The Hebrew word Pûwʼâh, represented by H6312, is defined as a blast. The word is used as the proper name Puah or Puvvah for two Israelites. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible and is transliterated in scripture as Phuvah, Pua, and Puah.
The name H6312 appears in biblical genealogies primarily to identify a son of Issachar. In the record of Jacob's descendants, he is listed as Phuvah Genesis 46:13. A census in the book of Numbers refers to him as Pua, noting his descendants as "the family of the Punites" Numbers 26:23. A later genealogical record in Chronicles also lists Puah as one of the four sons of Issachar 1 Chronicles 7:1. The name is also used to identify the father of Tola, a judge who arose to defend Israel after Abimelech; this Puah is also identified as a man of Issachar Judges 10:1.
Several related words clarify the context and lineage of the individuals named H6312:
- H3485 Yissâˢkâr (Issachar): This name, meaning "he will bring a reward," identifies the tribe of both men named Puah, connecting them to one of the sons of Jacob (Genesis 46:13, Judges 10:1).
- H8439 Tôwlâʻ (Tola): Meaning "worm," this is the name of an Israelite consistently linked with Puah. In genealogies, Tola is Puah's brother Genesis 46:13, while in the book of Judges, Tola is Puah's son Judges 10:1.
- H6324 Pûwnîy (Punites): This patronymic term identifies the descendants of Puah, son of Issachar. It is used in the census of Israel to denote "the family of the Punites" Numbers 26:23.
While a proper name, the context of H6312 touches on important scriptural themes:
- Tribal and Family Identity: The name Puah is consistently tied to the tribe of Issachar, reinforcing the importance of genealogical records in establishing Israel's identity as a people comprised of distinct families and tribes (Genesis 46:13, 1 Chronicles 7:1).
- Progenitor of a Clan: Puah, the son of Issachar, is identified as the forefather of the Punites Numbers 26:23. This establishes his role as the head of a family H4940, a foundational unit of the nation of Israel.
- Lineage of Leadership: The second Puah is the father of Tola, a judge who arose H6965 to defend H3467 Israel. This connection places his name within the history of God's deliverance for His people Judges 10:1.
In summary, H6312 is the proper name, Pûwʼâh, belonging to two individuals from the tribe of Issachar. Its appearances in scripture serve to anchor genealogical records, identifying a son of Issachar who founded the Punite family Numbers 26:23 and the father of Tola, a judge of Israel Judges 10:1. Though appearing only four times, the name is integral to the structure of tribal lineage and the narrative of Israel's leadership, illustrating how individual names contribute to the broader biblical account of family, tribe, and nation.
TRV