Lexical Definition

‎פַּרְפַּר‎ Parpar (par-par') Pharpar ^N:N--L
probably from ‎פָּרַר‎ in the sense of rushing; rapid

Pharpar.

• § Pharpar = "swift"
• Parpar, a river of Syria

1) a stream in the district of Damascus identified with the modern 'Awaj'; rises on the southeast slopes of Mount Hermon and flows into the southernmost lake of Damascus

Brown-Driver-Briggs

‎פַּרְפַּר‎ proper name, of a river near Damascus 2Kgs 5:12 (A) φαρφαρ; A φαρφαρα; perhaps modern 'Awaj, south of Damascus Rob BR^{iii. 447 f}.

Brown-Driver-Briggs References

Profile

Pharpar • A river in Damascus, Syria

Pharpar was one of the rivers of Damascus, mentioned by Naaman the leper when comparing them to the Jordan River in Israel.

• A location only mentioned at 2Ki.5.12;
• only referred to as Pharpar פַּרְפַּר.
  

Pharpar, along with the Abana (or Amana), was one of the two rivers of Damascus mentioned in the Bible (2 Kgs. 5:12). When Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, sought healing from his leprosy, the prophet Elisha instructed him to wash seven times in the Jordan River (2 Kgs. 5:10). Naaman was initially angry at this suggestion, exclaiming, "Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" (2 Kgs. 5:12). However, after being persuaded by his servants, Naaman followed Elisha's instructions and was healed of his leprosy (2 Kgs. 5:13-14). The Pharpar River, which still exists today, flows from the Anti-Lebanon mountains and runs through the city of Damascus before emptying into a lake east of the city. Naaman's initial reluctance to wash in the Jordan highlights the pride and prejudice that can hinder people from experiencing God's healing and blessing.

All entries for Pharpar: פַּרְפַּר