Derasha 4 on Bereishis 2:14

TT #95 · Parashas Bereishis · Second Aliyah · Passuk 14

Complete Passuk

וְשֵׁ֨ם הַנָּהָ֤ר הַשְּׁלִישִׁי֙ חִדֶּ֔קֶל ה֥וּא הַֽהֹלֵ֖ךְ קִדְמַ֣ת אַשּׁ֑וּר וְהַנָּהָ֥ר הָֽרְבִיעִ֖י ה֥וּא פְרָֽת׃

Chabad / Judaica Press

Source Citation

TT points to Bechoros 55b (verified).

E-Daf image (Bechoros 55b)

Core Text

Core Textתַּנְיָא, רַבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר: יוּבַל שְׁמוֹ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וְהָיָה כְּעֵץ שָׁתוּל עַל מַיִם וְעַל יוּבַל יְשַׁלַּח שָׁרָשָׁיו. וְלָמָּה נִקְרָא שְׁמוֹ פְּרָת? שֶׁמֵּימָיו פָּרִים וְרָבִים.
English of Core Text: It was taught: Rabbi Meir says: Its name is Yuval, as it is said “and he shall be like a tree planted by waters, and that spreads out its roots by a yuval.” And why is it called Peras (Euphrates)? Because its waters are fruitful and multiply.
On the daf / in context: Alternative name and etymology of the Euphrates: “Peras” from its abundant, multiplying waters.
Type of Learning: Custom (etymology of Peras / alternative name Yuval)
What Is Learned: The Euphrates is also called Yuval; the name Peras alludes to the fruitfulness of its waters.