Phinehas
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Phinehas was a priest who intervened to stop a plague by executing Zimri, an Israelite prince, and Cozbi, a Midianite woman, for their public sexual immorality and idolatrous worship. He succeeded his father Eleazar as high priest and secured a covenant of perpetual priesthood for his lineage.
What is the meaning of Phinehas in the Bible?
Phinehas was a priest who intervened to stop a plague by executing Zimri, an Israelite prince, and Cozbi, a Midianite woman, for their public sexual immorality and idolatrous worship. He succeeded his father Eleazar as high priest and secured a covenant of perpetual priesthood for his lineage.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Phinehas clarifies the biblical theme of zealous enforcement of covenantal boundaries, illustrating how specific acts of religious fidelity were viewed as pivotal in maintaining communal holiness and divine favor during the conquest period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Phinehas in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Phinehas clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.