Who was Putiel in the Bible?

Putiel was the father-in-law of Eleazar, who was a son of Aaron the high priest. This familial connection is mentioned only once in the Bible, linking him to the priestly line of Israel (Exodus 6:25).

Why is Putiel mentioned in the Bible?

Putiel is mentioned to establish the lineage of Phinehas, his grandson, who became a significant priest. This genealogy shows the continuation of the priestly line from Aaron through Eleazar to Phinehas (Exodus 6:25).

What is the significance of Putiel's family connection?

His significance lies solely in his role as a link in the priestly genealogy. By being the father-in-law of Eleazar, he connects his daughter to the Aaronic priesthood, which was central to Israel's worship system.

Putiel

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleSonFather

Putiel was the father-in-law of Eleazar, son of Aaron.

Putiel

Biography

Putiel is known from a single reference in Exodus 6:25, where he is identified as the father of the woman whom Eleazar, son of Aaron the high priest, married. Through this marriage, Putiel became the grandfather of Phinehas, the zealous priest who would play a decisive role in Israel's history. The name Putiel may contain an Egyptian element, suggesting possible connections to Egyptian culture during Israel's sojourn in Egypt, though some scholars derive it from a Hebrew root. His daughter's marriage into the Aaronic priestly line placed Putiel's family at the very center of Israel's religious life. Though Scripture preserves no narrative details about Putiel himself, his legacy flows directly through the priestly lineage that would serve at Israel's tabernacle and temple for generations.

Significance

Putiel's significance is inseparable from the priestly lineage he helped establish. His grandson Phinehas became one of the most celebrated priests in Israel's history, whose zeal for God's holiness at Peor turned away divine wrath and earned his family a "covenant of lasting priesthood" (Numbers 25:10-13). This covenant had far-reaching implications, as Phinehas's descendants continued to serve in priestly roles throughout Israel's history. Putiel thus stands at a critical juncture in the formation of Israel's priesthood, demonstrating that God's choice of leaders often involves families and marriages that appear incidental in the narrative but prove foundational to His purposes. His story underscores how God works through ordinary family connections to establish extraordinary spiritual legacies.

Authority Records

Wikidata

Childdaughter of Putiel

Verse Appearances (1)

Exod

Exod 6:25

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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