6377. Pithon
Lexical Summary
Pithon: Pithon

Original Word: פִיתוֹן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Piythown
Pronunciation: pee-thone
Phonetic Spelling: (pee-thone')
KJV: Pithon
NASB: Pithon
Word Origin: [probably from the same as H6596 (פּוֹת פּוֹתָה - foreheads)]

1. expansive
2. Pithon, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Pithon

Probably from the same as poth; expansive; Pithon, an Israelite -- Pithon.

see HEBREW poth

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a desc. of Saul
NASB Translation
Pithon (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
מִּיתוֺן proper name, masculine descendant of Saul 1 Chronicles 8:35 = מִּיתֹן 1 Chronicles 9:41, Φιθων, Φαιθων, ᵐ5L Φιθωθ.

פכך (√ of following; compare Late Hebrew מֵּךְ flask, also מִּכְמֵּךְ trickle, denominative, or < onomatopoetic).>

Topical Lexicon
Name and Meaning

Although the precise sense of פִיתוֹן is debated, the name conveys the idea of space or breadth, suggesting vitality within the Benjaminite lineage.

Genealogical Context

Pithon is listed twice, each time as a son of Micah and great-grandson of King Saul through Jonathan:

“For the sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz.” (1 Chronicles 8:35)

“The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz.” (1 Chronicles 9:41)

The duplication—first in the tribal register of Benjamin and again in the post-exilic census—highlights the preservation of Saul’s house after the monarchy passed to David.

Historical Significance

Chronicles, compiled after the Babylonian exile, reassures the returned remnant of their roots. By recording Pithon’s name, the writer affirms that Benjamin retained recognizable clan structures. These genealogies shaped land allotment, temple service, and civil oversight in the restored community (Nehemiah 11:3-9).

Theological Themes

• Divine remembrance: God notes the obscure as well as the renowned (Psalm 147:4).
• Continuity of promise: Jonathan’s line survives, demonstrating grace that extends beyond royal failure.
• The value of ordinary faithfulness: Scripture offers no exploits for Pithon, yet his inclusion validates generations of quiet obedience.

Connections to Redemptive History

The intact record of Benjamin prepares for future ministry. The Apostle Paul, also a Benjamite, later writes, “I am an Israelite myself… from the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1). The preservation that included Pithon contributes to the lineage from which Paul proclaims the gospel.

Ministry Applications

1. Pastoral care: Knowing believers by name mirrors God’s concern for every individual.
2. Legacy: Families are urged to hand down faith intentionally; obscurity on earth does not negate eternal impact.
3. Hope after failure: Saul’s downfall did not cancel God’s work among his descendants, encouraging those with broken histories.

Related Passages for Study

Joshua 18:21-28 – boundaries of Benjamin

2 Samuel 9:1-13 – David’s kindness to Mephibosheth

Nehemiah 11:3-9 – Benjamite dwellers in Jerusalem

Philippians 3:5 – Paul’s tribal identity

Summary

Pithon’s brief appearances illustrate that every name in Israel’s chronicles is treasured by God and woven into the tapestry of redemption, assuring believers that their own lives, though seemingly small, have place and purpose within His sovereign plan.

Forms and Transliterations
פִּית֥וֹן פיתון pî·ṯō·wn piTon pîṯōwn
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Chronicles 8:35
HEB: וּבְנֵ֖י מִיכָ֑ה פִּית֥וֹן וָמֶ֖לֶךְ וְתַאְרֵ֥עַ
NAS: of Micah [were] Pithon, Melech,
KJV: of Micah [were], Pithon, and Melech,
INT: the sons of Micah Pithon Melech Tarea

1 Chronicles 9:41
HEB: וּבְנֵ֖י מִיכָ֑ה פִּית֥וֹן וָמֶ֖לֶךְ וְתַחְרֵֽעַ׃
NAS: of Micah [were] Pithon, Melech,
KJV: of Micah [were], Pithon, and Melech,
INT: the sons of Micah Pithon Melech Tahrea

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 6377
2 Occurrences


pî·ṯō·wn — 2 Occ.

6376
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