What is…
Parah

also known as: Pharah

Meaning: the heifer

This is an ancient town in the Tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:23). It is mentioned alongside the towns of Avvim and Ophrah.

Little is known beyond its mention in this boundary/town list. No further biblical events or references occur there.

Its exact location remains uncertain. Some suggest it is at the ruins called Farah (Far'ah). This is in the Wadi Farah about 6 miles northeast of Jerusalem. This Wadi is a branch of the Wady Kelt.

Avvim (aka Avim) is a nearby mino town in Benjamin’s allotment, also listed in Joshua 18:23 between Bethel and Parah. Little is known beyond this mention. Its proposed location is at Khirbet Haiyan (Horvat Hayan), about 2.5 miles (4 km) east-southeast of Bethel (Beitin), in the central hill country near Parah and Ophrah. Iron Age pottery and other occupation traces have been found at Khirbet Haiyan.

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Article Version: February 16, 2026