3664. 'Go to Paddan Aram' means the cognitions of such truth. This is clear from the meaning of 'Aram' or Syria as cognitions, dealt with in 1232, 1234, 3249. The reason 'Paddan Aram' means cognitions of truth is that it was situated in Syria of the [Two] Rivers, where Nahor, Bethuel, and Laban lived; for 'Syria' means the cognitions of truth, see 3051. Paddan Aram has also been referred to previously in 25:20, and is mentioned again in 31:18 below; and in those places too it means cognitions of truth.

1231. That 'Lud' means cognitions of truth is clear from the fact that cognitions of truth are obtained in this manner, namely from the Lord through charity and so through faith, by means of reason and knowledge. It is clear also in Ezekiel,

Persia and Lud and Put were in your army, as your men of war; they hung the shield and helmet in you, they gave you your splendour. Ezekiel 27:10.

This refers to Tyre. 'Lud and Put' stands for cognitions, which are spoken of as being 'in its army' and as being 'men of war' because cognitions with the support of reason serve to defend truths, which is also 'hanging the shield and helmet'. That 'Put' means exterior cognitions of the Word, see above at verse 6 of this chapter.