probably the same as פּוּנֹן; Pinon, an Idumaean; Pinon.
Transliteration:pîynôn
Pronunciation:pee-none'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פִּינֹן (pîynôn), Strong's H6373, is a proper noun, specifically a personal and/or tribal name. Its base definition indicates it is "probably the same as פּוּנֹן" (pûnôn, `{{H6327}}`), suggesting a close linguistic or historical connection, perhaps a variant spelling or an alternative form of the same entity. The term is explicitly identified as "an Idumaean," placing it firmly within the geographical and ethnic context of Edom, the descendants of Esau. As a proper noun, its semantic range is narrow, referring uniquely to a specific individual or, more broadly, to a chieftainship or clan within the Edomite confederation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פִּינֹן (pîynôn) appears in the Old Testament in two parallel passages:
* [[Genesis 36:41]]: "Chief Pinon, Chief Kenaz, Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar,"
* [[1 Chronicles 1:52]]: "Chief Pinon, Chief Kenaz, Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar,"
In both instances, Pinon is listed among the "chiefs" (אַלּוּף, 'allûph, `{{H441}}`) of Edom, who are explicitly identified as the "chiefs of Esau" according to their dwelling places in the land of Seir. These lists provide a detailed genealogy and organizational structure of the Edomite nation, distinct from the descendants of Jacob. The inclusion of Pinon as a chief signifies his status as a prominent leader or the head of a significant clan or territory within Edom. The context is purely genealogical and historical, mapping the various tribal or regional divisions of Edom during the period preceding or contemporary with the Israelite monarchy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is פּוּנֹן (pûnôn, `{{H6327}}`), which the Strong's definition explicitly links to פִּינֹן (pîynôn, `{{H6373}}`). While `{{H6327}}` is often associated with a place name (possibly a mining region), the connection suggests either a shared etymology, a regional association, or a slight orthographic variation for the same entity.
Other related concepts include:
* **Edom (אֱדוֹם, 'ĕdôm, `{{H123}}`)**: The nation and land where Pinon was a chief.
* **Esau (עֵשָׂו, ‘ēśāw, `{{H6165}}`)**: The patriarch of the Edomites, from whom Pinon's lineage or chieftainship ultimately derives.
* **Chief (אַלּוּף, 'allûph, `{{H441}}`)**: The title designating Pinon's leadership role, indicating a tribal or territorial head.
* **Seir (שֵׂעִיר, śēʿîr, `{{H8165}}`)**: The mountainous region traditionally associated with Edom.
* **Genealogy (תּוֹלְדוֹת, tôlᵉdôṯ, `{{H8435}}`)**: The literary genre in which Pinon is mentioned, emphasizing lineage and tribal organization.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, Pinon does not carry inherent theological weight in the same way a verb or abstract concept might. However, its inclusion in the biblical narrative, particularly within the detailed genealogies of Edom, contributes to several theological themes:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Knowledge:** God's meticulous recording of the nations, even those outside the direct covenant line of Israel, demonstrates His comprehensive knowledge and sovereign oversight of all peoples and their historical development. It affirms that no detail of history escapes His purview.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant:** The multiplication of Esau's descendants, forming a distinct nation with its own chiefs like Pinon, is a testament to the broader fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding numerous offspring, even through lines not chosen for the covenant of salvation.
* **Historical Veracity and Grounding:** The detailed lists of chiefs and clans provide historical grounding for the biblical narrative, situating the people of God within a real-world context of surrounding nations, each with its own structure and identity. This lends credibility to the biblical account as a historically reliable document.
* **The Distinction of Nations:** The explicit listing of Edomite chiefs, separate from Israel's tribal structures, underscores the distinct identities and destinies of these nations. While related by ancestry, Edom and Israel developed along separate paths, often marked by conflict, which serves as a backdrop for understanding divine judgment and election.
* **God's Order in Creation:** The orderly presentation of genealogies and tribal leaders reflects God's inherent orderliness in creation and His providential arrangement of human societies, even those who ultimately stand in opposition to His chosen people.
### Summary
פִּינֹן (pîynôn, `{{H6373}}`) is a proper noun denoting a chief or clan leader of Edom (Idumaea), appearing in the genealogical lists of Esau's descendants in [[Genesis 36:41]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:52]]. Likely a variant of `{{H6327}}`, its significance lies not in an intrinsic theological meaning, but in its contribution to the Bible's meticulous historical and genealogical record. The inclusion of Pinon highlights God's comprehensive sovereignty over all nations, the historical grounding of the biblical narrative, and the distinct identities of the peoples surrounding Israel. It serves as a testament to the divine preservation of detailed historical accounts, even for those outside the direct covenant of grace, underscoring God's meticulous knowledge and providential ordering of human history.
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