פּוּתִי

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Pûwthîy, represented by H6336, is a patronymic term for the Puhites. It appears just 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. The name designates a collective group, the descendants of an unknown individual named Puth, and functions as a family or clan identifier within a genealogical record.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of H6336 is found in a genealogical list in 1 Chronicles 2:53. Here, the Puhites are named as one of "the families of Kirjathjearim." They are listed alongside the Ithrites H3505, the Shumathites H8126, and the Mishraites H4954. The verse further clarifies that from these foundational families "came the Zareathites, and the Eshtaulites," establishing the Puhites as an ancestral clan from which other groups descended.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words in its single context provide a framework for understanding its meaning:

• H4940 mishpâchâh (family): This word defines the Puhites as a family, clan, or circle of relatives, which is the primary context for their mention 1 Chronicles 2:53.
• H7157 Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym (Kirjath-jearim): This identifies the specific location associated with the Puhites. They are one of the families from this "city of forests" 1 Chronicles 2:53.
• H3318 yâtsâʼ (to go out, bring forth): This verb is used to show that other families, the Zareathites and Eshtaulites, came from or were brought forth from the Puhites and their contemporary clans 1 Chronicles 2:53.

Theological Significance

While not a major theological term, the inclusion of H6336 has significance within the biblical narrative:

• Genealogical Precision: The mention of the Puhites demonstrates the importance placed on maintaining a detailed account of lineage. It helps establish the ancestral lines connected to the families H4940 of Kirjathjearim 1 Chronicles 2:53.
• Communal Identity: The term functions as a collective identifier, showing how identity in ancient Israel was deeply tied to one's clan and place of origin.
• Source of Lineage: The Puhites are identified as a progenitor family. They are part of the group from which other clans, specifically the Zareathites H6882 and the Eshtaulites H848, came forth H3318, thus mapping the branching of family lines.

Summary

In summary, H6336 is a highly specific genealogical term referring to the Puhites. Its single appearance in scripture is not for broad theological teaching but serves a crucial function in the meticulous preservation of Israel's ancestral heritage. It illustrates the importance of family H4940 and lineage by placing the Puhites within the specific historical and geographical context of Kirjathjearim H7157 as a source for later clans.