The Hebrew word Pûwṭ, represented by H6316, is of foreign origin, identifying Put, a son of Ham, and the region of his descendants. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used to denote both a specific lineage and a people known for their role as military allies.
In the biblical narrative, H6316 is used in two primary contexts. It first appears genealogically, establishing Phut as one of the sons H1121 of Ham H2526 (Genesis 10:6; 1 Chronicles 1:8). In prophetic writings, the descendants of Put are portrayed as formidable warriors. They are described as part of an army H2428, skilled men H582 of war H4421 who hanged H8518 the shield H4043 and helmet H3553 Ezekiel 27:10. They are also listed as mighty men H1368 who handle H8610 the shield H4043 Jeremiah 46:9.
Several related words help clarify the identity and role of Put:
- H2526 Châm (Ham): As the father of Phut, Ham is central to understanding Put's lineage. The name establishes a direct genealogical connection following the flood Genesis 10:6.
- H3568 Kûwsh (Cush): Listed as a brother to Phut, Cush (Ethiopia) is frequently mentioned alongside Put as an allied nation in both genealogical and military contexts (Ezekiel 30:5; Nahum 3:9).
- H4043 mâgên (shield): This word is consistently associated with the people of Put, highlighting their identity as warriors equipped for war H4421. They are mentioned with a shield H4043 and helmet H3553 in multiple prophecies Ezekiel 38:5.
- H1368 gibbôwr (mighty men): This term, meaning a powerful warrior, is directly applied to the people of Put (Libyans), emphasizing their military strength and role as soldiers Jeremiah 46:9.
The narrative weight of H6316 is tied to its place among the nations.
- Genealogical Marker: Put's inclusion in the Table of Nations anchors his descendants within the biblical account of how the world was populated after the flood through the sons H1121 of Ham H2526 1 Chronicles 1:8.
- Foreign Military Power: In prophecies, Put represents a distinct foreign military force. They are consistently grouped with other powers like Persia H6539, Ethiopia H3568, and Lydia H3865, signifying their status as recognized allies on the world stage Ezekiel 27:10.
- Subject of Prophecy: The people of Put are included in divine judgments declared against the nations. They are listed among those who will fall H5307 by the sword H2719, demonstrating that their military strength is ultimately subject to God's sovereign purposes Ezekiel 30:5.
In summary, H6316 provides a specific identity that is both genealogical and national. Originating as one of the sons H1121 of Ham, Put becomes the name for a people consistently characterized by their military prowess and their alliances with other nations. Their presence in scripture moves from a simple entry in a lineage to a recurring example of a foreign power within the scope of biblical prophecy.
TRV