from פָּתָה and אֵל; enlarged of God; Pethuel, an Israelite; Pethuel.
Transliteration:Pᵉthûwʼêl
Pronunciation:peth-oo-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name פְּתוּאֵל (Pᵉthûwʼêl, `{{H6602}}`) is a compound word derived from two distinct elements. The first part, פָּתָה (pāthāh, `{{H6601}}`), carries the primary sense of "to be open," "to be wide," or "to enlarge." While this root can also imply "to persuade" or "to entice," particularly in a negative sense, its use in a personal name strongly favors the positive connotation of expansion or opening. The second element is אֵל (ʾēl, `{{H410}}`), the common Semitic word for "God." Therefore, the name פְּתוּאֵל is best understood as "enlarged of God," "God's enlargement," or "God opens/enlarges." This etymology suggests a divine act of expansion, liberation, or blessing upon the individual or their lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Pethuel appears only once in the entire biblical text, serving as the patronymic for the prophet Joel:
* [[Joel 1:1]]: "The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel."
In this sole occurrence, Pethuel is identified as the father of the prophet Joel. Beyond this familial connection, the text provides no further biographical details about Pethuel himself. The significance of the name, therefore, lies not in the actions of Pethuel but in its potential theological resonance as a backdrop to Joel's prophetic ministry. As the father of a prophet, Pethuel's name, meaning "enlarged of God," could subtly point to a lineage blessed or expanded by divine favor, preparing the way for a significant mouthpiece of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to Pethuel is פָּתָה (pāthāh, `{{H6601}}`), which denotes concepts of openness, spaciousness, and enlargement. This root is found in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible, sometimes referring to physical expansion or open spaces, and at other times to the opening of one's heart or mind. In the context of a name, the positive sense of "enlargement" or "opening" by divine hand is paramount.
The suffix אֵל (ʾēl, `{{H410}}`) is a ubiquitous component in Hebrew names, signifying a direct connection to God. Names like Daniel ("God is my judge"), Ezekiel ("God strengthens"), and Samuel ("heard of God") exemplify this pattern. The inclusion of אֵל in Pethuel underscores that the "enlargement" or "opening" is not merely a natural occurrence but a specific, divinely orchestrated act.
Related concepts include divine blessing, prosperity, expansion of influence, and God's sovereign hand in raising up individuals for His purposes. The name Pethuel can be seen as a testament to God's active involvement in the lives and destinies of His people, even those who remain largely in the background of biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
Though Pethuel is a figure of minimal direct biblical presence, the theological weight of his name is considerable. "Enlarged of God" speaks profoundly to God's agency in human lives. It suggests that any true expansion, whether of capacity, influence, or blessing, ultimately originates from the divine. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, where God is consistently portrayed as the source of all true growth and prosperity ([[Psalm 115:14]], [[Proverbs 10:22]]).
For the prophet Joel, being the "son of Pethuel" could serve as a theological foundation for his ministry. Joel's prophecy culminates in the promise of an expansive outpouring of God's Spirit upon "all flesh" ([[Joel 2:28-29]]), a profound "enlargement" of divine presence and activity that transcends previous boundaries. The name of his father, "enlarged of God," thus subtly foreshadows the very nature of the divine work that Joel is called to proclaim. It underscores the idea that God prepares individuals and their lineages for His purposes, often in ways that are not immediately apparent but become clear in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
### Summary
Pethuel (פְּתוּאֵל, `{{H6602}}`) is a Hebrew personal name meaning "enlarged of God" or "God's enlargement," derived from the roots for "to be open/enlarge" (פָּתָה, `{{H6601}}`) and "God" (אֵל, `{{H410}}`). Its sole biblical appearance is as the father of the prophet Joel ([[Joel 1:1]]). While Pethuel himself remains an obscure figure, the etymology of his name carries significant theological weight, pointing to divine blessing, expansion, and God's sovereign hand in preparing individuals and their lineages for His purposes. In the context of Joel's prophecy, the name Pethuel serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder of God's capacity to "enlarge" His presence and activity, culminating in the promised outpouring of His Spirit.
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