פּוּנִי
a Punite (collectively) or descendants of an unknown Pun
Definition
The term פּוּנִי (Pûwnîy) refers to a clan or tribal group known as the Punites, who are listed among the descendants of Issachar in the Israelite census (Numbers 26:23). As a patronymic noun, it collectively designates the descendants of an otherwise unknown or obscure ancestor named Puvah or Puah (פּוּאָה). The word appears only in this genealogical context, serving to identify one of the familial branches within the tribe of Issachar during the wilderness period. Its singular occurrence underscores its specific function as an ethnic or tribal identifier within Israel's tribal structure.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 26:23, within the context of the second census of the Israelites taken in the plains of Moab. It functions strictly as a proper noun identifying a clan ('the Punites') descended from Puvah, son of Issachar. There are no other usages or contextual variations; its sole purpose is genealogical record-keeping within the Torah.
Etymology
Derived patronymically from the name פּוּאָה (Pûʼâh or Puvah), one of the sons of Issachar (Genesis 46:13; Numbers 26:23; 1 Chronicles 7:1). The name Puvah itself may be related to a root meaning 'to pant' or 'to blow,' though its exact etymology is uncertain. The suffix '-i' (ִי) typically indicates 'belonging to' or 'descendant of,' thus forming a gentilic noun meaning 'those of Puvah' or 'the Puvah-ites.'
Semantic Range
In its original setting, this term functioned as a clan identifier within the tribal society of ancient Israel. Tribal and clan affiliations were fundamental to social organization, inheritance rights, military musters, and land allotments. The recording of the Punites in the census (Numbers 26) highlights the importance of maintaining detailed genealogical records to preserve lineage, identity, and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding their numerous descendants.
יִשָּׂשכָרִי (Yissaskari, H3445) — refers to any member of the broader tribe of Issachar, whereas פּוּנִי specifies a sub-clan within it.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →