### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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