Lexical Summary Pikol: Phicol Original Word: פִיכֹל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Phichol Apparently from peh and kol; mouth of all; Picol, a Philistine -- Phichol. see HEBREW peh see HEBREW kol NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition commander of Abimelech's army NASB Translation Phicol (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִּיכֹל proper name, masculine captain of Abimelech of Gerar Genesis 21:22,32; Genesis 26:26, Φικολ, ᵐ5L Φιχολ. פִילֶגֶשׁ see מִּלֶנֶשׁ. פים, perhaps < פאם (√ of following, compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Historical SettingPhicol appears in Genesis 21 and 26 as the commander of Abimelech’s army, stationed in the Philistine city-state of Gerar during the patriarchal era. His presence at treaty ceremonies reflects the ancient Near-Eastern practice of bringing high-ranking military officials to legitimize diplomatic agreements, especially those involving land and water rights on a volatile frontier. Phicol’s Role in the Covenants with the Patriarchs • With Abraham: “At that time Abimelech, accompanied by Phicol the commander of his army, said to Abraham, ‘God is with you in all that you do’” (Genesis 21:22). Phicol stands beside his king throughout the negotiations over Beersheba’s well, serving as public witness when the oath is sworn and, afterward, returning with Abimelech “to the land of the Philistines” (Genesis 21:32). Whether Phicol is the same individual in both accounts or a dynastic title, Scripture links the two scenes to highlight the continuity of divine promise from generation to generation. A Figure of Secular Authority Acknowledging Divine Blessing Phicol represents the military strength of Gerar, yet he is portrayed in a secondary, even silent, role while his king affirms the supremacy of the patriarchs’ God. The narrative contrast is deliberate: earthly might stands mute before the Lord’s providence. In each episode, it is the Gentile ruler—flanked by his general—who seeks terms of peace with God’s chosen servant. Geographical Significance: Gerar and Beersheba The well of Beersheba straddled a strategic caravan corridor linking Egypt and Canaan. By concluding treaties there, Abraham and Isaac secured uncontested access to vital water while maintaining separation from Philistine culture. Phicol’s withdrawal to Gerar after covenant ratification reinforces the divinely marked boundary between the land of promise and neighboring territories. Typological and Theological Insights 1. Covenant Witness: Phicol foreshadows later biblical patterns in which official witnesses ratify oaths (Exodus 24; Nehemiah 10). Lessons for Ministry Today • Integrity Earns Respect: Abraham’s and Isaac’s transparent dealings led even foreign generals to trust their word. Intertextual Echoes Phicol’s submission to God’s work among outsiders foreshadows the Roman centurions who recognize Christ’s authority (Matthew 8:5-10; Mark 15:39), pointing ultimately to the universal acknowledgment that “every knee will bow” (Philippians 2:10). His brief appearances thus spotlight the sovereign God who orchestrates history so that even the commanders of the nations serve His redemptive purposes. Forms and Transliterations וּפִיכֹ֖ל וּפִיכֹל֙ ופיכל ū·p̄î·ḵōl ufiChol ūp̄îḵōlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 21:22 HEB: וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ וּפִיכֹל֙ שַׂר־ צְבָא֔וֹ NAS: that Abimelech and Phicol, the commander KJV: that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain INT: spoke Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army Genesis 21:32 Genesis 26:26 3 Occurrences |
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fill, II. make wide, IV. become full (of fat); hence (Thes and others) following, by syncope of א, compare Ges§ 19k).