Pinon

Pinon is an Edomite chief named in the genealogies of Esau's descendants.

At a Glance

An Edomite chief named in the biblical lists of Esau's descendants.

Key Points

Description

Pinon is a proper name appearing in the Old Testament genealogies of Edom. He is listed among the chiefs descended from Esau in Genesis 36:41 and repeated in 1 Chronicles 1:52. The entry is not a theological concept but a historical-biblical name preserved in the record of Edom's tribal leadership.

Biblical Context

Genesis 36 records the descendants and chiefs of Esau, showing the early organization of Edom as a related but distinct nation from Israel. Pinon appears in that list as one of the Edomite chiefs.

Historical Context

Edom was the nation associated with Esau's descendants and occupied territory south and southeast of Judah. The biblical lists of Edomite chiefs preserve names of tribal or clan leaders from that historical setting.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Ancient Jewish readers would have understood the Edomite genealogies as part of the wider family history of Abraham's descendants through Isaac. Edom often appears in Scripture as a neighboring nation with a complex relationship to Israel.

Primary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The name is a transliteration of a Hebrew proper name preserved in the Edomite genealogical lists.

Theological Significance

Pinon has limited theological significance in itself, but the name contributes to Scripture's careful preservation of genealogical and national history. The passage also reinforces the biblical theme that God governs the lines of nations as well as individuals.

Philosophical Explanation

This entry is primarily historical rather than philosophical. It illustrates how Scripture records specific names and lineages as real historical data, not merely symbolic or legendary material.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not confuse Pinon with similar-sounding names or locations. The biblical references identify Pinon as a chief in Edom's genealogy, not as a doctrine or abstract theological term.

Major Views

There is little interpretive debate about the identity of Pinon; the main issue is recognizing the name as a historical proper noun in the Edomite lists.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Pinon should not be turned into a doctrinal category or assigned speculative meaning beyond what the text states. The biblical record presents him as an Edomite chief.

Practical Significance

Even brief genealogical notices matter because they show the historical rootedness of Scripture and the continuity of God's dealings with the nations.

Related Entries

See Also

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