פְּתוּאֵל (pe.tu.el)
pe.tu.el
Pethuel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Pethuel, meaning "vision of God," appears only once in the Hebrew Bible as the father of the prophet Joel (Joel 1:1). In a culture where personal names often reflected divine attributes or parental hopes, this brief mention anchors the prophet within a specific lineage. The etymology suggests a family tradition that valued spiritual insight or prophetic experience.
While the text provides no further details about Pethuel’s life or character, his inclusion in the opening verse serves to legitimize Joel’s authority. By identifying him as the son of Pethuel, the biblical writer connects the message of judgment and restoration in the book of Joel to a recognized human source. This genealogical note grounds the prophetic word in history rather than abstract revelation.
Translators consistently render the name as Pethuel, preserving its distinct sound while conveying its meaning through footnotes or study aids. The rarity of the name highlights the unique position of Joel among the minor prophets, whose work begins with a personal introduction rather than a generic call narrative. This single reference remains the sole historical data point for this figure 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 Pethuel appears in a single verse, anchoring the prophet Joel within a specific family line. Its meaning, "vision of God," suggests that spiritual insight was valued in his household. This brief genealogical note connects the message of judgment and restoration to a human source, grounding the prophetic word in history rather than abstract revelation.
For your faith, this reminds us that God often works through ordinary family lines and personal histories. The inclusion of Pethuel’s name validates Joel’s authority and shows that divine messages are delivered by real people with real backgrounds. It invites you to consider how your own heritage or community might shape your understanding of God’s voice.
While we know little about Pethuel himself, his name serves as a quiet witness to the importance of spiritual perception. In a world that often overlooks lineage and background, Scripture honors these connections. This single reference encourages us to value the roots from which our faith grows and to seek the vision that God offers through His Word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Pethuel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּתוּאֵֽל\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Joel 1:1
Yahweh’s word that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel.
This verse establishes Joel’s lineage by naming Pethuel, lending historical credibility to the prophetic message that follows.