Here’s our list of biblical names that begin with the letter ‘P’. This includes people and places. Check out our A-Z directory hub for more.
Disclaimer: The list has the most common meanings of names. However, some of them are still debated over by scholars. New findings could change our understanding of them.
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1.) Paarai
Original (Hebrew): פַּעֲרַי (Paʿaray)
Meaning: Possibly “open” or “belonging to Peor”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 23:35
Description: One of David’s mighty men. He is called Naarai in 1 Chronicles 11:37.
2.) Padan
Original (Hebrew): פַּדָּן
Meaning: “Field” or “plain”
First Appearance: Genesis 48:7
Description: Shortened form of Padan-aram.
3.) Padan-aram
Original (Hebrew): פַּדַּן אֲרָם (Paddan ʾArām)
Meaning: “Field of Aram” or “plain of Aram”
First Appearance: Genesis 25:20
Description: A region in Mesopotamia, also called Aram-naharaim. It was the home of Abraham‘s relatives, including Laban and his daughters, Leah and Rachel.
4.) Padon
Original (Hebrew): פָּדוֹן (Pāḏôn)
Meaning: “Redemption” or “ransom”
First Appearance: Ezra 2:44
Description: The head of a family of temple servants who returned from exile in Babylon.
5.) Pagiel
Original (Hebrew): פַּגְעִיאֵל (Paḡʿîʾēl)
Meaning: “God has met” or “event of God”
First Appearance: Numbers 1:13
Description: The leader of the tribe of Asher during the Exodus.
6.) Pahath-moab
Original (Hebrew): פַּחַת מוֹאָב (Paḥaṯ Môʾāḇ)
Meaning: “Governor of Moab” or “ruler of Moab”
First Appearance: Ezra 2:6
Description: The ancestor of a large family that returned from exile in Babylon.
7.) Pai
Original (Hebrew): פָּעִי
Meaning: Possibly “bleating” or “crying”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 1:50
Description: A city in Edom, the capital of King Hadar. Also spelled Pau.
8.) Palal
Original (Hebrew): פָּלָל (Pālāl)
Meaning: “Judge” or “he has judged”
First Appearance: Nehemiah 3:25
Description: A man who helped repair the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah.
9.) Palestine
Original (Greek): Παλαιστίνη (Palaistinē)
Meaning: Derived from “Philistia” (land of the Philistines)
First Appearance: Not found in most English Bibles; implied in references to Philistia and Canaan.
Description: A geographical term for the region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, roughly corresponding to the land of Canaan or the Promised Land.
10.) Palestina
Original (Greek):
Meaning: Derived from “Philistia”
First Appearance: Exodus 15:14 KJV
Description: KJV translation referring to Palestine.
11.) Pallu
Original (Hebrew): פַּלּוּא (Pallûʾ)
Meaning: “Distinguished” or “renowned”
First Appearance: Genesis 46:9
Description: A son of Reuben and founder of a Reubenite clan.
12.) Palluites
Original (Hebrew): פַּלֻּאִי (Pallūʾî)
Meaning: “Descendants of Pallu”
First Appearance: Numbers 26:5
Description: A clan within the tribe of Reuben, descended from Pallu.
13.) Palti
Original (Hebrew): פַּלְטִי (Palṭî)
Meaning: “My deliverance” or “Yahweh is my deliverance”
First Appearance: Numbers 13:9
Description: The spy from the tribe of Benjamin sent to explore Canaan. Also, the man to whom Saul gave his daughter Michal, David’s wife.
14.) Paltiel
Original (Hebrew): פַּלְטִיאֵל (Palṭîʾēl)
Meaning: “God is my deliverance” or “delivered by God”
First Appearance: Numbers 34:26
Description: The leader of the tribe of Issachar chosen to help divide the land of Canaan. Also, another name for the man to whom Saul gave Michal.
15.) Paltite
Original (Hebrew): פַּלְטִי (Palṭî)
Meaning: Possibly “from Beth-pelet” or “descendant of Pelet”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 23:26
Description: A designation for Helez, one of David’s mighty men.
16.) Pamphylia
Original (Greek): Παμφυλία (Pamphylia)
Meaning: “Of every tribe” or “all tribes”
First Appearance: Acts 2:10
Description: A region on the southern coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul and Barnabas traveled through Pamphylia on their first missionary journey.
17.) Paphos
Original (Greek): Πάφος (Paphos)
Meaning: Possibly derived from a Phoenician word.
First Appearance: Acts 13:6
Description: A city on the island of Cyprus, where Paul and Barnabas encountered the sorcerer Elymas.
18.) Parah
Original (Hebrew): הַפָּרָה (hap-Pārā)
Meaning: “The cow” or “the heifer”
First Appearance: Joshua 18:23
Description: A town in the territory of Benjamin.
19.) Paran
Original (Hebrew): פָּארָן (Pāʾrān)
Meaning: Possibly “place of caves” or “ornamental”
First Appearance: Genesis 14:6
Description: A wilderness region in the Sinai Peninsula, where Hagar and Ishmael wandered after being sent away by Abraham. It was also a major part of the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings.
20.) Parmashta
Original (Hebrew): פַּרְמַשְׁתָּא (Parmaštāʾ)
Meaning: Possibly of Persian origin, meaning “strongest” or “foremost”
First Appearance: Esther 9:9
Description: One of the ten sons of Haman, who were killed in Susa.
21.) Parmenas
Original (Greek): Παρμενᾶς (Parmenas)
Meaning: Possibly “steadfast” or “remaining”
First Appearance: Acts 6:5
Description: One of the seven men chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to serve the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish widows.
22.) Parosh
Original (Hebrew): פַּרְעֹשׁ (Parʿōš)
Meaning: “Flea”
First Appearance: Ezra 2:3
Description: The ancestor of a large family that returned from exile in Babylon.
23.) Parshandatha
Original (Hebrew): פַּרְשַׁנְדָּתָא (Paršandāṯāʾ)
Meaning: Possibly of Persian origin, meaning “given by prayer” or “inquired of prayer”
First Appearance: Esther 9:7
Description: One of the ten sons of Haman, who were killed in Susa.
24.) Parthians
Original (Greek): Πάρθοι
Meaning: “Parthians”
First Appearance: Acts 2:9
Description: The people of Parthia, a powerful empire east of the Roman Empire.
25.) Paruah
Original (Hebrew): פָּרוּחַ (Pārûaḥ)
Meaning: Possibly “blossoming” or “flourishing”
First Appearance: 1 Kings 4:17
Description: The father of Jehoshaphat, one of Solomon’s district governors.
26.) Parvaim
Original (Hebrew): פַּרְוָיִם (Parwāyim)
Meaning: Unknown, possibly a place name.
First Appearance: 2 Chronicles 3:6
Description: A place from which gold was obtained for use in Solomon’s temple. Its location is unknown.
27.) Pasach
Original (Hebrew): פָּסַךְ (Pāsaḵ)
Meaning: Possibly “cutter” or “divider”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 7:33
Description: An Asherite, a son of Japhlet.
28.) Pas-dammim
Original (Hebrew): פַּס דַּמִּים (Pas Dammîm)
Meaning: “Boundary of blood” or “edge of blood”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 11:13
Description: Another name for Ephes-dammim, a place where the Philistines gathered for battle against Israel.
29.) Paseah
Original (Hebrew): פָּסֵחַ (Pāsēaḥ)
Meaning: “Lame” or “limping”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 4:12
Description: A descendant of Judah. Also, the father of Joiada, who helped repair the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah.
30.) Pashhur
Original (Hebrew): פַּשְׁחוּר (Pašḥûr)
Meaning: Possibly “splitter” or of Egyptian origin, meaning “portion of Horus”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 9:12
Description: A priest who was an ancestor of some of those who lived in Jerusalem after the exile. Also, a priest who opposed Jeremiah and had him beaten and imprisoned, the father of Gedaliah, and the head of a priestly family that returned from exile.
31.) Patara
Original (Greek): Πάταρα (Patara)
Meaning: Possibly derived from a local Lycian word.
First Appearance: Acts 21:1
Description: A port city in Lycia, on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul changed ships there on his journey to Jerusalem.
32.) Pathros
Original (Hebrew): פַּתְרוֹס (Paṯrôs)
Meaning: Possibly of Egyptian origin, meaning “southland” or “land of the south”
First Appearance: Isaiah 11:11
Description: A region in Upper (southern) Egypt.
33.) Pathrusim
Original (Hebrew): פַּתְרֻסִים (Paṯrusîm)
Meaning: “Inhabitants of Pathros” or “people of the southland”
First Appearance: Genesis 10:14
Description: A people descended from Mizraim (Egypt), son of Ham.
34.) Patmos
Original (Greek): Πάτμος (Patmos)
Meaning: Possibly related to a word for “pine tree”
First Appearance: Revelation 1:9
Description: A small island in the Aegean Sea, where the apostle John was exiled and wrote the book of Revelation.
35.) Patrobas
Original (Greek): Πατροβᾶς
Meaning: “Paternal”
First Appearance: Romans 16:14
Description: A man in Rome whom Paul greets.
36.) Pau
Original (Hebrew): פָּעוּ (Pāʿû)
Meaning: Possibly “bleating” or “crying”
First Appearance: Genesis 36:39
Description: A city in Edom, the capital of King Hadar. Also spelled Pai.
37.) Paul
Original (Greek): Παῦλος (Paulos)
Meaning: “Small” or “humble” (a Roman name)
First Appearance: Acts 13:9
Description: Originally named Saul, he was a Jewish Pharisee who persecuted the early Christians. However, he had a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus and became a key figure in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles. He is considered one of the most important apostles and the author of many of the New Testament epistles. He undertook several missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and writing letters of instruction and encouragement.
38.) Paulus
Original (Greek): Παῦλος
Meaning: “Small” or “humble”
First Appearance: Acts 13:7
Description: Sergius Paulus, the proconsul of Cyprus, who was converted to Christianity through Paul’s ministry.
39.) Pedahel
Original (Hebrew): פְּדַהְאֵל (Pəḏahʾēl)
Meaning: “God has redeemed” or “redeemed by God”
First Appearance: Numbers 34:28
Description: The leader of the tribe of Naphtali chosen to help divide the land of Canaan.
40.) Pedahzur
Original (Hebrew): פְּדָהצוּר (Pəḏāṣûr)
Meaning: “The Rock (God) has redeemed” or “redeemed by the Rock”
First Appearance: Numbers 1:10
Description: The father of Gamaliel, the leader of the tribe of Manasseh during the Exodus.
41.) Pedaiah
Original (Hebrew): פְּדָיָה (Pəḏāyā)
Meaning: “Yahweh has redeemed” or “redeemed by Yahweh”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 3:18
Description: The father of Zerubbabel. Also, several other minor figures.
42.) Pekah
Original (Hebrew): פֶּקַח (Péqaḥ)
Meaning: “Opening (of eyes)” or “he has opened his eyes”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 15:25
Description: The eighteenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He assassinated King Pekahiah and seized the throne. He formed an alliance with Syria against Judah.
43.) Pekahiah
Original (Hebrew): פְּקַחְיָה (Pəqaḥyā)
Meaning: “Yahweh has opened his eyes” or “Yahweh has observed”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 15:22
Description: The seventeenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, the son of Menahem. He was assassinated by Pekah.
44.) Pelaiah
Original (Hebrew): פְּלָאיָה (Pəlāyā)
Meaning: “Yahweh has distinguished” or “Yahweh has done wonders”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 3:24
Description: A descendant of David. Also, a Levite who helped explain the Law to the people, and a leader who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah’s time.
45.) Pelaliah
Original (Hebrew): פְּלַלְיָה
Meaning: “Yahweh has judged”
First Appearance: Nehemiah 11:12
Description: Ancestor of a priest who lived in Jerusalem.
46.) Pelatiah
Original (Hebrew): פְּלַטְיָהוּ (Pəlaṭyāhû)
Meaning: “Yahweh has delivered” or “Yahweh delivers”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 3:21
Description: A descendant of David. Also, a Simeonite, one of the captains who defeated the Amalekites, a leader of the people who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah’s time, and a man whose death Ezekiel prophesied.
47.) Peleg
Original (Hebrew): פֶּלֶג (Péleḡ)
Meaning: “Division” or “channel”
First Appearance: Genesis 10:25
Description: A descendant of Shem, through Eber. He was given this name because “in his days the earth was divided.”
48.) Peleth
Original (Hebrew): פֶּלֶת (Péleṯ)
Meaning: “Escape” or “deliverance”
First Appearance: Numbers 16:1
Description: A Reubenite, the father of On, who participated in Korah’s rebellion. Also, a descendant of Judah.
49.) Pelethites
Original (Hebrew): פְּלֵתִי (Pəlēṯî)
Meaning: Possibly “couriers” or “runners”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 8:18
Description: A group of soldiers in David’s army, who served as his bodyguard along with the Cherethites.
50.) Peniel
Original (Hebrew): פְּנִיאֵל (Pənîʾēl)
Meaning: “Face of God”
First Appearance: Genesis 32:30
Description: The place where Jacob wrestled with God and had his name changed to Israel. Also spelled Penuel. Also, a town east of the Jordan, and the name of two individuals.
51.) Peninnah
Original (Hebrew): פְּנִנָּה (Pəninnā)
Meaning: “Pearl” or “coral”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 1:2
Description: One of the two wives of Elkanah, the father of Samuel. She provoked Hannah, Elkanah’s other wife, because Hannah was barren.
52.) Penuel
Original (Hebrew): פְּנוּאֵל (Pənûʾēl)
Meaning: “Face of God”
First Appearance: Genesis 32:31
Description: Another spelling of Peniel, the place where Jacob wrestled with God. Also, a town east of the Jordan, a descendant of Judah, and a Benjamite.
53.) Peor
Original (Hebrew): פְּעוֹר (Pəʿôr)
Meaning: “Opening” or “cleft”
First Appearance: Numbers 23:28
Description: A mountain in Moab, where Balak took Balaam to curse the Israelites. Also, the name of a Moabite god, Baal-peor.
54.) Perazim
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Breaches”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 5:20
Description: Another name for Baal-perazim.
55.) Perez
Original (Hebrew): פֶּרֶץ (Péreṣ)
Meaning: “Breach” or “breaking forth”
First Appearance: Genesis 38:29
Description: One of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar. He is an ancestor of David and of Jesus.
56.) Perezites
Original (Hebrew): פְּרִזִּי
Meaning: Possibly, “belonging to a village” or “villagers”
First Appearance: Genesis 13:7
Description: One of the Canaanite peoples that inhabited the land of Canaan before the Israelite conquest. Also known as Perizzites.
57.) Perez-uzzah
Original (Hebrew): פֶּרֶץ עֻזָּא (Péreṣ ʿUzzāʾ)
Meaning: “Outburst against Uzzah” or “breach of Uzzah”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 6:8
Description: The name given to the place where Uzzah was struck dead for touching the ark of the covenant. Also called Perez-uzza.
58.) Perez-uzza
Original (Hebrew): פֶּרֶץ עֻזָּא
Meaning: “Outburst against Uzzah” or “breach of Uzzah”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 13:11
Description: Alternate spelling of Perez-uzzah.
59.) Perga
Original (Greek): Πέργη (Pergē)
Meaning: Possibly “very earthy” or “high”
First Appearance: Acts 13:13
Description: A city in Pamphylia, on the southern coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul and Barnabas visited Perga on their first missionary journey.
60.) Pergamum
Original (Greek): Πέργαμον (Pergamon)
Meaning: “Citadel” or “height”
First Appearance: Revelation 1:11
Description: A city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), one of the seven churches addressed in the book of Revelation. Also Pergamus.
61.) Pergamos
Original (Greek): Πέργαμος
Meaning: “Citadel”
First Appearance: Revelation 2:12
Description: Alternate spelling for Pergamum.
62.) Perida
Original (Hebrew): פְּרִידָא
Meaning: “Separation” or “grain”
First Appearance: Nehemiah 7:57
Description: Another spelling for Peruda, the head of a family of Solomon’s servants.
63.) Perizzites
Original (Hebrew): פְּרִזִּי
Meaning: Possibly, “belonging to a village” or “villagers”
First Appearance: Genesis 13:7
Description: One of the Canaanite peoples who lived in the land of Canaan before the Israelite conquest.
64.) Persia
Original (Hebrew): פָּרַס
Meaning: Possibly related to a word for “horseman” or “to divide”
First Appearance: Esther 1:3
Description: A powerful empire in ancient southwest Asia (modern-day Iran). The Persians conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to their homeland.
65.) Persians
Original (Hebrew): פָּרְסִי
Meaning: “From Persia”
First Appearance: Daniel 6:28
Description: The people of Persia.
66.) Persis
Original (Greek): Περσίς (Persis)
Meaning: “Persian woman”
First Appearance: Romans 16:12
Description: A Christian woman in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings, noting that she had “worked hard in the Lord.”
67.) Peruda
Original (Hebrew): פְּרוּדָא
Meaning: “Separation” or “grain”
First Appearance: Ezra 2:55
Description: The head of a family of Solomon’s servants who returned from exile in Babylon. Also spelled Perida.
68.) Peter
Original (Greek): Πέτρος (Petros)
Meaning: “Rock” or “stone”
First Appearance: Matthew 4:18
Description: One of the twelve apostles, originally named Simon. Jesus gave him the name Cephas (Aramaic) or Peter (Greek), both meaning “rock.” He was a leader among the apostles and a key figure in the early church. He is traditionally considered the author of the two epistles of Peter. He denied Jesus three times, but was later restored and became a bold witness for Christ.
69.) Pethahiah
Original (Hebrew): פְּתַחְיָה
Meaning: “Yahweh opens” or “freed by Yahweh”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 24:16
Description: The head of the nineteenth division of priests in the time of David. Also, a Levite who had taken a foreign wife during Ezra’s time, and a Levite who helped lead the people in prayer and confession in the time of Nehemiah.
70.) Pethor
Original (Hebrew): פְּתוֹר
Meaning: Possibly “interpreter of dreams”
First Appearance: Numbers 22:5
Description: The hometown of Balaam, the prophet hired by Balak to curse Israel. It was located in Mesopotamia.
71.) Pethuel
Original (Hebrew): פְּתוּאֵל
Meaning: Possibly “persuaded by God” or “openness of God”
First Appearance: Joel 1:1
Description: The father of the prophet Joel.
72.) Peulthai
Original (Hebrew): פְּעֻלְּתַי
Meaning: “My wages” or “my work”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 26:5
Description: A Levite, a gatekeeper in the time of David. Also spelled Peullethai.
73.) Phalec
Original (Greek): Φαλεκ
Meaning: “Division”
First Appearance: Luke 3:35 KJV
Description: KJV form of Peleg, an ancestor of Jesus.
74.) Phallu
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Distinguished” or “renowned”
First Appearance: Genesis 46:9 KJV
Description: KJV form of Pallu.
75.) Phalti
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “My deliverance” or “Yahweh is my deliverance”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 25:44 KJV
Description: KJV form of Palti.
76.) Phaltiel
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “God is my deliverance” or “delivered by God”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 3:15 KJV
Description: KJV form of Paltiel.
77.) Phanuel
Original (Greek): Φανουήλ
Meaning: “Face of God”
First Appearance: Luke 2:36
Description: The father of Anna the prophetess.
78.) Pharaoh
Original (Hebrew): פַּרְעֹה
Meaning: “Great house” (Egyptian title)
First Appearance: Genesis 12:15
Description: The title of the kings of Egypt. Several pharaohs are mentioned in the Bible, including the pharaoh of the Exodus, who oppressed the Israelites.
79.) Pharaoh-hophra
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Pharaoh Hophra”
First Appearance: Jeremiah 44:30 KJV
Description: Another form of Hophra’s name.
80.) Pharaoh-nechoh
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Pharaoh Nechoh”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 23:29 KJV
Description: Another form of Necho’s name.
81.) Pharez
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Breach” or “breaking forth”
First Appearance: Genesis 38:29 KJV
Description: KJV form of Perez.
82.) Pharisees
Original (Greek): Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi)
Meaning: Possibly “separated ones” or “interpreters”
First Appearance: Matthew 3:7
Description: A Jewish religious sect in the time of Jesus. They were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and their oral traditions. They often opposed Jesus and his teachings.
83.) Pharpar
Original (Hebrew): פַּרְפַּר
Meaning: Possibly “swift” or “rushing”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 5:12
Description: One of the rivers of Damascus.
84.) Pharosh
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Flea”
First Appearance: 1 Esdras 5:9 (Apocrypha)
Description: A leader who returned with Zerubbabel.
85.) Pharzites
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Descendants of Perez”
First Appearance: Numbers 26:20 KJV
Description: KJV form of Perezites.
86.) Phaseah
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Lame”
First Appearance: Nehemiah 7:51
Description: Alternate spelling of Paseah.
87.) Phebe
Original (Greek):
Meaning: “Bright” or “radiant”
First Appearance: Romans 16:1 KJV
Description: KJV alternate spelling of Phoebe.
88.) Phenice
Original (Greek): Φοινίκη
Meaning: “Land of palm trees”
First Appearance: Acts 11:19 KJV
Description: KJV translation of Phoenicia.
89.) Phenicia
Original (Greek): Φοινίκη
Meaning: “Land of palm trees”
First Appearance: Acts 11:19
Description: A region on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of Israel.
90.) Phichol
Original (Hebrew): פִּיכֹל
Meaning: Possibly “mouth of all” or “strong”
First Appearance: Genesis 21:22
Description: The commander of the army of Abimelech, king of Gerar. Also spelled Phicol.
91.) Phicol
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: Possibly “mouth of all” or “strong”
First Appearance: Genesis 26:26 KJV
Description: An alternate spelling of Phichol.
92.) Philadelphia
Original (Greek): Φιλαδέλφεια (Philadelphia)
Meaning: “Brotherly love”
First Appearance: Revelation 1:11
Description: A city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), one of the seven churches addressed in the book of Revelation.
93.) Philemon
Original (Greek): Φιλήμων (Philēmōn)
Meaning: “Affectionate” or “kindly”
First Appearance: Philemon 1:1 (Book Title)
Description: A Christian in Colossae to whom Paul wrote a letter (the book of Philemon) concerning his runaway slave, Onesimus.
94.) Philetus
Original (Greek): Φίλητος (Philētos)
Meaning: “Beloved” or “worthy of love”
First Appearance: 2 Timothy 2:17
Description: A heretical teacher in Ephesus who, along with Hymenaeus, taught that the resurrection had already taken place.
95.) Philip
Original (Greek): Φίλιππος (Philippos)
Meaning: “Lover of horses”
First Appearance: Matthew 10:3
Description: One of the twelve apostles. Also, Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to serve tables. Also, Herod Philip, a son of Herod the Great and brother of Herod Antipas.
96.) Philippi
Original (Greek): Φίλιπποι (Philippoi)
Meaning: Named after Philip II of Macedon
First Appearance: Acts 16:12
Description: A major city in Macedonia (northern Greece). Paul established a church there, and he wrote a letter to the Philippians (the book of Philippians).
97.) Philippians
Original (Greek): Φιλιππησίοις
Meaning: “Inhabitants of Philippi”
First Appearance: Philippians 1:1
Description: The people who lived in the city of Philippi, and to whom Paul’s letter to the Philippians is written.
98.) Philistia
Original (Hebrew): פְּלֶ֫שֶׁת (Pəléšeṯ)
Meaning: “Land of the Philistines”
First Appearance: Exodus 15:14
Description: The region on the southwestern coast of Canaan, inhabited by the Philistines.
99.) Philistines
Original (Hebrew): פְּלִשְׁתִּים (Pəlištim)
Meaning: “Immigrants” or possibly related to a word for “sea peoples”
First Appearance: Genesis 10:14
Description: A non-Semitic people who lived on the coastal plain of Canaan. They were frequent enemies of the Israelites.
100.) Philologus
Original (Greek): Φιλόλογος (Philologos)
Meaning: “Lover of words” or “fond of learning”
First Appearance: Romans 16:15
Description: A Christian in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings.
101.) Phinehas
Original (Hebrew): פִּינְחָס (Pînəḥās)
Meaning: Possibly of Egyptian origin, meaning “the Nubian” or “dark-skinned”
First Appearance: Exodus 6:25
Description: The son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron. He was zealous for God and killed an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were engaging in idolatry, thus stopping a plague. Also the name of one of the two wicked sons of Eli the priest.
102.) Phlegon
Original (Greek): Φλέγων (Phlegōn)
Meaning: “Burning” or “blazing”
First Appearance: Romans 16:14
Description: A Christian in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings.
103.) Phoebe
Original (Greek): Φοίβη (Phoibē)
Meaning: “Bright” or “radiant”
First Appearance: Romans 16:1
Description: A Christian woman from Cenchreae, commended by Paul as a servant (or deacon) of the church. He entrusted her with delivering his letter to the Romans. Also spelled Phebe in KJV.
104.) Phoenicia
Original (Greek): Φοινίκη (Phoinikē)
Meaning: “Land of palm trees”
First Appearance: Acts 11:19
Description: A region on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of Israel. Its major cities included Tyre and Sidon. Also called Phenice in KJV.
105.) Phrygia
Original (Greek): Φρυγία (Phrygia)
Meaning: Possibly derived from a word meaning “to roast” or “to burn”
First Appearance: Acts 2:10
Description: A region in central Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul traveled through Phrygia on his missionary journeys.
106.) Phurah
Original (Hebrew): פֻּרָה
Meaning: “Branch”
First Appearance: Judges 7:10
Description: Gideon’s servant. Also spelled Purah.
107.) Phut
Original (Hebrew): פּוּט
Meaning: Possibly related to a word for “bow”
First Appearance: Genesis 10:6
Description: A son of Ham, and the ancestor of a people often associated with Libya or other parts of North Africa. Also spelled Put.
108.) Phuvah
Original (Hebrew): פֻוָּה
Meaning: Possibly “mouth” or “utterance”
First Appearance: Numbers 26:23
Description: Another spelling for Puvvah, a son of Issachar.
109.) Phygellus
Original (Greek): Φύγελος (Phygellos)
Meaning: Possibly “fugitive”
First Appearance: 2 Timothy 1:15
Description: A Christian from Asia who, along with Hermogenes, deserted Paul.
110.) Phylacteries
Original (Greek): φυλακτήριον
Meaning: “Safeguard”
First Appearance: Matthew 23:5
Description: Small boxes containing scripture passages, worn by some Jewish men on their forehead and arm.
111.) Pi-beseth
Original (Hebrew): פִּי־בֶסֶת
Meaning: “House of Bastet” (an Egyptian goddess)
First Appearance: Ezekiel 30:17
Description: A city in Egypt, mentioned in a prophecy against Egypt.
112.) Pi-hahiroth
Original (Hebrew): פִּי הַחִירֹת
Meaning: Possibly “mouth of the canals” or “mouth of freedom”
First Appearance: Exodus 14:2
Description: The place where the Israelites encamped before crossing the Red Sea.
113.) Pilate
Original (Greek): Πιλάτος (Pilatos)
Meaning: “Armed with a javelin” (a Roman name)
First Appearance: Matthew 27:2
Description: Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus and ordered his crucifixion. He is portrayed in the Gospels as a reluctant judge who yielded to pressure from the Jewish leaders.
114.) Pileha
Original (Hebrew): פִּלְחָא
Meaning: Possibly “millstone” or “slicing”
First Appearance: Nehemiah 10:24
Description: One of the leaders who signed the covenant with Nehemiah.
115.) Piltai
Original (Hebrew): פִּלְטַי
Meaning: Possibly “Yahweh delivers” or “my deliverance”
First Appearance: Nehemiah 12:17
Description: A priest, the head of a family during the time of Joiakim the high priest.
116.) Pinon
Original (Hebrew): פִּינֹן
Meaning: Possibly “darkness” or “precious stone”
First Appearance: Genesis 36:41
Description: A chief of Edom.
117.) Piram
Original (Hebrew): פִּרְאָם
Meaning: Possibly “wild ass” or “swift”
First Appearance: Joshua 10:3
Description: The Amorite king of Jarmuth, one of the five kings defeated by Joshua at Gibeon.
118.) Pirathon
Original (Hebrew): פִּרְעָתוֹן
Meaning: Possibly “height” or “leadership”
First Appearance: Judges 12:15
Description: A town in the territory of Ephraim, the home of Abdon the judge.
119.) Pirathonite
Original (Hebrew): פִּרְעָתוֹנִי
Meaning: “From Pirathon”
First Appearance: Judges 12:13
Description: A person who is from the city Pirathon.
120.) Pisgah
Original (Hebrew): פִּסְגָּה
Meaning: “Cleft” or “divided”
First Appearance: Numbers 21:20
Description: A mountain or mountain range in Moab, east of the Jordan River. From Mount Nebo, which is part of Pisgah, Moses viewed the Promised Land.
121.) Pishon
Original (Hebrew): פִּישׁוֹן
Meaning: Possibly “gushing” or “spreading”
First Appearance: Genesis 2:11
Description: One of the four rivers that flowed out of the Garden of Eden. Its exact location is unknown.
122.) Pispah
Original (Hebrew): פִּסְפָּה
Meaning: Possibly, “dispersion”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 7:38
Description: Son of Jether, an Asherite.
123.) Pithom
Original (Hebrew): פִּתֹם
Meaning: Possibly of Egyptian origin, meaning “house of Atum” (an Egyptian god)
First Appearance: Exodus 1:11
Description: One of the two store cities built by the Israelites for Pharaoh in Egypt.
124.) Pithon
Original (Hebrew): פִּיתוֹן
Meaning: Possibly “harmless” or “simple”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 8:35
Description: A descendant of Saul.
125.) Pleiades
Original (Hebrew): כִּימָה
Meaning: “Cluster” or “heap”
First Appearance: Job 9:9
Description: A star cluster in the constellation Taurus, mentioned in Job and Amos.
126.) Pochereth-hazzebaim
Original (Hebrew): פֹּכֶרֶת הַצְּבָיִים
Meaning: “Binder of gazelles” or “snaring gazelles”
First Appearance: Ezra 2:57
Description: The head of a family of Solomon’s servants who returned from exile.
127.) Pollux
Original (Greek): Διόσκουροι
Meaning: “Sons of Zeus”
First Appearance: Acts 28:11
Description: The name of the ship that Paul took from Malta to Italy. The name refers to Castor and Pollux, twin brothers in Greek and Roman mythology.
128.) Pontus
Original (Greek): Πόντος (Pontos)
Meaning: “Sea”
First Appearance: Acts 2:9
Description: A region on the southern coast of the Black Sea (in modern-day Turkey). Jews from Pontus were present at Pentecost.
129.) Poratha
Original (Hebrew): פּוֹרָתָא
Meaning: Possibly of Persian origin, meaning “generous” or “fruitful”
First Appearance: Esther 9:8
Description: One of the ten sons of Haman, who were killed in Susa.
130.) Porcius Festus
Original (Greek): Πόρκιος Φῆστος
Meaning: “Festive pig”
First Appearance: Acts 24:27
Description: The full name for Festus, the successor to Felix as governor of Judea.
131.) Potiphar
Original (Hebrew): פּוֹטִיפַר
Meaning: “Belonging to the sun god Ra” (Egyptian name)
First Appearance: Genesis 37:36
Description: An Egyptian official, captain of Pharaoh’s guard, who purchased Joseph as a slave.
132.) Potipherah
Original (Hebrew): פּוֹטִי פֶרַע
Meaning: “Belonging to the sun god Ra” (Egyptian name)
First Appearance: Genesis 41:45
Description: An Egyptian priest of On, whose daughter, Asenath, became Joseph’s wife.
133.) Prisca
Original (Greek): Πρίσκα
Meaning: “Ancient” or “venerable” (a Roman name)
First Appearance: 2 Timothy 4:19
Description: A Christian woman, the wife of Aquila. She and her husband were close associates of Paul and hosted a church in their home. Also called Priscilla.
134.) Priscilla
Original (Greek): Πρίσκιλλα (Priskilla)
Meaning: “Ancient” or “venerable” (a Roman name)
First Appearance: Acts 18:2
Description: The more common spelling of Prisca, the wife of Aquila.
135.) Prochorus
Original (Greek): Πρόχορος
Meaning: “Leader of the chorus” or “before the chorus”
First Appearance: Acts 6:5
Description: One of the seven men chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to serve the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish widows.
136.) Puah
Original (Hebrew): פּוּעָה
Meaning: Possibly “splendid” or “mouth”
First Appearance: Exodus 1:15
Description: One of the Hebrew midwives who disobeyed Pharaoh’s order to kill newborn Hebrew boys. Also the name of a son of Issachar, and founder of a clan.
137.) Publius
Original (Greek): Πόπλιος (Poplios)
Meaning: “Public” or “popular” (a Roman name)
First Appearance: Acts 28:7
Description: The chief official of the island of Malta, who welcomed Paul and his companions after their shipwreck. His father was healed by Paul.
138.) Pudens
Original (Greek): Πούδης (Poudēs)
Meaning: “Modest” or “bashful” (a Roman name)
First Appearance: 2 Timothy 4:21
Description: A Christian in Rome who sent greetings to Timothy along with Paul.
139.) Pul
Original (Hebrew): פּוּל
Meaning: Possibly “bean,” “lord,” or an Assyrian name
First Appearance: 2 Kings 15:19
Description: Another name for Tiglath-Pileser III, king of Assyria, also a place name.
140.) Punites
Original (Hebrew): הַפּוּנִי
Meaning: “Descendants of Puvvah”
First Appearance: Numbers 26:23
Description: The family descended from Puvvah/Puah within the tribe of Issachar.
141.) Punon
Original (Hebrew): פּוּנֹן
Meaning: Possibly “darkness” or “precious stone”
First Appearance: Numbers 33:42
Description: An encampment of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.
142.) Pur
Original (Hebrew): פּוּר
Meaning: “Lot”
First Appearance: Esther 3:7
Description: The lot that Haman cast to determine the day for the destruction of the Jews.
143.) Purah
Original (Hebrew): פֻּרָה
Meaning: “Branch” or “bough”
First Appearance: Judges 7:10
Description: Gideon’s servant. Alternate spelling of Phurah.
144.) Purim
Original (Hebrew): פּוּרִים
Meaning: “Lots”
First Appearance: Esther 9:26
Description: The Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jews from Haman’s plot, as described in the book of Esther.
145.) Put
Original (Hebrew): פּוּט
Meaning: Possibly related to a word for “bow”
First Appearance: Genesis 10:6
Description: A son of Ham, and the ancestor of a people often associated with Libya or other parts of North Africa. Also spelled Phut.
146.) Putiel
Original (Hebrew): פּוּטִיאֵל
Meaning: Possibly “afflicted of God” or “given by God”
First Appearance: Exodus 6:25
Description: The father-in-law of Eleazar, Aaron’s son.
147.) Puvvah
Original (Hebrew): פֻּוָּה
Meaning: “Mouth”
First Appearance: Genesis 46:13
Description: A son of Issachar, also called Puah.