from an unused root meaning to glitter; brilliancy; Puah, an Israelitess; Puah.
Transliteration:Pûwʻâh
Pronunciation:poo-aw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פּוּעָה (Pûwʻâh), Strong's number `{{H6326}}`, is primarily a proper noun. Its base definition stems from an unused root, conveying the sense of "to glitter" or "brilliancy." While not a common noun with a broad semantic range, the etymological root imbues the name with a particular significance. The concept of "glitter" or "brilliancy" suggests qualities such as shining, radiance, distinction, or even a remarkable quality that stands out. In the context of a personal name, this root meaning often points to a characteristic or destiny associated with the individual. Therefore, Pûwʻâh implies one who is bright, prominent, or whose actions shine forth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Pûwʻâh appears in the Hebrew Bible in several contexts, referring to both male and female individuals:
1. **Puah, the Midwife:** This is arguably the most prominent occurrence. Puah is one of two Hebrew midwives, alongside Shiphrah, who are commanded by Pharaoh to kill all male Israelite infants at birth. In an act of profound courage and faithfulness, both midwives defy Pharaoh's decree, fearing God more than man.
* [[Exodus 1:15]]: "The king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah."
* Their actions directly contributed to the preservation of the Israelite male population, including Moses himself, and are commended by God, who "dealt well with the midwives" and "built them houses" ([[Exodus 1:20-21]]). The name "Brilliancy" or "Shining One" resonates powerfully with Puah's courageous and righteous defiance, an act that truly shone brightly in the darkness of oppression.
2. **Puah, Son of Issachar:** This individual is listed as one of the sons of Issachar, a grandson of Jacob. He is primarily noted in genealogical contexts as an ancestor of a tribal clan.
* [[Genesis 46:13]]: "The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Iob, and Shimron."
* [[Numbers 26:23]]: "The sons of Issachar according to their clans: of Tola, the clan of the Tolaites; of Puvah, the clan of the Punites;" (Note: "Puvah" here is a variant spelling of Puah, representing the same root).
* [[1 Chronicles 7:1]]: "Of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four."
While the name's meaning of "brilliancy" is less directly tied to a specific action for this individual, it nevertheless describes a member of a prominent patriarchal lineage, one of the foundational families of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root meaning of פּוּעָה (Pûwʻâh) points to concepts of light, radiance, and distinction. While the specific root is unused elsewhere, the idea of "glitter" or "brilliancy" connects to broader biblical themes:
* **Divine Glory:** God's presence is often described with imagery of light, glory, and shining (e.g., `{{H3519}}` *kavod* for glory, `{{H215}}` *'or* for light).
* **Righteousness and Wisdom:** Righteous deeds and wisdom are frequently depicted as shining or illuminating (e.g., [[Daniel 12:3]] where those who are wise "shall shine like the brightness of the sky").
* **Distinction and Prominence:** To "glitter" or be "brilliant" also implies standing out, being notable, or having a significant impact. This resonates with the midwife Puah's actions, which were indeed distinct and had a profound impact on Israel's history.
* **Fear of God:** The actions of the midwives, rooted in their fear of God rather than man, illustrate a spiritual "brilliancy" that outshines worldly power and fear.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פּוּעָה (Pûwʻâh) is most profoundly revealed through the actions of the midwife Puah. Her name, meaning "brilliancy," serves as an apt descriptor and perhaps even a prophetic indicator of her character and role.
1. **Defiance Born of Faith:** Puah, along with Shiphrah, demonstrated unwavering faith and moral courage in the face of tyrannical evil. Their refusal to obey Pharaoh's genocidal command was an act of profound civil disobedience, directly rooted in their "fear of God" ([[Exodus 1:17]]). This act of faith "shone brightly" against the darkness of Pharaoh's decree, highlighting the moral clarity and spiritual strength that God instills in His faithful servants.
2. **Divine Providence and Human Agency:** The story of Puah underscores God's providential care for His people, often working through the courageous actions of individuals. Her "brilliancy" was not self-generated but a reflection of God's light working through her. It demonstrates that God uses seemingly ordinary individuals, including women, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
3. **Ethical Example:** Puah's example provides a powerful biblical precedent for prioritizing divine law and moral righteousness over unjust human commands. Her actions were a "shining" example of integrity and compassion, standing as a testament to the power of righteous resistance.
4. **Names as Character Markers:** The name Pûwʻâh, like many Hebrew names, appears to be deeply descriptive of the individual's character or destiny. In Puah the midwife, her actions truly "glittered" with the light of God's righteousness and mercy.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פּוּעָה (Pûwʻâh), Strong's number `{{H6326}}`, is a proper noun derived from an unused root signifying "to glitter" or "brilliancy." While occurring in genealogical lists for a son of Issachar, its most profound biblical significance lies with Puah, one of the two Hebrew midwives who courageously defied Pharaoh's decree to kill Israelite male infants. Her name, "Brilliancy," powerfully encapsulates her character and actions: her unwavering faith and moral courage "shone brightly" in a time of intense oppression, demonstrating a fear of God that superseded the fear of man. The story of Puah the midwife serves as a timeless example of righteous defiance, divine providence working through human agency, and the profound impact of individuals whose lives "glitter" with integrity and faithfulness.
TRV