from פַּרְעָה; chieftaincy; Pirathon, a place in Palestine; Pirathon.
Transliteration:Pirʻâthôwn
Pronunciation:pir-aw-thone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פִּרְעָתוֹן (Pirʻâthôwn), Strong's `{{H6552}}`, designates a specific geographical location in ancient Israel. Its etymology is particularly insightful, deriving from the root פַּרְעָה (par'ah), `{{H6549}}`, meaning "to let loose, uncover, expose." From this root also comes the noun פֶּרַע (pera'), `{{H6550}}`, which can signify "locks" (of hair, implying wildness or being let loose) or, more pertinently for `{{H6552}}`, "leader" or "chief," one who is prominent or "let loose" into a position of authority. Thus, Pirathon itself carries the underlying semantic nuance of "chieftaincy" or a place associated with leadership and prominence. While primarily a toponym, its very name suggests a locale recognized for its significant inhabitants or its strategic importance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Pirathon appears in the Hebrew Bible in two primary contexts, consistently identified as a place:
1. **[[Judges 12:15]]**: This verse introduces Pirathon as the hometown and burial place of Abdon, one of the "minor judges" of Israel. "And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites." This places Pirathon geographically within the tribal territory of Ephraim, specifically in a mountainous region. The fact that a judge, a divinely appointed leader, hailed from and was buried there reinforces the etymological connection to "chieftaincy" or a place of importance. Abdon's judgeship, though briefly described, signifies a period of God's governance through human agents, and Pirathon is marked as a site integral to this history.
2. **[[2 Samuel 23:30]]**: Here, Pirathon is mentioned as the origin of Benaiah, one of David's "mighty men" (גִּבֹּרִים, gibborim). "Benaiah the Pirathonite..." This reference, found in the list of David's elite warriors, further solidifies Pirathon's reputation as a place from which significant and capable individuals emerged. Benaiah's inclusion among such esteemed figures underscores the character and prominence of the people associated with this locale. The dual association with a judge and a mighty warrior suggests Pirathon was a place that produced individuals vital to both Israel's civil and military leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Pirathon naturally connects to several related linguistic and theological concepts:
* **פַּרְעָה (par'ah)** `{{H6549}}`: The foundational root, indicating "to let loose, uncover." This root's semantic range, from wildness to prominence, informs the derived meanings.
* **פֶּרַע (pera')** `{{H6550}}`: The noun form, directly linking to "leader" or "chief," which is the conceptual basis for Pirathon's name.
* **Judgeship (שֹׁפְטִים, shofetim)**: The role of Abdon, the Pirathonite judge, connects Pirathon to the period of the Judges, a crucial time in Israel's history when God raised up deliverers and administrators.
* **Mighty Men (גִּבֹּרִים, gibborim)**: Benaiah's association with David's elite warriors links Pirathon to military prowess and loyalty to the Davidic monarchy.
* **Ephraim**: The tribal territory where Pirathon was located, highlighting its place within the broader geographical and political landscape of Israel.
* **Toponymy**: The study of place names, where Pirathon serves as an example of a location whose name carries inherent meaning related to its character or inhabitants.
### Theological Significance
While Pirathon is primarily a geographical marker, its name and the individuals associated with it carry subtle theological implications. The derivation of its name from "chieftaincy" or "prominence" subtly points to the divine hand in raising up leaders. God, in His sovereign plan, calls individuals from specific places to fulfill His purposes. Abdon, a judge from Pirathon, served as an instrument of God's governance during a tumultuous period, demonstrating God's consistent care for His people by providing leadership. Similarly, Benaiah, a mighty man from Pirathon, exemplifies the strength and loyalty God enabled in those who served His anointed king, David.
Pirathon, therefore, stands as a quiet testament to God's providence. It is not merely a dot on a map but a place from which God's chosen instruments emerged, whether for judicial administration or military service. It underscores the truth that God works through specific people in specific places to accomplish His will, often elevating individuals from seemingly ordinary locales to positions of significant influence for His kingdom. The fact that it is a burial place for a judge also signifies its role in the historical memory of God's dealings with Israel.
### Summary
פִּרְעָתוֹן (Pirʻâthôwn), `{{H6552}}`, is a significant geographical location in the tribal territory of Ephraim, whose name semantically links to "chieftaincy" or a place of prominence. It is notably mentioned in the biblical narrative as the home and burial place of Abdon, one of the judges of Israel ([[Judges 12:15]]), and as the origin of Benaiah, one of King David's mighty men ([[2 Samuel 23:30]]). This dual association with figures of judicial and military leadership underscores the etymological meaning of the place, suggesting it was a locale from which important individuals emerged. Theologically, Pirathon serves as a subtle reminder of God's sovereign hand in raising up leaders and instrumental figures from specific places to fulfill His purposes in the history of His people.
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