of Egyptian derivation; Pithom, a place in Egypt; Pithom.
Transliteration:Pithôm
Pronunciation:pee-thome'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פִּתֹם (Pithôm, `{{H6619}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a toponym, designating a geographical location in ancient Egypt. Its definition explicitly states its "Egyptian derivation," indicating it is a transliteration or adaptation of an Egyptian place name into Hebrew. Unlike verbs or adjectives, Pithom does not possess a broad semantic range; its meaning is fixed to the identity of a specific city. It functions solely as a marker for a particular site, a "place in Egypt," as noted in its base definition. This singular denotation underscores its role in the biblical narrative as a concrete, identifiable location rather than a concept or action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Pithom appears in the Hebrew Bible in a singular, yet highly significant, context:
* **[[Exodus 1:11]]**: "Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. And they built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses."
This verse is foundational to understanding Pithom's biblical role. It is presented as one of two "store cities" (עָרֵי מִסְכְּנוֹת, are miskenot, `{{H4543}}`) that the enslaved Israelites were forced to build for Pharaoh. The context is one of severe oppression and forced labor, where the burgeoning Israelite population was seen as a threat by the new king of Egypt. The construction of these cities, alongside Raamses (`{{H7486}}`), served Pharaoh's strategic and economic interests, likely for military supplies, grain storage, or administrative purposes. Pithom thus becomes a tangible symbol of the Israelites' bitter servitude and the tyrannical nature of Egyptian rule before the Exodus. Its mention grounds the narrative in a specific, albeit archaeologically debated, historical setting.
### Related Words & Concepts
Pithom's significance is amplified when viewed alongside related words and concepts:
* **Raamses (`{{H7486}}`)**: The other "store city" explicitly mentioned alongside Pithom in [[Exodus 1:11]]. This pairing highlights the scale of the forced labor and the specific nature of the building projects.
* **"Store cities" (עָרֵי מִסְכְּנוֹת, `{{H4543}}`)**: This phrase defines the function of Pithom and Raamses. It speaks to the economic and logistical power of Pharaoh and the exploitative nature of the Israelites' work.
* **Slavery/Bondage (עֲבֹדָה, avodah, `{{H5652}}`)**: Pithom is a direct consequence and symbol of the harsh "bondage" (`{{H5656}}`) imposed upon the Israelites, a key theme in the early chapters of Exodus.
* **Pharaoh**: The oppressive ruler who initiated the building projects and the enslavement, making Pithom a testament to his power and cruelty.
* **Egypt (מִצְרַיִם, Mitzrayim, `{{H4714}}`)**: Pithom is situated within the broader geographical and political entity of Egypt, the land of Israel's affliction and eventual deliverance.
* **Exodus**: Pithom represents the starting point of the narrative of liberation, the very oppression from which God delivers His people.
### Theological Significance
The mention of Pithom, though brief, carries profound theological weight within the Exodus narrative:
* **Divine Awareness of Suffering**: Pithom stands as a concrete testament to the suffering of God's people. The Lord's subsequent intervention (e.g., [[Exodus 2:23-25]]) is a direct response to the cries of His people, whose affliction was epitomized by forced labor in places like Pithom.
* **God's Sovereignty in Oppression**: Even amidst Pharaoh's tyrannical rule and the Israelites' arduous labor in Pithom, God's sovereign plan for His people's deliverance was unfolding. The very suffering served to intensify the longing for liberation and magnify God's power in their eventual rescue.
* **Historical Veracity of God's Acts**: The specific naming of cities like Pithom lends historical grounding to the Exodus account, affirming the reality of God's redemptive acts within human history. While the precise archaeological identification of Pithom remains a subject of scholarly debate, its inclusion underscores the biblical narrative's claim to historical truth.
* **A Symbol of Bondage and Liberation**: Pithom is not merely a geographical marker but a powerful symbol of the depths of Israel's bondage. Consequently, their liberation from such labor, and from Egypt itself, highlights the magnitude of God's redemptive power and His faithfulness to His covenant promises (cf. [[Genesis 15:13-14]]).
### Summary
Pithom (פִּתֹם, `{{H6619}}`) is a proper noun of Egyptian derivation, designating a specific "store city" in ancient Egypt. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Exodus 1:11]] establishes it as a key site where the enslaved Israelites were forced to labor for Pharaoh, alongside Raamses (`{{H7486}}`). As such, Pithom serves as a tangible symbol of the severe oppression faced by the Israelites, highlighting the historical reality of their bondage. Theologically, it underscores God's awareness of His people's suffering, the necessity of His redemptive intervention, and the historical veracity of the Exodus narrative. Pithom is thus more than just a place name; it is a poignant reminder of the depths of Israel's affliction and the glory of God's subsequent liberation.
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