xlit Pᵉullʻthay corrected to Pᵉʻullᵉthay; from פְּעֻלָּה; laborious; Peullethai, an Israelite; Peulthai.
Transliteration:Pᵉʻullᵉthay
Pronunciation:peh-ool-leh-thah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
Pᵉʻullᵉthay (`{{H6469}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. It is derived from the Hebrew noun פְּעֻלָּה (Pᵉʻullâ, `{{H6468}}`), which signifies "work," "labor," "deed," or "recompense/reward." Consequently, the name Pᵉʻullᵉthay carries the etymological meaning of "my works" or "my recompense," or more broadly, "laborious." As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to its specific referent, but its root meaning subtly imbues the individual with qualities associated with diligent effort or the outcome of one's actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Pᵉʻullᵉthay (`{{H6469}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the detailed genealogical records of the Levites:
* [[1 Chronicles 26:5]]: "Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him."
This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Chronicles 26 that enumerates the divisions of the gatekeepers and treasurers for the house of God. Peullethai is listed as the eighth son of Obed-Edom, a Levite who had been greatly blessed by God for housing the Ark of the Covenant ([[2 Samuel 6:11]]). The passage explicitly states "for God blessed him," referring to Obed-Edom, explaining the large number of his sons who were strong and capable men appointed to various duties in the temple service, including serving as gatekeepers. Peullethai, like his brothers, was part of this blessed and diligent family, serving in a vital role related to the sanctuary. The name's connotation of "laborious" would be particularly fitting for one engaged in the demanding and consistent duties of temple service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root noun from which Pᵉʻullᵉthay (`{{H6469}}`) is derived:
* פְּעֻלָּה (Pᵉʻullâ, `{{H6468}}`): Meaning "work, labor, deed, recompense, reward." This noun highlights the concept of action and its consequences, whether positive or negative.
Other related concepts that illuminate the context of Pᵉʻullᵉthay include:
* **Service (עֲבֹדָה, `{{H5656}}`):** The general concept of work or service, especially in a religious or cultic context, which was the primary duty of the Levites, including gatekeepers.
* **Blessing (בְּרָכָה, `{{H1293}}`):** The explicit mention of God blessing Obed-Edom, leading to a large and capable family, underscores the theme of divine favor and its tangible manifestations.
* **Obed-Edom:** The patriarch of Peullethai's family, whose faithfulness in hosting the Ark resulted in profound divine blessing, extending to his descendants and their roles in the temple.
### Theological Significance
While Pᵉʻullᵉthay is a minor figure mentioned only once, his inclusion in the biblical record, particularly within the meticulously detailed genealogies of Chronicles, carries several theological implications:
1. **Divine Blessing and Fruitfulness:** Peullethai's existence as the eighth son of Obed-Edom directly attests to the abundant blessing of God upon his father. This illustrates a profound theological principle: faithfulness to God (as exemplified by Obed-Edom in hosting the Ark) results in tangible blessings, often extending to one's lineage and their capacity for service.
2. **The Value of Diligent Service:** The etymological meaning of "laborious" within the name Pᵉʻullᵉthay subtly emphasizes the importance of diligent and dedicated service in the house of God. The gatekeepers' roles were not merely ceremonial but required strength, vigilance, and commitment—qualities inherent in the name's meaning.
3. **Continuity of Sacred Duty:** The detailed Levitical genealogies in Chronicles underscore the significance of maintaining sacred duties across generations. Peullethai represents a vital link in this chain of faithful servants, demonstrating how God raises up and empowers families to minister within His sanctuary. His very name, "my works," could be seen as a quiet affirmation of the works God enabled him and his family to perform.
### Summary
Pᵉʻullᵉthay (`{{H6469}}`) is a proper Hebrew name, derived from the word for "work" or "recompense" (`{{H6468}}`), suggesting a meaning like "laborious" or "my works." He appears solely in [[1 Chronicles 26:5]] as the eighth son of Obed-Edom, a Levite who was greatly blessed by God. Peullethai, along with his brothers, served as a gatekeeper in the temple. His inclusion in the biblical record highlights the themes of divine blessing and fruitfulness that extend to faithful families, the intrinsic value of diligent service in God's house, and the continuity of sacred duties across generations within Israel. Though a minor figure, his name and context subtly reinforce the biblical emphasis on the importance of dedicated labor in the service of the Almighty.
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