probably from the same as פֹּת; expansive; Pithon, an Israelite; Pithon.
Transliteration:Pîythôwn
Pronunciation:pee-thone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פִּיתוֹן (Pîythôwn), Strong's number `{{H6377}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition is "expansive," which is noted as "probably from the same as פֹּת (pōth)," Strong's number `{{H6597}}`. The root פֹּת generally refers to an "opening," "doorway," or "socket," implying a sense of space, breadth, or something that is open or wide. Thus, Pîythôwn likely carries the etymological sense of "one who is broad," "expansive," or perhaps even "open-minded" or "persuasive" (though the latter is less direct for this specific root). As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its etymological implications rather than varied contextual uses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Pîythôwn (Pithon) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically tracing the lineage of King Saul:
* [[1 Chronicles 8:35]]: "The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz." Here, Pithon is listed as one of the four sons of Micah, who was a descendant of Jonathan, son of King Saul. This verse establishes his place within a significant royal lineage.
* [[1 Chronicles 9:41]]: "And the sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz." This verse is a near-identical repetition of [[1 Chronicles 8:35]], found in the parallel genealogical listing in chapter 9, which often summarizes or repeats information from earlier chapters.
In both occurrences, Pithon is presented purely as a name within a genealogical list. There is no narrative or descriptive information provided about his life, actions, or character. His significance lies solely in his position within the lineage that leads to King Saul, highlighting the meticulous record-keeping of the chronicler concerning the tribes of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The proposed etymological connection of Pîythôwn (Pithon) to פֹּת (pōth, `{{H6597}}`) links it to concepts of "opening," "doorway," or "breadth." While פֹּת itself is not frequently used in a metaphorical sense, its derivatives or related concepts can touch upon:
* **Expansion/Breadth:** The idea of "expansive" could be metaphorically linked to growth, increase, or broad influence, though this is not directly applied to Pithon himself.
* **Biblical Names and Meanings:** The practice of naming children with significant meanings was common in ancient Israel. While Pithon's name meaning "expansive" is noted, the Bible does not draw any explicit connection between his name and his life, unlike many other biblical figures (e.g., Isaac, Jacob).
* **Genealogy:** Pithon's primary context is within a genealogy. This connects him to the broader biblical theme of lineage, tribal identity, and the preservation of family records, which are crucial for establishing claims to land, priesthood, and ultimately, the messianic line.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun appearing exclusively in genealogical lists, Pîythôwn (Pithon) carries no direct theological teaching or narrative significance. His mention serves primarily as part of the historical and tribal record. However, his inclusion, along with countless other names in the Chronicler's genealogies, underscores several broader theological points:
* **Divine Providence in Lineage:** The meticulous preservation of genealogies in Scripture reflects God's sovereign hand in history, meticulously tracing the lines through which His covenant promises, including the promise of a Messiah, would be fulfilled. Every name, even those without narrative, is part of God's unfolding plan.
* **Importance of Identity and Heritage:** For ancient Israel, tribal and family identity was paramount, deeply intertwined with their covenant relationship with God. These lists affirm the continuity of God's people and His faithfulness to His covenants with their ancestors.
* **Theological Meaning of Names (General):** While Pithon's name meaning "expansive" is not expounded upon in the text, the general principle that names often carried prophetic or descriptive meaning is a significant theological motif throughout the Bible. Even if not elaborated for Pithon, his name contributes to the richness of Hebrew nomenclature.
### Summary
Pîythôwn (Pithon, `{{H6377}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "expansive," likely derived from the root פֹּת (pōth, `{{H6597}}`), signifying "opening" or "breadth." He is mentioned twice in the Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 8:35]] and [[1 Chronicles 9:41]], solely within the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin, as a descendant of King Saul. No narrative or descriptive information about Pithon himself is provided. While his name's meaning is "expansive," the biblical text does not elaborate on any connection between his name and his life. His inclusion in the sacred text primarily highlights the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, affirming the divine preservation of lineage and the importance of tribal identity within God's covenant history.
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