פַּלּוּא (pal.lu)
pal.lu
Pallu
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Pallu identifies a specific figure in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles: the second son of Reuben and father of Eliab. Listed among Jacob’s descendants who moved to Egypt, he serves as a crucial link connecting the patriarchal generation to the tribal structure that would later emerge in the wilderness. His appearance in five verses across these books anchors him firmly within the historical record of Israel’s early family lines.
Etymologically, the name is generally understood to mean "distinguished" or "wonderful." This meaning aligns with the pattern of other names in Reuben’s immediate family, such as Hanoch and Hezron, which often carry positive or significant connotations. The derivation suggests a status of prominence within the tribe, a theme reinforced by his role as the progenitor of the Palluites, a clan named directly after him.
While Pallu himself does not speak or act in the narrative, his lineage carries immense theological weight. As the father of Eliab, he is the direct ancestor of the leaders who would stand against Moses during the rebellion in the wilderness (Numbers 16). The sources highlight this connection to show how individual family names in Genesis become pivotal actors in the national drama of Exodus and Numbers, linking personal identity to corporate history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in the Bible often do more than label a person; they connect generations and reveal God’s steady hand in history. Pallu appears in genealogies as the second son of Reuben, linking the patriarchs who entered Egypt to the tribes that would later form Israel. Though he is not shown speaking or acting in the narrative, his place in the family line shows how God remembers individuals even when they are part of a larger story.
This name, meaning 'distinguished' or 'wonderful', reminds us that every person has value in God’s plan. The families listed here are not just names on a page but real people whose lives shaped the nation of Israel. When we read these records, we see that God works through ordinary families to accomplish His purposes.
Even though Pallu is a minor figure in the text, his lineage leads to Eliab, who later plays a role in the wilderness rebellion. This connection shows how personal identity ties into corporate history. We can take comfort knowing that God knows each name and uses every life for His glory, whether we are in the spotlight or quietly part of a larger story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Pallu3×
- of/ Pallu1×
- Pallu1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/פַלּ֖וּא2×
- פַלּ֖וּא1×
- לְ/פַלּ֕וּא1×
- וּ/פַלּוּא֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 46:9
The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
This verse lists Pallu among Reuben’s sons as they move to Egypt, anchoring his family within the historical migration that begins Israel’s journey in a foreign land.
-
Exodus 6:14
These are the heads of their fathers’ houses. The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben.
Here Pallu is named as a head of his father’s house, showing that even during slavery, the tribal structure and family leadership were being preserved for future generations.
-
Numbers 26:8
The son of Pallu: Eliab.
This brief mention identifies Eliab as Pallu’s son, creating a direct link to the leaders who would later challenge Moses, highlighting how family lines carry significant historical weight.