Learn more about Put

Introduction to Put

“Put” is a name found in the Bible typically referring to a person or a people group, rather than the English verb. In the biblical context, Put (also spelled Phut) is one of the sons of Ham, the son of Noah, and represents an ancient nation or ethnic group descended from him. The name “Put” is associated with North Africa and is often connected to regions like Libya. The descendants of Put are frequently mentioned in prophetic and historical contexts within the Old Testament, especially concerning alliances and warfare involving Israel and other nations.

Put Pronunciation

“Put” is pronounced as poot or poot (rhymes with 'foot') in Hebrew transliteration. The Hebrew form is פּוּט (Pût).

Put in the Bible

Put appears in several key scriptures and is typically associated with military might and geographic placement in Africa:

• Genesis 10:6: "The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put and Canaan." This is the first mention of Put as a descendant of Ham and an originator of a people group.
• Jeremiah 46:9: "Charge, you horses! Drive furiously, you charioteers! March on, you warriors—men of Cush and Put who carry shields, men of Lydia who draw the bow." Here, Put is associated with military powers allied with Egypt.
• Ezekiel 27:10: Put is named among mercenaries and warriors serving the city of Tyre: "Men of Persia, Lydia and Put served as soldiers in your army."
• Ezekiel 30:5: "Cush, Put, and Lydia, and all Arabia, Libya and the people of the covenant land will fall with them by the sword." This shows Put as part of a prophetic judgment against Egypt and its allies.
• Nahum 3:9: Describes Put as a source of strength for Nineveh’s allies: "Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength; Put and Libya were among her allies."

Historical and Geographical Context of Put

The identity of Put is generally linked with regions west of Egypt—commonly believed to correspond to ancient Libya or parts of North Africa. Egyptian records also mention a land called “Putu” or “Pitu,” which many scholars connect to the biblical Put. These references support the view that Put was an African people known for their military contributions, particularly as mercenaries or allied soldiers in the armies of greater powers like Egypt and Tyre.

Related Themes and Meanings to Put

• Hamite Nations: As a son of Ham, Put is part of a group of nations traditionally understood to populate parts of Africa and the Near East.
• Military Alliances: Put is consistently mentioned in the context of military support, emphasizing the role of its descendants as warriors and allies in biblical warfare narratives.
• Prophetic Judgment: Put is often grouped with nations facing divine judgment through the prophets, especially in relation to Egypt’s downfall and regional upheaval.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Put

• The name “Put” appears in various ancient texts and is confirmed in Egyptian inscriptions, strengthening its historical reliability.
• In Greek translations of the Old Testament (the Septuagint), “Put” is often rendered as “Libues,” linking it with Libya and further supporting its North African identification.
• While the biblical mentions of Put are limited, each instance reflects a significant role—militarily or geopolitically—in the ancient world’s complex network of nations.
• Put's descendants were considered skilled in warfare, particularly in the use of the bow and shield, traits often highlighted in the prophetic books.

Conclusion

Though not as prominently featured as some other biblical nations, Put holds a meaningful place in biblical genealogies and prophetic literature. Its associations with warfare, alliances, and geographic regions of North Africa provide valuable insights into the world surrounding ancient Israel. Understanding Put helps illuminate the broader biblical landscape and the interconnectedness of nations in both historical and theological contexts.