### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Pûwṭîyʼêl**, represented by `{{H6317}}`, identifies a specific Israelite. The name is defined as **contempt of God**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name marks a figure connected to the priestly lineage through his daughter's marriage into the family of Aaron.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6317}}` is mentioned in a genealogy of the Levites. The sole reference states that Eleazar, the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Aaron, **took** `{{H3947}}` one of the **daughters** `{{H1323}}` of **Putiel** to be his **wife** `{{H802}}` [[Exodus 6:25]]. This union produced Phinehas, a significant figure in the priestly line. Putiel's only role in scripture is as the father-in-law to Eleazar and the maternal grandfather of Phinehas, solidifying a key family connection within the tribe of the **Levites** `{{H3881}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the passage help establish Putiel's place in the priestly lineage:
* `{{H499}}` **ʼElʻâzâr** (Eleazar): Defined as "God (is) helper," Eleazar was the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Aaron who married a **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of Putiel, connecting Putiel's family directly to the high priesthood [[Exodus 6:25]].
* `{{H6372}}` **Pîynᵉchâç** (Phinehas): Meaning "mouth of a serpent," he was the son **bare** `{{H3205}}` to Eleazar and Putiel's daughter. He is a key figure in the lineage of the Levites ([[Exodus 6:25]], [[Numbers 25:11]]).
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter): This term establishes the specific familial link. Eleazar took one of the **daughters** of Putiel to be his **wife** `{{H802}}`, making her the mother of Phinehas [[Exodus 6:25]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (family): The verse concludes by situating these individuals within the context of the **families** of the Levites, highlighting the importance of genealogy in defining roles and inheritance within the tribe [[Exodus 6:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6317}}` is found entirely in its contribution to the biblical record of the priesthood.
* **Genealogical Integrity:** The mention of Putiel is crucial for establishing the maternal lineage of Phinehas, a grandson of Aaron. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the importance of legitimate descent for the Aaronic priesthood [[Exodus 6:25]].
* **Priestly Lineage:** By being the father-in-law of Eleazar `{{H499}}` and grandfather of Phinehas `{{H6372}}`, Putiel is an ancestor in the line from which future high priests would come. The account solidifies the historical foundation of this key family within the tribe of Levi [[Ezra 7:5]].
* **Historical Marker:** Although the name **Pûwṭîyʼêl** means "contempt of God," the scripture provides no further commentary on this. His sole function in the text is to be a historical anchor point in the genealogy of the Levite **families** `{{H4940}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6317}}` **Pûwṭîyʼêl** is a name that appears once in scripture, functioning as a vital link in the genealogy of the Levitical priesthood. His identity is fixed as the father of the woman who married Eleazar, the son of Aaron, and became the mother of Phinehas. While the name itself means "contempt of God," its biblical role is purely structural, helping to authenticate the lineage of one of Israel's most important priestly lines as recorded in Exodus [[Exodus 6:25]].
TRV