Lexical Summary Parnak: Parnak Original Word: פַרְנַךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Parnach Of uncertain derivation; Parnak, an Israelite -- Parnach. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a man of Zebulun NASB Translation Parnach (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַּרְנָךְ proper name, masculine of Zebulun Numbers 34:25, Φαρ(α)ναχ. **compare Palmyrene פרנך Lzb354 Cooke298. Topical Lexicon Biblical OccurrenceNumbers 34:25: “and from the tribe of Zebulun, the leader Elizaphan son of Parnach.” Historical Context Numbers 34 sets forth the divine instructions for apportioning Canaan just before Israel crossed the Jordan. Twelve leaders—one from each tribe except Levi—were appointed to work with Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. Parnach is identified as the father of Zebulun’s representative, Elizaphan. His name anchors the record to an identifiable family living during the final months of Moses’ wilderness leadership (circa 1406 BC). Genealogical Significance By naming Parnach, Scripture links Elizaphan’s delegated authority to a respected Zebulunite household. The precision supports the historicity of Israel’s land inheritance and preserves a vital genealogical link between the exodus generation and the settled tribes. Although Parnach’s personal deeds remain unrecorded, his family lineage qualified his son to act as tribal nasi (prince) in one of Israel’s most consequential administrative tasks. Role in the Division of Canaan The twelve commissioners measured, surveyed, and ratified the boundaries God had promised (Genesis 15:18; Deuteronomy 1:8). Through Elizaphan, Parnach’s house helped translate covenant promise into tangible inheritance, a foreshadowing of the believer’s “inheritance kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Parnach’s inclusion underscores that faithful family lines further God’s redemptive program, even when the individual’s own actions remain hidden from the biblical narrative. The Tribe of Zebulun Jacob prophesied that Zebulun would “dwell by the seashore and become a haven for ships” (Genesis 49:13). Moses later blessed the tribe with abundance and joy (Deuteronomy 33:18-19). Participation in the allocation committee enabled Zebulun to secure its Galilean territory, fulfilling those ancestral blessings. Parnach’s household thus stood at the junction of prophecy and fulfillment. Spiritual Lessons 1. Faithful Parenting: While Scripture is silent on his achievements, Parnach evidently fostered a character in his son worthy of national trust. Modern believers are reminded to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Connections with Other Leaders The surrounding verses mention Jephunneh, Ammihud, Chislon, Jogli, Ephod, Shiphtan, Azzan, Shelomi, and another Ammihud—fathers of tribal princes who joined Elizaphan. Together they form a unity of twelve, reflecting the solidarity of Israel’s tribes under covenant authority and offering a template for cooperative ministry among God’s people. Conclusion Though Parnach appears only once, his family contributed decisively to Israel’s settlement in the promised land. His brief mention testifies that God weaves even the most obscure lives into His grand design, encouraging believers to practice quiet faithfulness, assured that “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown” (Hebrews 6:10). Forms and Transliterations פַּרְנָֽךְ׃ פרנך׃ par·nāḵ parNach parnāḵLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 34:25 HEB: אֱלִיצָפָ֖ן בֶּן־ פַּרְנָֽךְ׃ NAS: Elizaphan the son of Parnach. KJV: Elizaphan the son of Parnach. INT: Elizaphan the son of Parnach 1 Occurrence |