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Paran

Locations
Modern Location Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Coordinates 28.5333, 33.9667

Geographical Setting

Paran is an arid wilderness region situated in the northeastern Sinai Peninsula, historically serving as a transit zone between Egypt and the Levant.

What is the meaning of Paran in the Bible?

Paran is a desert region located in the northeastern portion of the Sinai Peninsula. Its name is linguistically interpreted as meaning 'abounding in foliage' or 'abounding in caverns'.

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying Paran as a specific geographic waypoint clarifies the spatial progression of the Israelite wanderings, illustrating the challenging terrain traversed between the Nile Delta and the borders of Canaan.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Paran (located near modern Sinai Peninsula, Egypt) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Paran in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Paran clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Paran." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/paran/
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