from an unused root (probably meaning to disparage) and אֵל; contempt of God; Putiel, an Israelite; Putiel.
Transliteration:Pûwṭîyʼêl
Pronunciation:poo-tee-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Pûwṭîyʼêl (`{{H6317}}`) is a personal name whose etymology is derived from two components. The first part is an "unused root" which is generally understood to mean "to disparage" or "to spit out." The second component is 'Ēl (`{{H410}}`), the common Semitic word for "God." Therefore, the base definition of the name Pûwṭîyʼêl is "contempt of God." It is crucial to understand that this is the etymological meaning of the name's components, which may reflect the circumstances or aspirations at the time of naming, rather than a direct descriptor of the individual's character. Proper names in the ancient Near East often carried symbolic weight, but their precise application to the individual varied.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Pûwṭîyʼêl (`{{H6317}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Exodus.
* [[Exodus 6:25]]: "And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families."
In this sole instance, Putiel is identified as the father of the woman whom Eleazar, Aaron's son, married. This union made Putiel the maternal grandfather of Phinehas, a prominent figure in Israelite history known for his zeal for the Lord (e.g., [[Numbers 25:7-13]]). The text provides no further information about Putiel himself—his background, actions, or character are left entirely unmentioned. His significance in the biblical narrative is solely as a link in the priestly genealogy, connecting a specific lineage to the Aaronic priesthood through his daughter. The stark contrast between the etymological meaning of his name ("contempt of God") and the fervent piety of his grandson Phinehas is striking, though the biblical text itself does not comment on this disparity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **'Ēl (`{{H410}}`):** This divine name forms the latter part of Pûwṭîyʼêl, signifying "God." Its inclusion in the name, despite the preceding element, grounds the name in a theological context, however ironic the full meaning might be.
* **Contempt/Disparage:** While the root for "disparage" is unused elsewhere in the biblical text, the concept of contempt for God is a significant theological theme. It often denotes rebellion, idolatry, or a lack of reverence for divine authority (e.g., [[Numbers 15:30]], [[Psalm 10:13]]). However, in the case of Putiel, this meaning applies to his name's etymology, not necessarily to his personal disposition.
* **Phinehas:** Putiel's grandson, Phinehas, is a pivotal figure who exemplifies zealous devotion to God and is granted a "covenant of peace" ([[Numbers 25:12]]). The contrast between the etymological meaning of Putiel's name and Phinehas's character serves as a powerful, unspoken commentary on God's ability to work through diverse lineages and raise up faithful servants.
* **Genealogies:** The appearance of Putiel in a priestly genealogy (Exodus 6) underscores the importance of lineage and family identity in ancient Israel. Names within these genealogies often held symbolic or aspirational meanings, contributing to the narrative's overall tapestry, even if the individual's life details are sparse.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Pûwṭîyʼêl (`{{H6317}}`) primarily resides in the powerful contrast between its etymological meaning ("contempt of God") and the historical role of his descendant, Phinehas. This juxtaposition offers profound insights:
* **God's Sovereignty and Grace:** The fact that a man whose name means "contempt of God" is part of the lineage leading to the high priestly family, and specifically to a figure as zealous as Phinehas, highlights God's sovereign ability to work His purposes through any lineage. It demonstrates that divine election and calling are not strictly predicated on human merit or the perceived spiritual state of one's ancestors.
* **Redemption and Transformation:** The lineage from Putiel to Phinehas subtly illustrates the transformative power of God's grace. It suggests that individuals can be called into covenant relationship and service, irrespective of their forebears' potential spiritual inclinations or the symbolic implications of their names. God can raise up instruments of His will from unexpected sources.
* **Divine Patience and Longsuffering:** The inclusion of such a name in a sacred genealogy might also subtly speak to God's patience and long-suffering, working through generations to bring forth those who will honor Him, even from backgrounds that might initially suggest opposition.
### Summary
Pûwṭîyʼêl (`{{H6317}}`) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, a personal name appearing only once in the biblical record, in [[Exodus 6:25]]. Etymologically, the name means "contempt of God," derived from an unused root suggesting "to disparage" and the divine name 'Ēl (`{{H410}}`). In the biblical narrative, Putiel is identified solely as the father-in-law of Eleazar, Aaron's son, and thus the maternal grandfather of Phinehas. No further details about Putiel's character or actions are provided. The primary theological significance of Pûwṭîyʼêl lies in the striking contrast between the etymological meaning of his name and the renowned zeal and faithfulness of his grandson, Phinehas. This juxtaposition powerfully illustrates God's sovereign ability to fulfill His purposes and raise up devoted servants from diverse or even seemingly unpromising backgrounds, underscoring that divine calling and covenant blessings are not confined by human origins or the symbolic implications of names.
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