### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Pirʻâthôwnîy**, represented by `{{H6553}}`, is a patrial term used to identify a **Pirathonite**, or an inhabitant of Pirathon. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently denoting a person's specific place of origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6553}}` is used to identify two specific individuals: Abdon and Benaiah. Abdon is introduced as a **Pirathonite** who judged Israel [[Judges 12:13]] and was later buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim [[Judges 12:15]]. The term is also used to identify Benaiah the **Pirathonite**, one of David's mighty men ([[2 Samuel 23:30]], [[1 Chronicles 11:31]]). This same Benaiah is noted as a military captain from the children of Ephraim [[1 Chronicles 27:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the people described as Pirathonites:
* `{{H1141}}` **Bᵉnâyâh** (Benaiah): This name, meaning "Jah has built," identifies one of the two men described as a Pirathonite. He served as one of David's mighty men [[2 Samuel 23:30]] and a military captain [[1 Chronicles 27:14]].
* `{{H5658}}` **ʻAbdôwn** (Abdon): Defined as "servitude," this is the name of the judge of Israel who is identified as a Pirathonite [[Judges 12:13]].
* `{{H8199}}` **shâphaṭ** (judge): This word, meaning to "judge... to govern," describes the role held by Abdon the Pirathonite in Israel [[Judges 12:13]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H6553}}` is tied to the identity and roles of the individuals it describes.
* **Geographical and Tribal Identity:** The term **Pirathonite** firmly roots individuals within a specific place, Pirathon, which is situated in "the land of Ephraim" [[Judges 12:15]]. It connects these figures not just to a town but also to the prominent tribe of Ephraim [[1 Chronicles 27:14]].
* **Mark of Leadership:** The designation is exclusively applied to men in significant leadership roles. It identifies **Abdon**, who served as a judge over Israel [[Judges 12:13]], and **Benaiah**, a renowned military hero in David's army ([[2 Samuel 23:30]], [[1 Chronicles 11:31]]).
* **Association with Governance:** Through Abdon's role, being a **Pirathonite** is linked to the act of judging or governing (`shâphaṭ` `{{H8199}}`), a key function of authority in ancient Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6553}}` is not a common term but a precise identifier. As a patrial noun meaning a **Pirathonite**, it is used to connect two significant leaders—Abdon the judge and Benaiah the mighty man—to their geographic and tribal origins in Pirathon within the territory of Ephraim. The word's usage underscores the importance of place and lineage in establishing the identity of key figures in the biblical narrative.
TRV