of foreign origin; Put, a son of Ham, also the name of his descendants or their region, and of a Persian tribe; Phut, Put.
Transliteration:Pûwṭ
Pronunciation:poot
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פּוּט (Pûwṭ), transliterated as Pûṭ and assigned Strong's H6316, is a proper noun denoting both a person and the people or region associated with him. Its base definition indicates an origin "of foreign origin," suggesting it is not a native Hebrew word but rather an adoption from another language, likely Egyptian or Libyan. Primarily, Pûṭ refers to a son of Ham, establishing his place within the genealogical table of nations ([[Genesis 10:6]]; [[1 Chronicles 1:8]]). Secondarily, the name designates his descendants and the territory they inhabited. This region is consistently associated with North Africa, particularly Libya or an area immediately west of Egypt, rather than a "Persian tribe" as suggested in some broader definitions, which may reflect later or more generalized understanding of "foreign." The semantic range is therefore quite narrow, focusing on a specific ethnic and geographical entity known for its military contributions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Pûṭ (H6316) appears seven times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in genealogical lists and prophetic oracles concerning international powers.
1. **Genealogical Context:**
* [[Genesis 10:6]]: Pûṭ is listed as one of the four sons of Ham, alongside Cush, Mizraim (Egypt), and Canaan. This foundational passage establishes his place within the Hamitic lineage, linking him directly to the peoples of Africa and the Near East.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:8]]: This verse reiterates the genealogical information found in Genesis, confirming Pûṭ's identity as a son of Ham.
2. **Prophetic and Military Contexts:**
* [[Jeremiah 46:9]]: In an oracle against Egypt, Pûṭ is mentioned alongside Cush and Lud as warriors who are called to battle for Pharaoh. This context highlights Pûṭ as a people known for their military prowess, likely serving as mercenaries or allies for Egypt.
* [[Ezekiel 27:10]]: In a lament over Tyre, Pûṭ is again listed, this time with Persia (`{{H6539}}`) and Lud (`{{H3865}}`), as providing soldiers for Tyre's army. This reinforces the image of Pûṭ as a source of mercenary forces, contributing to the military strength of major regional powers.
* [[Ezekiel 30:5]]: As part of an extensive prophecy against Egypt and its allies, Pûṭ is named among those who will fall by the sword alongside Egypt, Cush, Lud, and others. This places Pûṭ firmly within the sphere of nations allied with Egypt, destined to share in its judgment.
* [[Ezekiel 38:5]]: In the prophecy concerning Gog of Magog's invasion of Israel, Pûṭ is listed as part of Gog's formidable confederacy, alongside Persia (`{{H6539}}`) and Cush (`{{H3568}}`). This further emphasizes Pûṭ's military significance and its involvement in major international conflicts, even against God's people.
The consistent association of Pûṭ with Cush (Ethiopia/Nubia) and Mizraim (Egypt), and often Lud (Lydia or a North African tribe), strongly points to a geographical location in North Africa, most likely ancient Libya. The repeated mention of Pûṭ in contexts of warfare and as a supplier of soldiers suggests a reputation for military strength or a significant role in the mercenary trade of the ancient world.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Pûṭ (H6316) is enriched by understanding its connections to several key biblical words and concepts:
* **Genealogical Lineage:**
* `{{H2526}}` (Ḥām, Ham): The progenitor of Pûṭ, establishing his family and racial identity within the Table of Nations.
* `{{H3568}}` (Kûš, Cush): Pûṭ's brother, often mentioned alongside him, referring to Ethiopia or Nubia.
* `{{H4714}}` (Miṣrayim, Mizraim): Pûṭ's brother, referring to Egypt, the nation with whom Pûṭ is most frequently allied.
* `{{H3667}}` (Kena‘an, Canaan): Pûṭ's brother, representing the peoples of the Levant.
* **Geographical and Political Entities:**
* `{{H3865}}` (Lûḏ, Lud): Another nation frequently associated with Pûṭ, often identified with Lydia in Asia Minor or a North African tribe, further reinforcing the military alliance theme.
* `{{H6539}}` (Pāras, Persia): Mentioned alongside Pûṭ in Ezekiel's prophecies, indicating a broader confederacy of nations.
* Egypt (often represented by `{{H4714}}` Miṣrayim): The dominant power with whom Pûṭ is consistently aligned, especially in military contexts.
* **Military and Mercenary Service:** The repeated depiction of Pûṭ's people as warriors or mercenary forces highlights the ancient practice of nations hiring foreign soldiers, a concept that recurs throughout biblical history.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Pûṭ (H6316) primarily lies in its role within the broader biblical narrative concerning God's sovereignty over all nations and His plans for judgment and redemption.
1. **Universality of Creation and Humanity:** Pûṭ's inclusion in the Table of Nations ([[Genesis 10]]) underscores the biblical teaching that all peoples, regardless of their geographical distance or cultural distinctiveness, trace their lineage back to Noah and, ultimately, to God's creation. This emphasizes the unity of humanity and God's sovereign hand in establishing the diverse nations of the earth.
2. **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations:** The prophetic references to Pûṭ in [[Jeremiah]] and [[Ezekiel]] demonstrate God's ultimate control over international politics and military affairs. Pûṭ, despite its military strength and alliances with powerful empires like Egypt, is shown to be subject to God's divine judgment. This illustrates that no nation, however mighty, can escape the purview of the Almighty.
3. **Warning Against Earthly Alliances:** Pûṭ's consistent role as an ally of nations destined for judgment (Egypt, Tyre, Gog) serves as a subtle theological warning. Relying on human strength, military alliances, or powerful nations rather than trusting in the Lord's protection is ultimately futile. The fate of Pûṭ, aligned with those who oppose God's purposes, underscores the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring reality of divine justice.
4. **Scope of Prophetic Fulfillment:** The mention of distant nations like Pûṭ in detailed prophecies indicates that God's redemptive and judgmental plans extend beyond Israel to encompass the entire known world. This foreshadows a universal scope for God's work, culminating in the establishment of His kingdom over all peoples.
### Summary
The Hebrew word Pûṭ (H6316) designates both a son of Ham and the people/region descended from him, consistently identified with North Africa, particularly Libya or a territory west of Egypt. Biblically, Pûṭ is featured in the genealogical record of nations ([[Genesis 10:6]]; [[1 Chronicles 1:8]]) and prominently in prophetic literature ([[Jeremiah 46:9]]; [[Ezekiel 27:10]]; [[Ezekiel 30:5]]; [[Ezekiel 38:5]]). In these prophetic contexts, Pûṭ is consistently portrayed as a militarily capable people, often serving as mercenaries or allies for major powers like Egypt and Tyre, and later as part of the confederacy against Israel led by Gog. Theologically, Pûṭ's presence in the biblical narrative affirms the universal scope of God's creation and His sovereign control over all nations. Its consistent association with nations facing divine judgment also serves as a poignant reminder of the futility of trusting in earthly power and the ultimate triumph of God's righteous will over all human endeavors.
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