Who was Phinehas?

Zealous Priest

The story of Phinehas

Phinehas - High Priest of Israel
Phinehas - High Priest of Israel
High Priest of Israel

Phinehas was a biblical figure from the Old Testament. He was the son of Eleazar, the High Priest of Israel, and the grandson of Aaron, the first High Priest. He had a brother named Ithamar. Phinehas is best known for his role in the Israelites' battle against the Midianites. When the Israelites were seduced by the Midianite women, Phinehas took a spear and killed an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were engaging in sexual immorality. This act of zealotry was seen as a righteous act and God rewarded Phinehas with a covenant of peace. Phinehas was also known for his role in the plague that struck the Israelites. He was the one who interceded with God on behalf of the people and was able to stop the plague. Phinehas was also known for his role in the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. He was the one who cast lots to determine the boundaries of the tribes. Phinehas is remembered for his loyalty to God and his willingness to take action to protect the people of Israel. He is an example of faithfulness and courage in the face of adversity.

Name meaning

Mouth of the serpent

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

High Priest of Israel

First mention

Exodus 6:25

Appearances in the Bible

24 mentions

Family

Relatives of Phinehas

Phinehas in the Bible

Explore all 15 chapters where Phinehas appears

Exodus

Chapter 6

God Promises to Deliver the Israelites

God reminds Moses of his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and confirms that he will free the Israelites from slavery ...

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Numbers

Chapter 25

The Sin of Baal Peor

Israelites commit idolatry and immorality with Moabite women, and a plague breaks out among them as punishment.

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Numbers

Chapter 31

The War with the Midianites

God commands the Israelites to destroy the Midianites and Moses is angry with the officers for sparing the women.

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Joshua

Chapter 22

The Altar on the Jordan

Joshua reminds the Israelites to obey God's commandments and reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh of the...

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Joshua

Chapter 24

Covenant Renewal at Shechem

Joshua gathers all the Israelites at Shechem and reminds them of God's faithfulness and calls on them to choose to serve...

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Judges

Chapter 20

Battle Against the Benjamites

The Israelites unite to punish the tribe of Benjamin for the crime, but end up killing all the men, women and children o...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 1

Hannah's Prayer

A barren woman named Hannah prays for a son and dedicates him to God's service when he is born. She gives birth to Samue...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 2

Hannah's Song of Praise

Hannah sings a song of thanksgiving for God's blessing of a son, declaring that God lifts up the humble and brings down ...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 4

Israel Defeated by the Philistines

The Israelites are defeated in battle against the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured. This leads to a ...

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1 Samuel

Chapter 14

Jonathan and David's Friendship

David and Jonathan, Saul's son, form a close friendship despite Saul's attempts to harm David.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 6

Levi's Genealogy and Roles

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 9

Genealogies and Roles of Returning Exiles

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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Ezra

Chapter 7

Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem

Ezra's journey to Jerusalem and his arrival in the city.

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Ezra

Chapter 8

Ezra's Assembly

Ezra assembles the exiles to hear the law and to worship.

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Psalms

Chapter 106

Remembering God's Faithfulness

Psalm 106 is a reflection on Israel's historical journey with God. The psalmist recounts the nation's rebellious acts, s...

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Showing all 15 chapter appearances