פְּתוֹר (pe.tor)
pe.tor
Pethor
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Pethor is a proper noun referring to a town in ancient Mesopotamia, identified as the home of the prophet Balaam. The name itself carries a specific meaning, translating to "soothsayer" or one who practices divination, which aligns with the reputation of its most famous resident.
This location appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the book of Numbers (23:7). Here, Balaam speaks from Pethor, describing his origins and his role as a seer. The reference serves to ground the narrative in a specific geographical and cultural context, highlighting the tension between local divination practices and the God of Israel.
The single occurrence underscores the unique nature of the Balaam story. By naming the town after its association with soothsaying, the text contrasts human attempts to predict or manipulate divine will with the sovereign freedom of God’s message, which Balaam ultimately delivers despite his starting point.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Pethor was a town known for divination, where Balaam lived before God called him to speak truth. The name itself means 'soothsayer,' reflecting the spiritual practices common in that region of ancient Mesopotamia. When Balak sent messengers from Moab to Pethor, they were seeking someone who could curse Israel through occult means.
Yet this story shows how God’s power surpasses any human attempt to control or predict outcomes. Balaam, though associated with Pethor and its practices, found himself unable to speak anything but what the Lord commanded. The location reminds us that no matter where we come from or what influences surround us, God remains sovereign over our words and actions.
This passage encourages believers today by showing that even those far from God’s people can become instruments of His blessing when He chooses. It points to the greater truth that divine purpose cannot be thwarted by human schemes or spiritual forces opposed to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Pethor/ towards1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּ֠תוֹרָ/ה1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 22:5
He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, there is a people who came out of Egypt. Behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they are staying opposite me.
This verse identifies Pethor as the place where Balaam resided, highlighting its association with divination and setting up the contrast between human attempts to manipulate God's will and His sovereign freedom.