Putiel
Putiel is a minor biblical figure named in Exodus 6:25 as the father of Eleazar’s wife and the grandfather of Phinehas. Scripture gives no further clear information about him.
At a Glance
A little-known biblical person named in Exodus 6:25, connected to Aaron’s family by marriage.
Key Points
- Mentioned in Exodus 6:25
- Father of Eleazar’s wife
- Grandfather of Phinehas
- No other clear biblical details are given
Description
Putiel is a biblical personal name found in Exodus 6:25, where Eleazar son of Aaron is said to have married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore Phinehas. This places Putiel within the genealogical setting of Aaron’s priestly line, but the text gives no further narrative about his life, background, or role in Israel’s history. Because Scripture does not identify him more fully, responsible interpretation should avoid speculation and simply acknowledge him as a minor figure in the priestly genealogy.
Biblical Context
Putiel is mentioned in the context of the priestly genealogy in Exodus 6, which traces Aaron’s family line. His significance in the text is genealogical rather than narrative.
Historical Context
No secure historical details about Putiel are preserved outside the brief biblical notice. Later attempts to identify him more precisely are not stated plainly in Scripture and should be treated cautiously.
Jewish and Ancient Context
Ancient Jewish interpreters sometimes discussed names found in genealogies, but Scripture itself does not explain Putiel further. Any later tradition remains secondary to the biblical text.
Primary Key Texts
- Exodus 6:25
Secondary Key Texts
- Numbers 25:7-13 (for Phinehas’s later role in Israel)
Original Language Note
The name is transliterated from Hebrew; its precise etymology is uncertain and should not be pressed beyond the biblical evidence.
Theological Significance
Putiel has little direct theological content, but his mention shows the importance of family lines in Israel’s covenant history and priestly leadership. His connection to Phinehas also places him indirectly in the background of a significant priestly household.
Philosophical Explanation
This entry illustrates a basic principle of biblical interpretation: some names are given for genealogical continuity rather than narrative detail. The right approach is to recognize the limited purpose of the text and avoid overreading it.
Interpretive Cautions
Do not build theories about Putiel’s tribe, status, or identity beyond what Exodus 6:25 explicitly says. The biblical record does not provide enough information for confident elaboration.
Major Views
The main question in treatment is not doctrinal disagreement but scope: Putiel should be understood as a minor genealogical figure, not as a theologically developed character.
Doctrinal Boundaries
The text supports only Putiel’s presence in Aaron’s family line by marriage. It does not support speculative claims about his tribe, office, or broader significance.
Practical Significance
Even brief genealogical notices remind readers that God’s covenant purposes move through ordinary family lines and unnamed or little-known people. Scripture values both major figures and minor names in its redemptive history.
Related Entries
- Aaron
- Eleazar
- Phinehas
- Exodus 6
See Also
- Priestly line
- Genealogy
- Exodus