### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Pîynᵉchâç**, represented by `{{H6372}}`, is the name Phinehas. Its base definition is "mouth of a serpent." It appears **25 times** across **24 unique verses** in the Bible and is the name given to three different Israelites, most notably two priests whose legacies stand in stark contrast to one another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Phinehas** is most famously associated with the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest [[Exodus 6:25]]. His decisive action of taking a **javelin** `{{H7420}}` to stop sin in the camp turned away God's wrath from Israel ([[Numbers 25:7]], [[Numbers 25:11]]). For this act of zeal, he is praised for executing judgment and staying a devastating plague [[Psalms 106:30]]. He also served as a leader who inquired of the Lord before **battle** `{{H4421}}` [[Judges 20:28]]. In direct contrast, **Phinehas** the son of Eli was a corrupt **priest** `{{H3548}}` at Shiloh whose actions, along with his brother Hophni's, dishonored God [[1 Samuel 1:3]]. His life ended in tragedy when he was slain in battle and the Ark of God was captured by the Philistines [[1 Samuel 4:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the narratives surrounding the name **Phinehas**:
* `{{H7068}}` **qinʼâh** (jealousy, zeal): This term is central to the character of Phinehas, son of Eleazar. God states that his act of being zealous turned away divine wrath from Israel [[Numbers 25:11]]. This same word describes the powerful **zeal** of the LORD that accomplishes His purposes [[Isaiah 9:7]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): This word defines the office held by both prominent men named **Phinehas**. The role of the **priest** was to officiate and mediate between God and the people ([[Numbers 25:11]], [[1 Samuel 1:3]]), a foundational calling for the "kingdom of priests" [[Exodus 19:6]].
* `{{H4046}}` **maggêphâh** (plague, slaughter): This word describes the divine judgment that the first **Phinehas** was credited with stopping [[Psalms 106:30]]. It is also used for the "great slaughter" that occurred among the people when the second **Phinehas** was killed in battle [[1 Samuel 4:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6372}}` is demonstrated through the contrasting lives of those who bore the name.
* **Atoning Zeal:** The actions of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, show that righteous **zeal** `{{H7068}}` can turn back God's judgment. His intervention was counted as an act that "executed judgment" and stopped the **plague** `{{H4046}}`, preserving the people ([[Numbers 25:11]], [[Psalms 106:30]]).
* **Priestly Representation:** The two figures named **Phinehas** embody the two paths of the priesthood. One is a faithful **ruler** `{{H5057}}` and priest with whom the Lord was [[1 Chronicles 9:20]]. The other represents a corrupt priesthood that provokes divine discipline, culminating in his death and the loss of the Ark of God ([[1 Samuel 2:34]], [[1 Samuel 4:11]]).
* **Enduring Legacy:** The lineage of the faithful **Phinehas** is carefully preserved in Scripture, signifying the lasting blessing of his obedience ([[1 Chronicles 6:4]], [[Ezra 7:5]]). His name becomes part of the revered priestly line.
### Summary
In summary, **Pîynᵉchâç** `{{H6372}}` is far more than an incidental name. It serves as a powerful illustration of contrasting legacies within the Israelite priesthood. The story of one **Phinehas** is a benchmark for righteous zeal and covenant faithfulness, while the story of the other is a sobering warning about the consequences of priestly corruption. Through this single name, Scripture explores profound themes of judgment, mediation, and the critical importance of honoring God.
TRV