Putiel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Exodus. The name "Putiel" is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is not definitively known, it is often interpreted as "afflicted by God" or "God is my fatness," reflecting the Hebrew roots "put" (meaning "afflicted" or "fat") and "El" (meaning "God").

Biblical Reference:

Putiel is referenced in Exodus 6:25, which states: "Aaron’s son Eleazar married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of the Levite families by their clans."

This passage situates Putiel within the genealogical context of the Levitical priesthood. Putiel's daughter becomes the wife of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. Their union produces Phinehas, a significant figure in the priestly lineage known for his zealousness for God's covenant, as demonstrated in Numbers 25:7-13, where Phinehas's actions turn away God's wrath from the Israelites.

Historical and Theological Context:

The mention of Putiel, though brief, is significant in the context of the Levitical priesthood. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, making their genealogies of particular importance. The marriage of Eleazar to a daughter of Putiel suggests a union that was likely seen as advantageous or honorable, contributing to the purity and continuity of the priestly line.

Theologically, the inclusion of Putiel in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The priestly line, beginning with Aaron and extending through Eleazar and Phinehas, plays a crucial role in the spiritual leadership of Israel. Phinehas, in particular, is noted for his covenant of peace with God, which is a direct result of his zealous actions, and this covenant is extended to his descendants, further emphasizing the significance of his lineage.

Cultural and Interpretive Insights:

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Putiel himself, the cultural context of the time places great emphasis on family and tribal affiliations. Marriages were often arranged to strengthen familial ties and ensure the continuation of religious and cultural traditions. The marriage of Eleazar to Putiel's daughter would have been seen as a strategic alliance within the Israelite community, reinforcing the sanctity and authority of the priestly line.

In Jewish tradition, genealogies serve not only as historical records but also as theological affirmations of God's faithfulness to His people. The mention of Putiel, though brief, contributes to this broader narrative, highlighting the interconnectedness of the families and tribes of Israel in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion:

The figure of Putiel, while not extensively detailed in Scripture, plays a pivotal role in the lineage of the Levitical priesthood. His mention in the genealogy of Eleazar and Phinehas underscores the importance of family heritage in the biblical narrative and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises through the priestly line.Putiel

God is my fatness

Putiel

One of the daughters of Putiel was wife of Eleazar the son of Aaron, and mother of Phinehas. (Exodus 6:25) (B.C. before 1481.)

PUTIEL

pu'-ti-el (puTi'el, "contemned by El"): Father of the wife of Eleazar, Aaron's son, and thus grandfather of Phinehas, Eleazar's son (Exodus 6:25).

See PHINEHAS, (3).

6317. Putiel -- Eleazar's father-in-law
... 6316, 6317. Putiel. 6318 . Eleazar's father-in-law. Transliteration: Putiel
Phonetic Spelling: (poo-tee-ale') Short Definition: Putiel. ...
/hebrew/6317.htm - 6kPutiel (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PUTIEL. pu'-ti-el ... 25). See PHINEHAS, (3).
Multi-Version Concordance Putiel (1 Occurrence). Exodus 6 ...
/p/putiel.htm - 7k

Eleazar (74 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary God has helped. (1.) The third son of Aaron (Exodus
6:23). His wife, a daughter of Putiel, bore him Phinehas (Exodus 6:25). ...
/e/eleazar.htm - 39k

Pu'ti-el (1 Occurrence)
Pu'ti-el. Putiel, Pu'ti-el. Putrefaction . ... Exodus 6:25 Eleazar Aaron's son took
one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. ...
/p/pu'ti-el.htm - 6k

Elea'zar (72 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Exodus 6:25 And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters
of Putiel to wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These ...
/e/elea'zar.htm - 27k

Phin'ehas (24 Occurrences)
... Phin'ehas (24 Occurrences). Exodus 6:25 And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one
of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bore him Phinehas. ...
/p/phin'ehas.htm - 13k

Puthites (1 Occurrence)

/p/puthites.htm - 7k

Clan (96 Occurrences)
... house. (See NIV). Exodus 6:25 Eleazar Aaron's son took one of the daughters
of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These ...
/c/clan.htm - 32k

Aaron's (53 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Exodus 6:25 Eleazar Aaron's son took one of the daughters of Putiel
as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These are the ...
/a/aaron's.htm - 25k

Phinehas (24 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Phinehas (24 Occurrences). Exodus 6:25 Eleazar Aaron's
son took one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. ...
/p/phinehas.htm - 20k

Levite (43 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Exodus 6:25 Eleazar Aaron's son took
one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. ...
/l/levite.htm - 26k

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