Pethuel
Meaning and Origin
The name Pethuel derives from Hebrew origins, combining 'Peth-' meaning 'enlarged' and '-el,' a common suffix in Hebrew names signifying 'God.' Together, the name translates to 'enlarged of God,' which conveys a sense of divine empowerment or blessing. Linguistically, names containing '-el' often reflect a strong connection to God, as seen in other biblical names such as Daniel ('God is my judge') and Samuel ('heard by God'). Historically, Pethuel's meaning underscores the biblical theme of God's active role in human lives, often signifying spiritual growth or divine favor.
Name Pethuel in languages of the Bible
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Popularity Analysis
The name Pethuel has a modest yet intriguing global presence, being found in 16 countries worldwide. It is most popular in Tanzania, Spain, and Honduras, reflecting a diverse cultural adoption of this biblical name. In Tanzania, names with religious significance are often embraced due to the country's rich Christian heritage, while Spain's historical ties to Christianity and the Bible contribute to the name's popularity there. Similarly, in Honduras, where Christianity is the predominant religion, biblical names hold cultural and spiritual significance. Though not as widely used as other biblical names, Pethuel's unique meaning and connection to the prophet Joel make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with deep theological roots.
| Country | Variant | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania, United Republic of | Petuel | 35929 |
| Spain | Patuel | 38870 |
| Honduras | Petuel | 46756 |
| Mexico | Petuel | 49620 |
| Brazil | Petuel | 96034 |
| Congo, The Democratic Republic of the | Pethuel | 98049 |
| Nigeria | Pethuel | 120986 |
| France | Patuel | 122330 |
| Costa Rica | Petuel | 124190 |
| Philippines | Pethuel | 181370 |
| United States | Petuel | 201011 |
| Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of | Petuel | 212272 |
| South Africa | Petuel | 329815 |
| Chile | Petuel | 436842 |
| Argentina | Patuel | 500416 |
Showing top 15 of 16 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
Pethuel holds a unique position in biblical history as the father of the prophet Joel, one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament. Joel's prophetic writings, particularly his call for repentance and his vivid descriptions of the 'Day of the Lord,' are foundational to understanding Old Testament eschatology. While Pethuel himself is not extensively mentioned beyond his role as Joel's father, his name carries a high Divine Proximity Index of 80.8/100, indicating a strong association with God in the biblical narrative. Furthermore, the Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 highlights the enduring spiritual and theological relevance of Joel's lineage, as Joel's prophecies are often seen as foreshadowing New Testament themes, including the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17-21).
Biblical Context
Pethuel appears in Joel 1:1, where he is identified as the father of the prophet Joel: 'The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.' This verse serves as the introductory line to Joel's prophetic book, establishing both the divine origin of Joel's message and his familial lineage. While Pethuel himself does not play an active role in the narrative, his inclusion underscores the importance of genealogy in biblical texts, often used to validate the authority and credibility of the prophets. His name's meaning, 'enlarged of God,' may symbolically reflect the spiritual authority passed down to his son, who would go on to deliver profound messages of repentance and hope to the people of Israel.
Divine Proximity Metrics
God Proximity
SNA: 1.09 | Percentile: 80.8
Biblical References
- Joel 1:1