פּוּט (put)
put
Put
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Put refers to both an individual and a nation in the Hebrew Bible. In Genesis 10, he is listed as a son of Ham and brother to Cush, Egypt, and Canaan, placing him within the genealogical table of Noah’s descendants (Genesis 10:6). This familial connection links his people to other ancient groups often described in Scripture.
As a nation, Put likely represents the Libyans or a specific tribe from northern Africa. The sources suggest a possible etymological link to the word for "bow," hinting at their reputation as archers. In later texts like Jeremiah and 1 Chronicles, Put appears alongside other African powers, reflecting Israel’s awareness of these distant neighbors (Jeremiah 46:9; 1 Chronicles 1:8).
This dual usage highlights how biblical names often bridge personal lineage and national identity. The brief mentions of Put serve as a reminder of the wide geographical scope of ancient history recorded in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Put appears in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles as a son of Ham, linking his people to Cush, Egypt, and Canaan. This placement reminds us that God’s historical record includes many nations beyond Israel, each with their own lineage and story. The Bible does not ignore these groups; it acknowledges them as part of the wider human family descended from Noah.
In Jeremiah, Put is described alongside Cush as warriors who handle shields and bows. This detail highlights the real-world power and influence of ancient African nations during biblical times. It shows that God’s sovereignty extends over all peoples and empires, regardless of their distance or strength. These brief mentions ground our faith in actual history rather than abstract ideas.
Understanding Put helps us see the breadth of Scripture’s scope. It invites us to appreciate how the biblical narrative connects personal ancestry with national identity. This awareness can deepen our respect for the diverse peoples God has created and governed throughout history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Put2×
- Put1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פּ֥וּט1×
- וּ/פוּט֙1×
- וּ/פ֥וּט1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:6
The sons of Ham were: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.
This verse establishes Put’s familial link to Ham, placing his people within the foundational table of nations.
-
I Chronicles 1:8
The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.
The chronicler repeats this lineage, confirming the enduring historical record of Put among Ham’s descendants.
-
Jeremiah 46:9
Go up, you horses! Rage, you chariots! Let the mighty men go out: Cush and Put, who handle the shield; and the Ludim, who handle and bend the bow.
Here Put is depicted as a military force alongside Cush, illustrating their reputation as skilled warriors in Jeremiah’s time.