11); Septuagint pharoureim): In 1 Chronicles 26:18 reference is made to the position of the gatekeepers, "for Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar." The word is supposed to be of Persian origin, connected with Parwar, meaning "possessing light," and hence, the meaning has been suggested of "colonnade" or "portico," some place open to the light. In the plural form (2 Kings 23:11) the situation of the house of "Nathan-melech" is described, and the translation, "in the colonnades," should, if the above origin is accepted, be more correct than English Versions of the Bible. It is difficult to understand the occurrence of a Persian word at this time, and it has been suggested (EB, col 3585) that the word is a description of the office of Nathan-melech, ba-parwarim being a misreading for ba-peradhim, meaning "who was over the mules."

E. W. G. Masterman

6503. parbar -- probably a structure on the W. side of Solomon's ...
parbar or parvar. 6502, 6503. parbar or parvar. 6504 . probably a structure
on the W. side of Solomon's temple. Transliteration ...
/hebrew/6503.htm - 6kParbar (1 Occurrence)
... persons opened (1 Chronicles 26:18). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PARBAR.
par'-bar (parbar (1 Chronicles 26:18), and parwarim ...
/p/parbar.htm - 8k

Precinct (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Precinct (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 26:18 For Parbar
westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar. (See JPS). ...
/p/precinct.htm - 7k

Causey (1 Occurrence)
... WN Stearns. Multi-Version Concordance Causey (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 26:18
At Parbar westward, four at the causey, and two at Parbar. (WBS). ...
/c/causey.htm - 8k

Causeway (2 Occurrences)
... watch. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY). 1 Chronicles 26:18 For Parbar westward, four
at the causeway, and two at Parbar. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY). ...
/c/causeway.htm - 9k

Westward (35 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). 1 Chronicles 26:18 For Parbar westward, four at
the causeway, and two at Parbar. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/w/westward.htm - 19k

Parcel (10 Occurrences)

/p/parcel.htm - 11k

West (110 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 26:18 For
Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar. ...
/w/west.htm - 42k

Highway (27 Occurrences)
... against charge; (YLT NAS). 1 Chronicles 26:18 at Parbar, to the west, 'are'
four at the highway, two at Parbar. (YLT NAS). Psalms 68:4 ...
/h/highway.htm - 16k

Parapet (3 Occurrences)

/p/parapet.htm - 7k

Suburbs (75 Occurrences)
... The Revised Version renders it "precincts." The singular form of this Hebrew word
(parvar) is supposed by some to be the same as Parbar (qv), which occurs ...
/s/suburbs.htm - 29k

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