The word Pathrusim, found in the Old Testament, is spelled with eight letters: P-A-T-H-R-U-S-I-M. Its pronunciation is transcribed in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as pəθɹuːsɪm. The stress falls on the second syllable, indicated by the "θ" symbol, which represents the "th" sound. The vowel sounds are pronounced as "uh" and "oo." This ancient name refers to a people group who were descendants of Ham, one of Noah's sons. The spelling and pronunciation of Pathrusim have remained unchanged throughout history.
Pathrusim is a term mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis (Gen. 10:13), referring to a certain group of people or a region. Although the term is used just once in the Bible, a dictionary definition is formulated based on scholarly interpretations and historical context.
Pathrusim is believed to be the name of a group of descendants or inhabitants from the region of Pathros, an ancient territory in upper Egypt. These people are thought to be part of the Hamitic line, tracing their ancestry back to the son of Ham, one of the sons of Noah. Pathrusim is often associated with the development of the culture and civilization present in that region during ancient times.
The exact geographical boundaries of Pathros are uncertain, but it is generally believed to comprise parts of modern-day southern Egypt. This region is known for its connection to ancient Egyptian dynasties, and Pathros is frequently mentioned in historical literature and religious texts.
Due to the limited biblical information, the definition of Pathrusim is somewhat conjectural. It primarily serves to identify a specific group of people belonging to a particular region. However, further insights into their culture, history, and influence can be gained by studying various historical and archaeological sources and the broader context of ancient Egypt.
The word "Pathrusim" originates from the Hebrew Bible, specifically from the Old Testament in the book of Genesis. It is mentioned in Genesis 10:14 as one of the descendants of Ham, the son of Noah. The term "Pathrusim" refers to a people group or region in ancient Egypt, specifically in the area of Pathros, which is believed to have been located in Upper Egypt, south of Memphis.
The etymology of the word "Pathrusim" itself is uncertain and debated among scholars. Some theories suggest that it may be derived from the Egyptian word "Ptah", which was the name of an ancient Egyptian deity associated with Memphis and sometimes referred to as "Ptah of the South". Another theory proposes that the word may have Semitic origins, possibly related to the region known as Punt, which was an ancient trading partner of Egypt.