### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Pithôm** `{{H6619}}`, which is of Egyptian derivation, identifies **Pithom, a place in Egypt**. This name appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the biblical text, marking its specific and singular role in the narrative. It is mentioned as one of the treasure cities the Israelites were forced to build for Pharaoh under harsh conditions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of **Pithôm** `{{H6619}}` is in the context of Israel's oppression in Egypt. In [[Exodus 1:11]], it is named as one of the "treasure cities" the Israelites were compelled to build. This construction was part of the affliction imposed upon them by taskmasters who were set over the people to crush them with heavy burdens. The verse explicitly links the building of **Pithôm** and Raamses to the Egyptians' effort to afflict the children of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context illuminate the nature of Pithom's construction:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This root word signifies the physical act of construction. The Israelites **built** `{{H1129}}` Pithom for Pharaoh [[Exodus 1:11]]. This same word is used for building a house [[Proverbs 14:1]] and for God's restorative work of building up his people [[Amos 9:11]].
* `{{H4543}}` **miçkᵉnâh** (storehouse, treasure): This defines the purpose of the city. Pithom was a **treasure** `{{H4543}}` city, a place for storage. This term is also used to describe the store cities built by Solomon throughout his kingdom [[1 Kings 9:19]].
* `{{H4522}}` **maç** (levy, task, tribute): This word describes the system of forced labor used to build Pithom. The Israelites were subjected to **taskmasters** `{{H4522}}` and their labor was a form of tribute. This term is also used for a levy raised by King Solomon for his building projects [[1 Kings 9:15]] and for a nation forced into tributary service [[Lamentations 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6619}}` is derived entirely from its narrative context, representing a key aspect of Israel's story.
* **A Symbol of Oppression:** The building of Pithom is a tangible sign of the Israelites' affliction `{{H6031}}` and their burdens `{{H5450}}` under Pharaoh's rule, as detailed in [[Exodus 1:11]].
* **The Catalyst for Deliverance:** This intense suffering, symbolized by the construction of cities like Pithom, sets the stage for God's redemptive action. God's promise to "bring you out from under the **burdens** `{{H5450}}` of the Egyptians" [[Exodus 6:6]] directly addresses the labor used to build these cities.
* **Human Power vs. Divine Redemption:** The construction of Pithom demonstrates the power of a human king to afflict and build through forced labor. However, this very act of oppression becomes the reason for God's intervention, showing that human endeavors are ultimately subject to His divine plan of salvation.
### Summary
In summary, **Pithôm** `{{H6619}}` is more than just a geographical marker; it is a monument to a specific moment of national suffering. Its single mention in scripture anchors it as a "treasure city" built through the affliction and burdens of the Israelites in Egypt [[Exodus 1:11]]. While the name itself is rare, its context is foundational to the Exodus narrative, representing the harsh bondage that served as the catalyst for God's mighty act of deliverance.
TRV