The Hebrew word Pallûwʼ, represented by H6396, means distinguished. It is used as the proper name for an Israelite, with an alternate spelling of Phallu. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses, exclusively within genealogical lists that establish the lineage of the tribes of Israel.
In the biblical narrative, Pallu is consistently identified as a son H1121 of Reuben H7205, the firstborn H1060 of Israel H3478. His name appears in the genealogical records of Genesis, Exodus, and 1 Chronicles, solidifying his position within the patriarchal line (Genesis 46:9, 1 Chronicles 5:3). He is listed as one of "the heads H7218 of their fathers H1' houses H1004" and part of the families H4940 of Reuben Exodus 6:14. The census in Numbers notes that Pallu was the father of Eliab H446 and the progenitor of the family H4940 of the Palluites H6384 (Numbers 26:5, Numbers 26:8).
Several related words help clarify Pallu's place within the structure of Israel:
- H7205 Rᵉʼûwbên (Reuben): This is the name of Pallu's father, who is identified as the firstborn H1060 of Israel H3478 (Exodus 6:14, 1 Chronicles 5:3).
- H1121 bên (son): This word defines Pallu's relationship to Reuben and is described as being a "builder of the family name." The term is used to list the sons H1121 of Reuben and the sons H1121 of Pallu (Genesis 46:9, Numbers 26:8).
- H6384 Palluʼîy (Palluites): This patronymic term identifies the "descendants of Pallu." It is used to name the family H4940 that came from him, showing his lasting lineage within the tribe of Reuben Numbers 26:5.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family): This word describes a circle of relatives or a clan. It is used to designate both the larger families H4940 of Reuben and the specific family H4940 of the Palluites that descended from Pallu (Exodus 6:14, Numbers 26:5).
The significance of H6396 is rooted in its role within the biblical genealogies, which establish order and identity for the nation of Israel.
- Tribal Lineage: Pallu's primary importance is as a direct descendant of Jacob through Reuben, the firstborn H1060. His inclusion in these lists is crucial for tracing the lineage of the tribe of Reuben (Genesis 46:9, 1 Chronicles 5:3).
- Founder of a Clan: He is not merely an individual in a list but the founder of a specific clan. The scriptures explicitly name "the family of the Palluites," which establishes his role as a progenitor whose descendants formed a recognized subdivision within Israel Numbers 26:5.
- Part of Israel's Structure: Pallu is named among "the heads of their fathers' houses," a phrase that denotes leadership and foundational status within the patriarchal system of the tribes Exodus 6:14.
In summary, Pallûwʼ H6396 is the name of a key genealogical figure, a son of Reuben. While not a central character in major narrative events, his repeated mention in the census and lineage records of Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, and 1 Chronicles underscores the biblical emphasis on heritage and tribal structure. As the father of Eliab and the founder of the Palluites, his name is preserved as a vital link in the chain of Israel's national identity.
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