פִּיכֹל (pi.khol)
pi.khol
Phicol
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 Phicol, or pi.khol, appears only three times in Scripture, all within the Genesis narratives concerning the patriarchs. It identifies a high-ranking military official serving Abimelech, king of Gerar. The sources describe him as the chief captain of the army, a position that places him at the center of diplomatic and military tensions between the Philistine kingdom and Abraham’s household.
Linguistically, the name is interpreted to mean "strong," reflecting the authority and power associated with his role. This etymology aligns with his function as a leader in times of conflict and negotiation. His presence underscores the political reality faced by the patriarchs, who had to navigate relationships with powerful neighboring rulers while maintaining their distinct covenant identity.
Phicol plays a key role in the resolution of disputes over land and water rights. In Genesis 21:22–32, he acts as a witness to Abraham’s treaty with Abimelech, ensuring that the well dug by Abraham’s servants would remain under their control. Later, in Genesis 26:26, he accompanies the king to Isaac, further highlighting his importance as a stabilizing figure in regional relations. These accounts illustrate how God’s people interacted with foreign powers through formal agreements and mutual recognition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Phicol appears in Scripture as the chief captain of King Abimelech’s army, a figure who represents the political and military power surrounding the patriarchs. In Genesis 21:22, he stands alongside the king to acknowledge that God was with Abraham, recognizing divine favor even from outside the covenant community. This moment shows how God’s presence is visible to those who do not yet know Him, creating space for peace and mutual respect.
Later, in Genesis 26:26, Phicol accompanies Abimelech to Isaac, continuing his role as a key player in regional diplomacy. His repeated appearance highlights the importance of formal agreements and witness in resolving conflicts over resources like water rights. These interactions remind us that God’s people are called to navigate relationships with integrity, seeking peace while trusting in God’s provision.
Phicol’s story encourages believers today to approach difficult relationships with humility and wisdom. Whether dealing with neighbors, colleagues, or authorities, Christians can follow the example of Abraham and Isaac by prioritizing fairness and trust in God. This word invites reflection on how faithfulness in small matters builds bridges across cultural and religious divides.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Phicol3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/פִיכֹל֙2×
- וּ/פִיכֹ֖ל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 21:22
At that time, Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his army spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do.
Phicol is named here as the army captain who joins Abimelech in acknowledging God’s favor toward Abraham, marking a pivotal moment of recognition from a foreign ruler.
-
Genesis 21:32
So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
After the covenant at Beersheba, Phicol departs with Abimelech, showing his role as a witness and enforcer of the agreement that secured peace between the parties.
-
Genesis 26:26
Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his army.
Phicol accompanies Abimelech to Isaac, reinforcing his importance as a stabilizing figure in maintaining diplomatic relations during times of tension over land and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Phicol in the Bible?
What does the name Phicol mean?
Why does Phicol appear multiple times in Genesis?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Genesis 3 verses
At that time, Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his army spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you…
Genesis 21:32So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army, and they returned into…
Genesis 26:26Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his army.