פּוּנֹן (pu.non)
pu.non
Punon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Punon identifies the second stopping place for Israel after leaving Mount Hor during their journey through the wilderness. The lexicons define it as meaning "darkness," a fitting description for a location situated in rugged terrain between Petra and Zoar.
This site is recorded only twice in Scripture, both within the book of Numbers where the route of the Exodus generation is mapped out. Its brief appearance highlights the long, arduous path the people traveled before reaching the Promised Land.
Historical sources note that Punon was famous for its mines. This detail suggests a landscape rich in resources yet harsh and shadowed, reflecting the difficult conditions of the wilderness wanderings described in the biblical text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Punon appears only twice in Scripture, marking a brief pause in the long journey of Israel through the wilderness. Located in rugged terrain, its meaning suggests darkness or shadow, reflecting the harsh conditions of the landscape between Petra and Zoar. This place was not just a dot on a map but a real stop where the people rested before moving on to Oboth.
For your faith life, Punon reminds us that the path to God's promises often includes seasons of difficulty and uncertainty. The wilderness was not an easy road; it was filled with challenges that tested the people's endurance. Yet, even in these shadowed places, God guided them step by step. His presence did not vanish when the terrain grew rough or the way forward seemed unclear.
When you face your own periods of waiting or struggle, remember that these moments are part of a larger journey. God is with you in the dark places just as He was with Israel at Punon. His guidance continues even when the path is hard, leading you toward the rest and promise He has prepared.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ Punan1×
- at/ Punan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/פּוּנֹ֑ן1×
- בְּ/פוּנֹֽן\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 33:42
They traveled from Zalmonah, and encamped in Punon.
This verse marks Punon as the second stopping place after leaving Mount Hor, highlighting its role in the specific itinerary of the Exodus generation.
-
Numbers 33:43
They traveled from Punon, and encamped in Oboth.
By listing the departure from Punon to Oboth, this verse confirms the sequential nature of their journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land.