Original Word: פִינֹן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: piynon
Pronunciation: pee-NONE
Phonetic Spelling: (pee-none')
KJV: Pinon
NASB: Pinon
Word Origin: [probably the same as H6325 (פּוּנוֹן - Punon)]

1. Pinon, an Idumaean

Pinon

Probably the same as Puwnon; Pinon, an Idumaean -- Pinon.

see HEBREW Puwnon

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
an Edomite
NASB Translation
Pinon (2).

מִּינֹן proper name, masculine Edomite Genesis 36:41; 1 Chronicles 1:52, Φινες, Φινων, Φινα; — compare מּוּנֹן.

מִּיפִיּוֺת see מֶּה. מִּיק see I. פוק.

Scriptural Appearances

Genesis 36:41 lists Pinon among the Edomite chiefs descended from Esau: “Oholibamah, Elah, and Pinon”. The same roster reappears in 1 Chronicles 1:52: “Chief Oholibamah, Chief Elah, Chief Pinon”. These are the only two occurrences of the name, both embedded in genealogical summaries that catalog the early tribal leaders of Edom.

Edomite Context and Political Structure

The term “chief” (Hebrew ʾallûp̄) designates a clan leader or tribal prince who governed a semi-autonomous sub-group within greater Edom. Genesis 36:15–43 preserves an early snapshot of Edom’s organization before Israel’s monarchy, revealing a network of chiefs rather than a centralized king. Pinon thus represents one of the founding lineages that shaped Edom’s identity and territorial claims in Seir. The listing of chiefs alongside their settlements suggests that each name stood both for a person and for the clan or district that carried his legacy.

Genealogical and Covenantal Significance

Edom sprang from Esau, Jacob’s twin, and so the Edomite chiefs trace back to the Abrahamic family line. By recording Pinon’s name, Scripture underlines the Lord’s promise to bless not only Jacob but also Esau with offspring who would become “nations” (Genesis 25:23). The inclusion of Edomite genealogies in the sacred record affirms God’s faithfulness to that word even outside the chosen line. At the same time, the separation of the two brothers’ descendants foreshadows later tensions between Israel and Edom, tensions that figure prominently in Obadiah, Amos, and other prophetic books.

Geographical Associations

Many scholars associate Pinon’s clan with the region of Punon—a copper-rich site east of the Arabah, later a waypoint for Israel during the wilderness journey (Numbers 33:42–43). While the consonants differ slightly, the proximity of the names and locations is suggestive. If correct, Pinon’s domain lay near important trade routes connecting Arabia, Moab, and the southern Levant. Such an association would account for the economic strength implied by the title “chief” and align with Edom’s reputation for metalworking and caravan control.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty over Nations: By preserving even brief mentions such as “Pinon,” Scripture testifies that every clan and territory falls within God’s meticulous oversight (Deuteronomy 2:5; Acts 17:26).
2. Brotherhood and Accountability: The genealogical link between Israel and Edom highlights familial responsibility. Later prophetic judgments against Edom (Obadiah 10–14) rest on the premise that kinship carries moral obligations—a warning equally relevant today.
3. Eschatological Reversal: Though Edom’s chiefs once flourished, prophecies envision their eventual downfall and Israel’s vindication (Isaiah 34:5-15). Pinon’s fleeting appearance reminds believers that earthly prominence is temporary, whereas God’s kingdom endures.

Practical and Ministry Applications

• Biblical genealogies, often overlooked, anchor theology in real history. Teaching through passages like Genesis 36 helps congregations appreciate Scripture’s precision and the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.
• Pinon’s mention encourages respect for all peoples descended from Adam, even those historically opposed to Israel. Missions and evangelism benefit from recognizing the shared ancestry of humanity and the universal scope of the gospel (Romans 10:12).
• The rise and disappearance of chiefs such as Pinon underscore the necessity of humility in leadership. Church leaders can draw lessons on stewarding authority under God, whose purposes transcend any individual or dynasty (1 Peter 5:2-6).

Summary

Pinon, though cited only twice, stands as a tangible marker of Edom’s early clan structure, God’s faithfulness to His broader covenant promises, and the unfolding narrative that sets the stage for later biblical history. His brief cameo invites readers to trace God’s sovereign hand through even the most concise genealogical details.

פִּינֹֽן׃ פינן׃ pî·nōn piNon pînōnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts